Lady Macbeth Antisocial Personality Disorder Analysis

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The Tragedy of Macbeth, written by William Shakespeare, began with Macbeth. Previously a successful soldier, Macbeth was granted thane of Cawdor by King Duncan, and later told he would become king by three witches. He was named the king of Scotland after Duncan’s heinous death. He had committed many unlawful crimes in order to become the king. His bloody rise to power lead to his tragic downfall. Macbeth’s wife, Lady Macbeth, was very strong willed and much more ambitious and controlling than her husband. After she became Queen, she began to lose her control, which led to her unbalanced mental state and problems. Lady Macbeth was one of the most powerful female characters in literature, but her irregular thinking and acts, clearly showed that …show more content…
“Antisocial personality disorder is characterized by a pattern of socially irresponsible, exploitative, and guiltless behavior. Rates of natural and unnatural death (suicide, homicide, and accidents) are excessive. ASPD is a predictor of poor treatment response”(Black). Over 3.5 percent of people suffer from antisocial personality disorder today; they have a disregard for right and wrong and a lack of empathy about harming others (Kivi). Lady Macbeth used her charm to manipulate King Duncan and his men while greeting and welcoming them into her home, as if she didn’t have a murderous plan in her mind. She was clearly showing signs of child abuse and neglect while convincing Macbeth to go ahead with the plan to kill King Duncan when he was having second thoughts. “I have given suck, and know how tender 'tis to love the babe that milks me; I would, while it was smiling in my face, have pluck'd my nipple from his boneless gums, And dash'd the brains out, had I so sworn as you have done to this” (1.7. 4-59). She also shows no remorse for murdering the king. “A little water clears us of this deed; how easy is it then! Your constancy hath left you unattended. Get on your nightgown, lest occasion call us and show us to be watchers. Be not lost so poorly in your thoughts” (2. 2.62-69). She was telling Macbeth to wash the blood off his hands and it would be as if he never did anything. Lady Macbeth was completely fine with the evil acts they had committed; no emotions or any form of guilt was being shown from

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