<P> 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 . </P> <P> The role has attracted countless notable actors over the centuries, including Sarah Siddons, Charlotte Melmoth, Helen Faucit, Ellen Terry, Jeanette Nolan, Vivien Leigh, Simone Signoret, Vivien Merchant, Glenda Jackson, Francesca Annis, Judith Anderson, Judi Dench, Renée O'Connor, Tabu, Keeley Hawes, Alex Kingston, Angela Bassett and Marion Cotillard and Hannah Taylor - Gordon </P> <P> Shakespeare's Lady Macbeth appeared to be a composite of two personages found in the account of King Duff and in the account of King Duncan in Holinshed's Chronicles (1587). In the account of King Duff, one of his captains, Donwald, suffers the deaths of his kinsmen at the orders of the king . Donwald then considers regicide at "the setting on of his wife", who "showed him the means whereby he might soonest accomplish it ." Donwald abhors such an act, but perseveres at the nagging of his wife . After plying the king's servants with food and drink and letting them fall asleep, the couple admit their confederates to the king's room, where they then commit the regicide . The murder of Duff has its motivation in revenge rather than ambition . </P> <P> In Holinshed's account of King Duncan, the discussion of Lady Macbeth is confined to a single sentence: </P>

What is the last thing lady macbeth says