Defining gender roles in Macbeth

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During the time period of Shakespearean literature, gender was a separating factor between the individuals of society. Men were expected to be the dominant figure in the relationship, while women were to play the more submissive role. These roles were almost never broken during this time, yet Shakespeare created a play that redefines gender roles altogether. Macbeth takes the accepted gender roles in Elizabethan society and indefinitely reevaluates the social norm. Shakespeare does this by defining masculinity as a unisex role in a relationship, defining femininity as a passive way to assert dominance over men, and exploring these with the relationship of Macbeth and Lady Macbeth. Masculinity in Macbeth is shown through the actions of the characters, and the dialogue between said characters. When Macbeth is trying to talk himself out of murdering Duncan, Lady Macbeth questions his masculinity. She states, “What beast was’t then, / That made you break this enterprise to me? / When you durst do it, then you were man” (II.vii.47-49). This line shows how important masculinity was to the men of this time. Lady Macbeth questions her husband’s masculinity knowing that it will motivate him to follow through with his promises. Also, the line demonstrates how men took care of things in this society. Lady Macbeth knows that she cannot carry out the murder on her own, therefore, she persuades her husband to do so. After Macbeth commits the murder, he is so afraid and guilt-ridden that he brings the daggers back with him. When he refuses to go back, Lady Macbeth resolves to take them with annoyance. She yells, “Infirm of purpose! / Give me those daggers. The sleeping and the dead / are but as pictures,” (II.ii.51-53). Lady Macbeth is quite... ... middle of paper ... ... colour; but I shame / To wear a heart so white" (II.ii.61-62). This is yet another example of the redefinement of the Elizabethan gender roles. Lady Macbeth deprecates her husband for his flagrant pusillanimity, and again has to take the dominant position in their relationship. Macbeth and Lady Macbeth’s relationship is a very complex organism, and redefines the roles of man and woman in Shakespearean society. Macbeth, while written during the Renaissance, reevaluates the gender roles of the time. What is expected in the play is not what actually occurs. Throughout the play, masculinity, femininity, and relationships are redefined; and new concepts of these things are brought to light. This can be associated in the society one lives in today. Men and women, while wildly different creatures, are equal in humanity. Shakespeare made this clear in his work of Macbeth.

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