Introduction
In William Shakespeare’s timeless tragedy “Macbeth,” the character Macbeth utters the famous line, “Come, you spirits that tend on mortal thoughts,” in Act 1, Scene 5. This soliloquy, often referred to as the “Unsex me here” soliloquy, is a pivotal moment in the play that reveals Macbeth’s inner turmoil and sets the stage for the dark and destructive events that follow. In this article, we will delve into the meaning and significance of this haunting soliloquy and explore how it shapes the character of Macbeth and the overall narrative of the play.
The Context of the Soliloquy
Before we dive into the soliloquy itself, it’s essential to understand the context in which it occurs. In Act 1, Scene 5, Lady Macbeth has just received a letter from her husband Macbeth informing her about the witches’ prophecies, which predict that he will become the king of Scotland. Lady Macbeth is determined to help Macbeth achieve this ambition and become king, even if it means resorting to ruthless and immoral actions.
The Soliloquy: “Come, you spirits that tend on mortal thoughts…”
The soliloquy begins with Lady Macbeth alone on stage, speaking her innermost thoughts. She implores the spirits to come to her and take away her feminine qualities, including her kindness and compassion. Lady Macbeth wishes to be filled with cruelty and determination, believing that these qualities will enable her to commit the murderous deeds necessary to secure Macbeth’s ascent to the throne.
“Come, you spirits
That tend on mortal thoughts, unsex me here,
And fill me from the crown to the toe topful
Of direst cruelty. Make thick my blood,
Stop up th’ access and passage to remorse,
That no compunctious visitings of nature
Shake my fell purpose, nor keep peace between
The effect and it. Come to my woman’s breasts,
And take my milk for gall, you murd’ring ministers,
Wherever in your sightless substances
You wait on nature’s mischief. Come, thick night,
And pall thee in the dunnest smoke of hell,
That my keen knife see not the wound it makes,
Nor heaven peep through the blanket of the dark
To cry ‘Hold, hold!'”
Analysis of the Soliloquy
“Unsex me here”: This famous line is often cited as the heart of Lady Macbeth’s soliloquy. She is essentially asking the spirits to remove her feminine qualities and make her more ruthless and unfeeling. It demonstrates her willingness to abandon traditional gender roles and societal expectations in pursuit of power.
“Make thick my blood”: Lady Macbeth wants her blood to thicken, which symbolizes a desire for emotional and moral numbness. She does not want any feelings of guilt or remorse to hinder her actions.
“Compunctious visitings of nature”: Lady Macbeth fears that her natural human instincts, such as compassion and empathy, will prevent her from carrying out the murderous plans she and her husband are concocting. She wants to eliminate any internal barriers to their ambition.
“Take my milk for gall”: This metaphorical statement expresses Lady Macbeth’s desire for her nurturing and motherly qualities to be replaced with bitterness and ruthlessness.
“Pall thee in the dunnest smoke of hell”: Lady Macbeth invokes imagery of darkness and hell, emphasizing her willingness to embrace evil and darkness to achieve her goals.
Impact on the Character of Lady Macbeth
Lady Macbeth’s soliloquy is a turning point for her character. It reveals her ruthless determination and willingness to do whatever it takes to seize power. Her ambition and manipulation will set in motion a series of tragic events, including the murder of King Duncan, that will ultimately lead to her own mental and emotional unraveling.
The soliloquy also highlights the theme of gender roles and the consequences of challenging societal norms. Lady Macbeth’s desire to be “unsexed” and her rejection of traditional feminine qualities reflect the play’s exploration of gender and power.
Conclusion
“Come, you spirits that tend on mortal thoughts” is a powerful and haunting soliloquy in William Shakespeare’s “Macbeth.” It provides a glimpse into the inner workings of Lady Macbeth’s mind and sets the stage for the tragic events that will unfold in the play. This soliloquy is a testament to Shakespeare’s ability to delve into the complexities of human nature, ambition, and the consequences of unchecked ambition. Lady Macbeth’s transformation from a determined but seemingly virtuous woman into a remorseless and ultimately tormented figure is a central element of the play’s enduring and compelling narrative.