English Lit- Lady Macbeth- Act 4

Why is there a shift of focus to Macbeth, and why is Lady Macbeth not mentioned?

Act 4 centres on Macbeth showing tyranny and the consequences of his rule, so the action moves away from Lady Macbeth to show Macbeth acting independently.

Why does Lady Macbeths absence show her psychological downfall?

Her absence hints that Lady Macbeth is unravelling mentally, which sets up her later breakdown in Act 5.

How is there a reversal of power shown from Lady Macbeth to Macbeth?

Earlier on, Lady Macbeth drove Macbeth’s ambition up until Act 4, Macbeth no longer needs her influence and makes his own violent decisions, like ordering the death of Macduff’s family.

How is there a sense of isolation for Macbeth?

Shakespeare emphasises how Macbeth has become isolated from his wife and others, highlighting his moral and emotional separation.