 Analysts see in the character of Lady Macbeth the conflict between femininity and masculinity , as they are impressed in cultural norms . Lady Macbeth suppresses her instincts toward compassion , motherhood , and fragility — associated with femininity — in favour of ambition , ruthlessness , and the singleminded pursuit of power . This conflict colours the entire drama , and sheds light on gender @-@ based preconceptions from Shakespearean England to the present . 
