Lady Macbeth

Alack, I am afraid they have awakened,

And ‘‘tis not done. Th’ attempt and not the deed

Confounds us. Hark! I laid their daggers ready;

He could not miss ‘em. Had he not resembled

My father as he slept, I had done’t.

What interpretation could be made about lady Macbeths observance that the king looked like her father?

She desired a close relationship with her father, which she did not have

She reveals the fact that she is not capable of murdering someone

She is making excuses so she does not feel guilt for her role in the kings murder

She further stresses how wrong she believes her husband was for muring the king

1 answer

The line you provided from Lady Macbeth reveals several layers of her character and her psychological state. Here's a breakdown of the interpretation:

  1. She reveals the fact that she is not capable of murdering someone: This interpretation is most relevant. Lady Macbeth's realization that King Duncan resembles her father acts as a moment of vulnerability that reveals her internal conflict. Despite her earlier resolve and ambition to push Macbeth to commit the murder, this image brings forth her humanity and the emotional barrier that prevents her from following through with the act herself.

  2. She is making excuses so she does not feel guilt for her role in the king's murder: While this could be interpreted as a form of self-justification, the line suggests more about her own psychological struggle rather than a conscious excuse to avoid guilt. It highlights her inability to proceed with the murder, stemming from unexpected emotional ties.

  3. She desired a close relationship with her father, which she did not have: This interpretation may not be directly supported by the text. While the reference to her father indicates a connection, it does not explicitly suggest a desire for closeness; rather, it reflects her emotional turmoil in that moment.

  4. She further stresses how wrong she believes her husband was for murdering the king: This interpretation doesn’t align with the context of the quote. Lady Macbeth is not criticizing Macbeth for the act but is grappling with her own feelings about violence and familial connections.

In summary, the most fitting interpretation is that Lady Macbeth's observation underscores her own limitations and emotional conflict regarding the murderous act, revealing an unexpected softness beneath her seemingly ruthless exterior.