What is the significance of family
values in Macbeth?
Macbeth v
Macduff
Family dynamics within the play highlight the difference between these two characters.
MACBETH
Has none (except a late
son)
LADY
MACBETH
Does inform wife
(initially)
Claims she would "dashed the
brains out" of her late son if she
had made a promise to, shows a
lack of compassion and maternal
instinct. Another quotation that
highlights this lack of maternal
instinct is when she calls on
spirits to "take my milk for gall".
Asking for them to exchange her
breasts milk for poison. So long
story shot, Lady Mcbeth isn't
mother of the year
MACDUFF
Has
Children
LADY MACDUFF
Doesn't inform his wife of his arrangements
Appears to be rather compassionate towards her
son. They have some good-humoured banter
between each other. (LADY: yes, he is dead. How
wilt thou do for a father? SON: Nay, how will you do
for a husband? LADY: Why, I can buy me twenty at
any market SON: then you'll buy'em to sell again.
Descendants and Heirs
There's a continuous reference to the idea of
successors, the whole play is often driven by
this concept. Malcom and Donaldbain must
flee because they are heirs to the throne,
Macbeth fears his place as heir due to the
prophecy about Banquo's sons. Male
inheritance is probably one of the most
daunting concept to Macbeth in the play.
The concept that one must not
overstep natural laws to succeed is
made clearly by the downfall of
Macbeth and the ascension of Malcom.
Societal
Expectations
Lady Macbeth fails to conform to the Jacobean
standards of a wife, she is overtly involved with
political decisions of her country. This may
make some members of the audience approach
her character warily.
Villainy and
Compassion
Similar to the contrast between Macbeth and
Macduff, the two parallel's illustrate the
difference between good and bad when it isnt
clear
Macbeth and his wife, fail to be portrayed
as compassionate characters.
This is primarily due to their disregard for the
reverence of family. Lady Macbeth claims she
would kill her son if she had made such a vow.
Macbeth slaughters a family onstage and attempts
to kill Banquo and his son onstage, although only
actually succeeding in the murder of Banquo not
his son. These murders make him appear very villainous