In Act 1, S5 we see that Lady Macbeth intends to persuade Macbeth to do what she wants. What does she want and what does she want Macbeth to do?
In Act 1, Scene 5 of William Shakespeare's play Macbeth, Lady Macbeth intends to persuade her husband, Macbeth, to seize the crown by any means necessary. She wants him to commit regicide, meaning she wants him to kill King Duncan in order to fulfill the witches' prophecy that Macbeth will become king.
Lady Macbeth's intentions are clearly stated in her soliloquy during this scene, where she calls upon supernatural forces to unsex her and fill her with cruelty. She desires to suppress her femininity and empathy in order to manipulate and pressure Macbeth into carrying out the plan, as she believes he may be hesitant or unwilling to commit such a heinous act.
To achieve her goals, Lady Macbeth plans to convince her husband by questioning his masculinity and courage. She intends to push him beyond his moral boundaries and encourage him to prioritize his ambition over any sense of morality or loyalty to the King.
To determine what Lady Macbeth wants and what she wants Macbeth to do in Act 1, Scene 5 of William Shakespeare's play Macbeth, we can analyze the dialogue and stage directions. Here's how you can do it:
1. Read the passage: Start by reading Act 1, Scene 5 of Macbeth. This will provide you with the necessary context to understand Lady Macbeth's intentions and desires.
2. Analyze the dialogue: Pay close attention to Lady Macbeth's lines and their underlying meaning. Look for clues in her words that reveal her motivations and desires. Consider the tone, language, and imagery she uses.
3. Examine the stage directions: Stage directions can provide additional insights into the characters' actions and motivations. Look for any actions or gestures performed by Lady Macbeth that might indicate her desires.
4. Consider the context: Reflect on the events leading up to this scene. Lady Macbeth has just received a letter from her husband, Macbeth, in which he reveals the prophecy of the witches that he will become the Thane of Cawdor and eventually the king.
5. Look for explicit statements: Lady Macbeth explicitly expresses her desires in her dialogue. She wants Macbeth to be king and intends to persuade him to take action to achieve this ambition. Some passages, like her soliloquy beginning with "Come, you spirits," reveal her intentions more explicitly.
By following these steps and critically analyzing the text, you will be able to determine what Lady Macbeth wants (Macbeth to become king) and what she wants Macbeth to do (take action to seize the throne). Remember that interpretations may vary, so it's essential to back up your conclusions with evidence from the play.