"Lady Macbeth's Maternity and Morality" by Lauren Johnson

Graduation Term

Spring 2025

Degree Name

Master of Science (MS)

Department

Department of English

Committee Chair

Katherine Ellison

Committee Member

Tara Lyons

Abstract

This thesis explores the ways in which adaptations of Lady Macbeth from the seventeenth century to modern day have functioned to vilify or redeem Lady Macbeth based on her connection with her maternity as well as on the contextual, cultural, and political opinions surrounding both a woman’s place in society and the importance of maternity. This thesis examines William D’Avenant’s 1674 stage adaptation of Macbeth, Han Tae-Sook’s 1998 stage adaptation Lady Macbeth, and Lisa Klein’s 2009 novel adaptation Lady Macbeth’s Daughter to capture a range of cultures and the evolution of the character.

Access Type

Thesis-Open Access

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