Sheila is the daughter of a wealthy factory owner, so she has power in society thanks to her father. Even though she fires Eva due to jealousy, she is still shown as a positive character. Lady Macbeth is Macbeth's wife (Wheat of Cawdor), because in the Jacobean era women had no power because men had control in society. However, Lady Macbeth is in control of the relationship and is shown to the audience as a negative character. This course will cover why Priestly shows Shelia as a positive character while Shakespeare shows Lady Macbeth as a negative character. Shakespeare presents Lady Macbeth as a perceptive character. For example, in Act 1 Scene 7, Lady Macbeth tells Macbeth, “Make your courage to the fullest,” and “And live a coward in your own esteem.” Lady Macbeth uses negative words such as "coward" and "spoil your courage" to discourage Macbeth's behavior. Lady Macbeth is insightful because she uses Macbeth's weakness to bring Macbeth to her side to kill Duncan. Macbeth's weakness was his pride and ambition. Lady Macbeth knew that if he does not agree and tells him that he has no pride; Macbeth would fight for his pride. This is because Macbeth is a soldier so he is used to fighting his pride. This was interesting because in the Jacobean era Jacobean women were pure and pious. Therefore, he would not convert Macbeth's thoughts to killing the king. Furthermore, Shakespeare also shows Lady Macbeth's perspicacity in Act 1 scene 5, where she tells Macbeth "Look like the innocent flower, but be the serpent beneath." Lady Macbeth understands that if they acted innocently no one would recognize what they did. He also calls Macbeth a “serpent”. A "snake" is considered evil and devious; t...... middle of paper ......see Lady Macbeth's characteristics in a man. Therefore this may come as a surprise. On the other hand, Priestley presents Sheila as a positive character with which to convey a message to the audience. Priestley uses Sheila as a vehicle to send his message about women's rights. Priestley infers that women can be courageous, intelligent, and powerful. In conclusion, Shakespeare presents Lady Macbeth as a negative character to show that women cannot be powerful or courageous. On the other hand Priestley is showing Sheila as a positive person in arguing that women can be powerful and courageous and that is a good thing. There is a contrast of opinions because in the Jacobean era women had no rights and no power in society. Unlike the Edwardian era, women are starting to have rights such as the vote. People were more likely to find it more common and acceptable than in the Edwardian and then Jacobean eras.