Lady Macbeth's atypical and complex character directly challenged the archetypal principles and beliefs of the Jacobean era which, as a result, held great appeal across the centuries. Lady Macbeth was Shakespeare's tool not only to stimulate the audience's emotions, but also to provide historical context and elicit dominant themes that reflected Jacobean society. His ambiguous character and notable influences on the play have sparked much controversy and fascination among both modern and Jacobean audiences. She can be seen as linked to the witches in a feminist attempt to tip the balance of power, or as a representation of Macbeth's evil side. However, it was his distinctive characteristics and actions that ultimately catalyzed the play's chain of conflicts. Once again, this reinforces his important role in the play. The ambitious Lady Macbeth was "choked with ambition." Her infatuation with being queen is the one characteristic that Shakespeare developed far beyond that of his counterpart in the historical tale he used as a source. Lady Macbeth constantly taunts her husband for his lack of courage, even though we know of his bloody actions on the battlefield. At this point, with all his will converging towards conquering the throne, he showed no signs of remorse or hesitation in his actions and thus prevented the events of the narrative from deviating from the imperative themes and climaxes of the work. Ambiguity While she brings out her evil character in the simple shadows of the play, in public, she is able to act as Duncan's "guest of honor", luring her victim into her castle. When he passes out immediately after Duncan's murder, the audience wonders if this is also part of his acting. This f...... middle of the paper ...... especially for the Jacobean public. Historical Context Lady Macbeth managed to fascinate me by describing female subordination in a patriarchal society. To me she was an advocate of challenging authority for her gender, but she achieved this through immoral means. Being able to intimately understand her feelings and ambitions from the play made me realize that women at the time could be as ambitious and cruel as men, but social constraints deny them the means to pursue these ambitions from alone because of their gender. Lady Macbeth's complexity and atypical characteristics directly challenged the normality of Jacobean society and engaged and fascinated audiences to great effect. The fact that a being so subordinate to patriarchal society was able to catalyze and influence a patriarchal work certainly earned Lady Macbeth a renowned reputation and respect..