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Communication is a vital key to obtaining a good, healthy marriage. Also needed are trust, honesty, patience, and a physical connection. At first Macbeth and Lady Macbeth appear to have a strong relationship. In Act I, scene v, Macbeth writes a letter to his wife explaining the happenings of his travels. “…who all-hailed me, “Thane of Cawdor”…and referred me to the coming on of time, with “Hail, King that shalt be! This have I thought good to deliver thee, my dearest partner of greatness; that thou mightiest not loose the dues of rejoicing, by being ignorant of what greatness is promised thee, lay it to thy heart…” (Act 1, scene 5 lines 6-13). This letter is a demonstration of what a close loving relationship they have. As the act furthers, Lady Macbeth shows her true, controlling nature. The prophecies of the witches give her the assurance she needed to plan King Duncan’s murder.
Macbeth has thoughts of treason also but would not have followed through, had it not been for his wife. He was easily persuaded into committing the crime by his wife’s manipulative characteristics. (Lady Macbeth speaking to Macbeth) “As thou art in desire? Wouldst thou have that which thou esteem’st the ornament of life, and live a coward in thine own esteem, letting “I dare not” wait upon “I would,” like the poor cat I’ the adage? ” (Act 1, scene 7 lines 44-48) These actions make the marriage unhealthy.
Lady Macbeth should accept, or at least consider her husbands will to do the right thing. Encouragement to further a career is healthy, but ones morals should not be compromised. Lady Macbeth and Macbeth’s marriage contain a few characteristics of a good marriage, but they have many faults. Lady Macbeth is manipulative and Macbeth’s morals are easily altered, which makes them compatible but does not constitute a good marriage. The marriage is dysfunctional and something has got to give.