MACBETH’S LETTER

This letter is divided into two parts. Up to line 14 there is the content of the letter sent by Macbeth to his wife. Then there are the reflections of Macbeth’s wife about her husband’s nature and his ambitions about the future.

The letter is a way used by Shakespeare to present some Macbeth’s characteristics that the reader did not know:

·        The three witches represent Macbeth’s desire and ambition of power -> lines 2, 3-4 -> he wants to believe them considering their words a “perfectest report”;

·        It’s presented a typical Medieval characteristic: belief in supernatural elements and Macbeth gives a great power to what the witches tell him. -> lines 2-3 -> he considers their words more important than human knowledge -> men relied more on magic than on rationality;

·        Also Macbeth’s character is analysed: he needs his wife’s support and wants immediately to write to her to listen to what she thinks and what she would do. -> he his a weak person, who needs to be leaded by someone else -> lines 10-11 -> his wife is very important for him;

·        Macbeth’s wife thinks his husband’s hierarchic  position is very important -> lines 12-13 -> she would greet him more warmly knowing what the witches have promised him -> She doesn’t love him only for his personality but also for his hierarchic position.

In the following part Shakespeare makes a detailed analysis of Macbeth’s wife. She’s presented as a strong and determined woman, who would do everything is necessary to obtain what she wants.

·        Right from the start she plans what Macbeth will have to do to become king. -> she doesn’t have moral fears and thinks as a cold man -> lines 15-16 -> “and shalt be what thou art promised”;

·        What is generally considered a value is neglected here and considered a weakness. –> lines 16-17 -> “milk of human kindness” -> this value is associated to milk and so to children -> kindness is not something related to men and great soldiers;

·        Bad values and actions are accepted -> “wouldst not play false” and “wouldst wrongly win” -> these are seen as the only methods to reach Macbeth’s ambitions;