Macbeth vs. Macbeth

The topic of marriage was one that was not one that was a focal point for this year, but the marriage of Lady Macbeth and Macbeth was of such curiosity that I felt it necessary to further explore.  Macbeth and Lady Macbeth are both unquestionably powerful characters, not only because of their eventual status of king and queen, but also because of the incredible drive that they both possess.  Both characters are extremely motivated with great ambition, and they are both more than willing to do whatever it takes to achieve their goals.  The dynamic between the couple is what intrigues me the most, by far.  Having a union between such strong characters is a surefire way to create both tension and interest.  As both characters are so determined, there is always a possibility that one might stand as an obstacle to the other's mission.  When Macbeth falters in courage to murder King Duncan, Lady Macbeth questions his masculinity.  This can be seen as manipulation, but also as a sort of challenge as to prove herself better than her husband.  This, while not only creating conflict to further the play's plot, is also a dynamic often seen in more recent productions of various nature:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JY7Hh5PzELo

  There is always interest when one is to compare the sexes as one tries to outdo the other, as proven by the above link.  "Anything You Can Do I Can Do Better" is one of the best-known stage numbers in all of music theatre's history.  This is one of the most often performed songs by amateurs as well, since the number is so relatable.  This power struggle between male and female is one that seems to automatically command interest.  This in itself has been proven if one were to look at even tabloids of celebrity gossip magazines.  In recent years, the television show "Jon and Kate + 8" has become of popular interest.  However, this show has achieved even greater success since the split of Jon and Kate.  Since the couple have split up, the attention primarily drawn in for the show has been directed to the feuding parents.  The parents had both been noted for their fame-hungry ways, and little sympathy was generated for the poor children caught in the middle.  The parents fought to outdo the other and become the better parent, not for their child-rearing tactics, but rather for who's appearance would be more costly.  The parents were seen making paid public appearances, doing book signings, on talk-shows, and doing everything other then be responsible for their children.  The obsession with one's rising social status without regard for one's children was obvious in both situations: Jon and Kate were spotted neglecting and even hitting their kids (possibly for a publicity stunt) and Lady Macbeth spoke unfeelingly of the loss of a child.  It's tragic to see just how far some may go in order to get what they want, even at the expense of their own children.

The power struggle in a relationship is a dynamic that has become more and more common as opportunities for both males and females have begun to become more apparent.  As it becomes possible to have a family where both parents are working, it is also possible for both parents to become more engrossed in their careers than in their kids.  As depression and loneliness seems to become more rampant in children with parents that are both overly career minded, striking the perfect balance between juggling a family and a career becomes less of a goal for new parents and more of a necessity. 

“A man travels the world over in search of what he needs, and returns home to find it.” - George Moore