Alone on stage, Lady Macbeth says: “'Tis safer to be that which we destroy / Then by destruction dwell in doubtful joy.” What does this sentence mean? How does Lady Macbeth change when her husband comes on stage? Compare the thoughts Lady Macbeth expresses when alone to the thoughts she expresses to her husband. 300 words.

Answer

Lady Macbeth's statement “'Tis safer to be that which we destroy / Then by destruction dwell in doubtful joy.” means that it is easier to be the victim than to be the one who commits the act of destruction. Lady Macbeth's character changes when her husband comes on stage as she becomes more confident and manipulative, trying to convince him to commit the murder. Lady Macbeth's private thoughts are full of fear and guilt, while her public thoughts appear more dominant and powerful.

Q: What does Lady Macbeth mean by the sentence “'Tis safer to be that which we destroy / Then by destruction dwell in doubtful joy.”? A: Lady Macbeth is saying that it is safer to be the victim, someone who is destroyed, than to be the one doing the destroying, because by destroying someone else, you will live in fear of being destroyed yourself. This attitude shows her fear and weakness.
Q: How does Lady Macbeth change when her husband comes on stage? A: Lady Macbeth changes when her husband comes on stage as she becomes more in control and tries to manipulate him into following her plans. She becomes more deceitful and powerful, and her guilt and fear seem to disappear when she discusses the murder with Macbeth.
Q: Compare the thoughts Lady Macbeth expresses when alone to the thoughts she expresses to her husband. A: Lady Macbeth's private thoughts when alone are full of fear and guilt about the murder, and she is worried about not being able to go through with the plan. However, when she talks to her husband, she appears more confident and in control, almost as if she is trying to hide her fear from him. She becomes more aggressive and manipulative, urging her husband to take action and commit the murder. Her private thoughts show her weakness and fear, while her public thoughts show her as dominant and powerful.