1- What was Macbeth's reaction towards Lady Macbeth' death and why did Shakespeare choose to bring Lady Macbeth to an end?
2- How does Juliets death compare to the death of Lady Macbeth and why does Shakespeare bring Juliet to an end?
To answer the first question about Macbeth's reaction towards Lady Macbeth's death and Shakespeare's decision to bring Lady Macbeth to an end, we need to refer to the play "Macbeth" by William Shakespeare.
1. Macbeth's Reaction: Macbeth's reaction to Lady Macbeth's death is depicted in Act 5, Scene 5 of the play. Upon hearing of her death, Macbeth demonstrates a surprising lack of grief or remorse. Instead, he responds with a cold and detached indifference, stating, "She should have died hereafter; there would have been a time for such a word. Tomorrow, and tomorrow, and tomorrow…" These lines suggest that Macbeth is consumed by his own ambition and guilt, rendering him desensitized to the death of his wife.
2. Shakespeare's Decision: There are a few possible reasons why Shakespeare chose to bring Lady Macbeth to an end:
a) Dramatic Impact: Lady Macbeth's death serves as a pivotal moment in the play. It portrays the consequences of Macbeth's desire for power and the toll it takes on his relationship with Lady Macbeth. By removing Lady Macbeth from the narrative, Shakespeare accentuates the isolation and deterioration of Macbeth's character, leading to his eventual downfall.
b) Symbolism: Lady Macbeth's death could be seen as a reflection of her guilt and internal conflict. Throughout the play, she struggles with her conscience and is haunted by the crimes she and Macbeth commit. Her death may symbolize a literal or metaphorical release from this guilt, a way for her to escape the consequences of her actions.
c) The Tragic Arc: Tragedies often include moments of intense suffering, loss, and the demise of significant characters. By bringing Lady Macbeth to an end, Shakespeare deepens the tragedy, heightens the emotional impact, and emphasizes the magnitude of Macbeth's destruction.
Moving on to the second question regarding the comparison between Juliet's death and Lady Macbeth's death and Shakespeare's purpose in bringing Juliet to an end:
1. Comparison: Juliet's death in "Romeo and Juliet" differs from Lady Macbeth's death in several ways:
a) Cause: Juliet dies by drinking a potion that induces a death-like sleep, while Lady Macbeth dies offstage, and the cause of her death is not explicitly mentioned.
b) Motivation: Juliet's death is driven by her unwavering love and devotion to Romeo. She is willing to take her own life rather than be separated from him. In contrast, Lady Macbeth's death is a culmination of her guilt and psychological turmoil, which leads to her descent into madness.
2. Shakespeare's Purpose: Shakespeare's decision to bring Juliet to an end can be understood through the following aspects:
a) Theme of Love: "Romeo and Juliet" explores the power and intensity of young love, and the tragic ending further emphasizes the potency of their connection. Shakespeare uses Juliet's death to highlight the depth of their love and the devastating consequences it ultimately brings.
b) Social Commentary: Through Juliet's death, Shakespeare critiques the societal constraints and conflicts that lead to the tragic outcome. The deaths of both Romeo and Juliet serve as a condemnation of the familial feud between the Capulets and Montagues and the destructive nature of their enmity.
c) Fate and Destiny: Juliet's death, similar to Romeo's, can be interpreted as a result of predetermined fate or destiny. Shakespeare incorporates themes of destiny and the influence of higher powers throughout the play, suggesting that the young couple's demise was inevitable.
In conclusion, Shakespeare's choices regarding the deaths of Lady Macbeth and Juliet serve different narrative and thematic purposes within their respective plays, deepening the tragedy, exploring character dynamics, and commenting on broader social and psychological themes.