Women Wielding the Power of Language in Macbeth

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In Macbeth, Lady Macbeth expresses the hope that she will be unsexed, but in fact, her true power lies in a structure of language that seems to be exclusive to women in the play. She uses language as a tool to manipulate Macbeth’s emotions, which in turn allows her to take full control of the situation. Her cool resolve makes her the dominant partner, and her power of persuasion connects her with other women in the play, such as Hecate, the witches, and even Lady Macduff. Female influence of and judgment over men provokes as much change as military action.