A Helpful Parasite

Macbeth and his wife’s relationship can be compared to that of the theoretical host-parasite relationship that Richard Dawkins describes in the final chapter of The Selfish Gene. He supports the logic that “our own genes cooperate with one another, not because they are our own, but because they share the same outlet-sperm or egg- into the future” (245). Since both Macbeth and his lady have the same objectives of being powerful so that their genes may be powerful, they cooperate to achieve that common goal.

Another aspect of Macbeth’s relationship with his wife, which can be applied to one of Dawkins’ arguments is that of the desire to give one’s genes a prosperous destiny. They must leave something beneficial behind. The fact that Lady Macbeth fails to produce an heir has both spouses worried. “It must have an impartial exit channel into the future, for all the genes inside it” (256). Their worries are same as those of every other organism on the planet: How to propagate one’s genes to achieve eternal legacy. So now what? Some people have failed to leave something behind and they are truly the ones who perish, especially if, as in Macbeth’s case, they didn’t live happily.