The atypical and complex character of Lady Macbeth directly challenged the archetypal principles and beliefs of the Jacobean era, which has sparked major fascination throughout the ages. Lady Macbeth was Shakespeare's instrument 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 in the play caused much controversy and fascination among modern and Jacobean audiences. She can be seen either as linked to witches in a feminist attempt to overturn the balance of power, or as a representation of Macbeth's evil side. Nonetheless, it is his distinct characteristics and actions that ultimately catalyze the play's chain of conflicts. Again, this reinforces his important role in the play. Ambitious Lady Macbeth was “choked with ambition.” His infatuation with the queen is the one characteristic that Shakespeare developed far beyond that of his counterpart in the historical story he used as a source. Lady Macbeth constantly taunts her husband for his lack of courage, even though we know of his bloody deeds on the battlefield. At this point, while all of her will converges on conquering the throne, she has shown no signs of remorse or hesitation in her actions, thus preventing the events of the story from straying from imperative themes and climaxes of the room. makes her evil persona appear in the mere shadows of the room, in public she is able to act as Duncan "the honored hostess", luring her victim to her castle. When she faints immediately after Duncan's murder, the audience wonders if this is also part of her act. This middle of paper...and more for the Jacobean audience. Historical context Lady Macbeth fascinated me by describing female subordination in a patriarchal society. To me, she was a proponent of provoking authority for her gender, but she achieved this through immoral means. Being able to intimately understand her feelings and ambitions through the play, she made me realize that women of the time could be as ambitious and cruel as men, but that social constraints denied them the means to pursue these ambitions through themselves because of their gender. The complexity and atypical characteristics of Lady Macbeth directly challenged the normality of Jacobean society and captivated and fascinated audiences to great effect. The fact that someone so subordinate to patriarchal society could catalyze and influence a patriarchal play definitely earned Lady Macbeth a renowned reputation and respect..