Addressing the oedipal dilemma in Macbeth

Macbeth has been viewed as a play about the oedipal crime of patricide. This paper elaborates on this approach by elucidating the oedipal and preoedipal themes in the roles played by women in the drama, particularly in Macbeth's relationships with Lady Macbeth and with the weird sisters. Differences between Macbeth and Macduff's responses to the oedipal dilemma are also defined. An understanding of these themes provides the context for understanding the underlying hostility toward women implicit throughout the play.