In The Tragedy of Macbeth, by William Shakespeare, the characterizations of Macbeth

and Lady Macbeth are enhanced by contrast in the scenes that precede and follow the murder of
Duncan in Act II. Lady Macbeth in a way is also more rational than Macbeth. As the play
progresses, their relationship changes dramatically as a result of how each of them handles their
emotions following King Duncan's murder with guilt and happiness.
Macbeth is at first a man with a clear conscience until he is corrupted by his wife that
forces him to murder Duncan and capture the title and powers of the king. The visions Macbeth
sees before entering Duncan's chamber dwell entirely on the circumstances of horror and fear.
Macbeth knows consciously that killing Duncan is wrong. Yet he also knows that to be king he
has to kill Duncan. Out of force he takes Duncan’s life. Macbeth then starts to have a progression
of guilt, and pity for the murder that he just committed because he replies to Lady Macbeth’s
request, therefore, “twere best not know myself.” (Line 72). After the murder he says, “had I but
died an hour before this chance, I had lived a blessed time” (Lines 98-99). Macbeth goes from
the fear of the murder, to having guilt of the murder, and to finally his conscience destroying
him.
Lady Macbeth is a strong, domineering person. She seems able to coerce Macbeth into
doing things that he would not do on his own and is willing to trample anyone in order to get
what she wants. She is always ready to kill. She wanted to take the quick and dirty route to
royalty through murder but could not complete the task her self due to Duncan’s resemblance to
her father “had he not resembled my father as he slept, I had done’t” (lines 12-13 scene 2). Lady
Macbeth's ability to influence her husband leads to belief that she is the primary cause for the
destruction of Macbeth. Also at certain parts in the play Macbeth is less rational than her because
he sees images in his head such as the daggers Lady Macbeth did not see. “My hands are of your
color; but I shame to wear a heart so white” (lines 64-65 scene 2). Lady Macbeth knows that her
husband is too cowardice to kill Duncan and without her guidance and force she fears he retreat
from the murder.
In The Tragedy of Macbeth, by William Shakespeare, the characterizations of Macbeth
and Lady Macbeth are enhanced by contrast in the scenes that precede and follow the murder of
Duncan in Act II. As the play advances, their emotions following Kind Duncan’s murder are
dramatically changed due to the result of how each of them handles the murder either with guilt
or happiness.