How Lady Macbeth is misunderstood by critics who refer to her as the "fourth witch"?
By Gargi Ghosh
Lady Macbeth is one of the most iconic characters in Shakespearean literature. She is known for being a powerful and manipulative figure who convinces her husband to commit murder in the name of ambition. However, far too often, critics simplify her character, labeling her as merely the “fourth witch.” This statement is not only reductive but also diminishes the complexity of Lady Macbeth's character.
Lady Macbeth is not a witch, nor is she a simple villain. She is complex and multifaceted, driven by her own desires and struggles. Critics who disregard this complexity and label her as a mere witch fail to understand her true nature.
One of the reasons for this misinterpretation is Lady Macbeth's supposed connection to the supernatural. She makes a famous speech in which she calls upon the spirits to "unsex" her and fill her with cruelty, which some critics have taken as evidence of her witch-like nature. However, this speech is not an indication that she has any genuine connection to the supernatural. Instead, it is a reflection of her desperation to assert herself in a patriarchal world, where women are expected to behave in a meek and gentle manner.
Furthermore, the notion of Lady Macbeth being the fourth witch is entirely out of context. Her character is not based on the witches, and there is no textual evidence to support this association. The witches are cunning and mischievous, whereas Lady Macbeth is ambitious but purposeful. She is a complex character who is struggling to find her place in a world that is dominated by men.
Furthermore, the critics who label Lady Macbeth as a witch often fail to recognize the nuances and contradictions in her character. Yes, she is a manipulative figure who drives her husband to murder, but she is also intelligent and aware of her own inadequacies. She wants to break free from the constraints imposed upon women and achieve greatness, even if it means breaking social norms and ethical codes.
Finally, it is worth noting that Lady Macbeth's eventual downfall is a product of her own conscience and guilt. She recognizes the enormity of her actions and is ultimately unable to live with the burden of her sins. This is not the behavior of a witch; it is the behavior of a flawed human being who recognizes her own moral shortcomings.
Lady Macbeth is not the fourth witch. She is a complex and multifaceted character driven by her own desires and struggles. Critics who reduce her to a simple label fail to understand the complexity of her character and ignore the nuances and contradictions that make her such an engaging and compelling figure. Lady Macbeth is a powerful, intelligent, and ambitious woman, and she deserves to be understood as such.
©2023 G. Ghosh, All rights reserved
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