Masculinity In Macbeth Essay

763 Words2 Pages

Viewpoints on the concept of masculinity vary on a person to person basis. Some may believe that masculinity is developed through attaining power or demonstrating dominance over others. While it may also be perceived as confidence or the ability of an individual to act independently. In Shakespeare’s Macbeth, through cruel and violent actions it is suggested that one’s masculinity is established. The characters Macbeth, Lady Macbeth, Macduff, and Malcolm reveal Shakespeare’s brutal and dauntless ideas of masculinity through their words and actions within the play. Shakespeare’s ideas of masculinity are exhibited predominantly through Macbeth. In the play, Macbeth fears killing King Duncan who currently holds the throne in which he intends to seize. In spite of this, Lady Macbeth demoralizes Macbeth. She feels that once Macbeth just “durst do it, then [he is] a man 1.7.54”. It is implied …show more content…

She is a woman, but desires to be cruel and monstrous like a man. In consideration of murdering King Duncan herself, she requests that the spirits “unsex [her there] / And fill her...Of direst cruelty 1.5.44-46”. This matches Shakespeare’s implication of masculinity, as Lady Macbeth feels that if she were a man, she would more easily be able to commit brutal acts without any feeling of remorse. It indicates that men are stereotyped by Shakespeare to be callous and ruthless while women are perceived as rather fair and harmless. Additionally, Lady Macbeth is a large cause of the brutal behaviours that Macbeth demonstrates throughout the play. She convinces Macbeth that if he slaughters Duncan, he will “Be so much more the man 1.7.56”. This continues emphasize that in order to be discerned as a man, one must be violent and cruel. Shakespeare’s ideas regarding theme of manhood are carried out uniquely to a massive extent, as ideas of masculinity are forced upon Macbeth primarily by Lady Macbeth, who is a

Show More
Related

  • The Theme of Masculinity in Shakespeare’s play, Macbeth

    718 Words  | 2 Pages

    In Shakespeare’s play, Macbeth‚ the theme of masculinity is explored. As Macbeth matures‚ there are times when his masculinity is put to the test, mostly after the murder of Duncan. There are four main themes in which masculinity is presented in the play.

    Read More

  • Masculinity In Macbeth Essay

    783 Words  | 2 Pages

    A prominent theme in William Shakespeare’s novel Macbeth is the idea of universal masculinity. Throughout the play, Shakespeare utilizes male gender stereotypes to present conflicting views on the definition of manhood. Macbeth tells the reader about a man who allows both societal pressures inflicted upon him by his wife and his intense ambition to drag Macbeth into a spiral of committing obscene acts of violence. Characters often associate being a man with courage, cruelty and power. This pervading caricature of a “man” is evident to the reader throughout the play. Lady Macbeth, for instance, goads Macbeth about his masculinity to the point of murder. Additionally, Malcolm and Macduff’s rigid discussion on revenge reveals a defined notion of “true” masculinity. Perhaps the culmination of rigid gender stereotypes is evident in Macbeth's pondering of the legitimacy of the hired murderers' manhood. Clearly, Shakespeare upholds male gender stereotypes throughout Macbeth.

    Read More

  • Macbeth Masculinity Quotes

    776 Words  | 2 Pages

    In the play Macbeth by William Shakespeare, Macbeth kills the original king, in order to become king himself. All throughout the play, the motif of manhood is repeatedly mentioned. Masculinity has many definitions, the most relevant of which is having power. When a person is called a man, it is usually a synonym for strength and dominance. In the time period Macbeth takes place in, it is very important for males to be thought of as strong and dominant men, which is why it is easy to manipulate them into taking risks they normally would not, all for the sake of their pride. In Macbeth, manhood is used to manipulate and convince people into taking harmful actions, by making them think they should be acting cruel, bold, and strong.

    Read More

  • Comparing Masculinity In Macbeth 'And Coriolanus'

    1624 Words  | 4 Pages

    The themes of gender roles and masculinity centre heavily throughout Shakespeare’s work, presenting various opinions on the interactions between men and women, men and society and women and society. In both Macbeth and Coriolanus, the ideal man is depicted as a strong, violent warrior with the ability to mercilessly and brutally kill in battle while the ideal woman is silent, chaste, obedient and weak. Shakespeare depicts destructive, militaristic societies that value warriors and vicious killers. He uses the small planets he has constructed in both plays to explore the danger that is brought about by the unattainable fantasies of masculinity and the destruction caused by the conflicting gender roles presented within these societies. In both

    Read More

  • Being a Man in Macbeth by William Shakespeare

    559 Words  | 2 Pages

    In the play Macbeth, William Shakespeare suggests that the beliefs about what a man is differs from each person through the character's conversation and actions in the play. Although Macbeth's character greatly changes throughout the play, in the beginning, he is seen as a good model of what a man should be like. Known as a "valiant cousin [and a] worthy gentlemen", Macbeth wins the great respect and admiration from his king, Duncan, and his soldiers through his actions on the battlefields. His views on manhood are that one must be loyal to his king, honorable to his friends, and honest and loving to his wife. He shows his belief in loyalty to his king by "dar[ing] to do all that may become a man", by fighting seemingly losing battles for the safety of Duncan.

    Read More

  • Consequences of Actions in Macbeth by William Shakespeare

    773 Words  | 2 Pages

    “When you first do it, then you were a man, And to be more than what you were, you would, be so much more the man” (I. VII, 54-56). After struggling with the thought of killing Duncan, Macbeth is reprimanded by Lady Macbeth for his lack of courage. She informs him that killing the king will make him a man, insinuating that he isn’t a man if he doesn’t go through with the murder. This develops Lady Macbeth as a merciless, nasty, and selfish woman. She will say, or do anything to get what she desires, even if it means harming others.

    Read More

  • Examples Of Masculinity In Macbeth

    1107 Words  | 3 Pages

    Masculinity is a topic that is debated often in our society. Today, men are expected to be strong, wise and protective. Although the idea of manhood was different when this play was published, many of the concepts are similar. This theme in Shakespeare’s Macbeth is illustrated by persuasion, power and the lead characters several spontaneous actions.

    Read More

  • Examples Of Manhood In Macbeth

    1231 Words  | 3 Pages

    The theme of “true manhood” in Macbeth is quite diversified and exemplifies the idea of a “true” and “false” man through the actions committed and passages recited by the characters. However what it meant to be a true man was very different to what it meant to be a false man. Thus, one who may possess the power to commit actions like murder through selfish and animal like impulses is comprised of the “false” man. In retrospect, one who is not selfish and thinks for others through kind actions is comprised of the “true” man. These differences of a true and false man lead to what was expected by a man during the Elizabethan Era. Hence, the simple idea of what values, actions and thoughts a man was supposed to possess during this era was pronounced

    Read More

  • Manhood in The Tragedy of Macbeth

    1126 Words  | 3 Pages

    Macbeth tells himself to act like a man in the following lines: “Prithee, peace! / I dare do all that may become a man; / Who dares do more is none” (I, vii, 45-47). This quote by Macbeth shows how he wants to be a man by killing King Duncan, but he does not think this would be an act of righteousness. Macbeth is in a controversy with himself in this situation. If he does not kill the king then his wife, Lady Macbeth, will not think he is a man, but if he does kill the king then he will betray his leader’s trust in him. Betrayal would not be seen as an act of manliness. Jarold Ramsey explains the situation in the following sentence: “And, striking more ruthlessly at him, she scornfully implies that his very sexuality will be called into question in her eyes if he refuses the regicide” (288). This quote by Jarold Ramsey explains how Macbeth’s manliness will be determined in the eyes of Lady Macbeth when he makes his decision on whether or not he will kill the king. Lady Macbeth shows her desire of being queen in the following lines: “What beast was’t then / That made you break this enterprise to me? /When you durst do it, then you were a man” (I, vii, 47-49). This quote shows how she wants Macbeth to kill the king. In this situation Macbeth tells himself to be a man and kill the king to please Lady Macbeth. Maria Howell exp...

    Read More

  • To what extent is Lady Macbeth responsible for the murder of King Duncan and the downfall of Macbeth?

    1315 Words  | 3 Pages

    ...hout the play, he continually worries about his own portrayal of masculinity, something that Lady Macbeth is quick to jump upon to make him do what she wants. When Macbeth says is challenged by lady Macbeth he says that he will do anything to be a man. ’when you durst do it, then you were a man’. Lady Macbeth is tormenting Macbeth by getting inside his head. This symbolises how he is being controlled by evil and corruption. Lady Macbeth and her desires on one side and the witches on the other. This shows how the two control is entangled and entwined. The word ’man’ is used to great effect here, it shows the true desires of the heart. Macbeth wants the recognition of his achievements. Lady Macbeth’s attitude explains how this is not enough. She wants Macbeth to be king, maybe more than he does. She is pushing him forwards.

    Read More

  • Gender And Power In Macbeth Essay

    1355 Words  | 3 Pages

    After receiving prophecies from the witches about his future to come, he is forced into an ambition-fuelled madness. As previously mentioned, Macbeth was persuaded to kill King Duncan by his wife due to his debatable manliness. This presented Macbeth’s need to prove to his wife he was manly by being valiant and strong and partaking in violent acts. He responds to his wife’s forceful directives by telling her, “Please stop! I dare do all that may become a man;/ Who dares do more is none” (1.7.46-47). This quote indicates how Macbeth believes a “real” man would not murder, and only due to Lady Macbeth explicitly attempting to manipulate him into action, does he succumb to do so. Macbeth endeavours the heinous crime of murdering the King, all owing to Lady Macbeth’s commands. On more than one occasion Macbeth is seen becoming mad, being overtaken by guilt and concern, highlighting that his manhood does not in fact give him any power, but only draws attention to his lack thereof. The inferiority he has within his relationship, also makes evident that Lady Macbeth’s pressure causes the transpiration of Macbeth’s powerful future. It is clear that Macbeth’s power was affected by his gender, as seen through his desperate need to prove his masculinity. Without the questioning of his manhood, Macbeth would have still been the

    Read More

  • Theme Of Manhood In Macbeth

    1272 Words  | 3 Pages

    Lady Macbeth represents all the stereotypical qualities of manhood, such as unrelenting determination, cruelty, and lack of emotions. Her interpretation of masculinity is made clear from the very first scene she appears in. When Lady Macbeth realizes that she must kill Duncan in her own home, she states, "Come, you spirits/ That tend on mortal thoughts, unsex me here" (I. iv. 43-44). Her request shows that she believes a woman is not capable of such cruel and evil acts, and that only a man is. Furthermore, she wants to be filled up from the "crown to the toe, top-full/ Of direst cruelty!" with the "access and passage to remorse", completely blocked off, implying that a man is without remorse and feelings, and full of cruelty (I. iv. 45-47). Lady Macbeth then imposes her idea of Manhood on Macbeth. When Macbeth decides not to kill Duncan, Lady Macbeth quickly challenges his manliness by c...

    Read More

  • Gender Roles In Macbeth

    874 Words  | 2 Pages

    Most critics (6) agree that Shakespeare wrote characters that do not conform to defined gender roles to criticize gender stereotypes that existed as heroic men or passive women. Cakebread uses the ambiguity of the Witches’ gender as an example they aid in questioning what many believe are typical masculine and feminine attributes. Furthermore, Alfar points out that Shakespeare uses his characters to show that characteristics cannot be deemed as masculine or feminine. For example, violence cannot be associated as solely a trait expressed by the men in this tragedy. Asp looks at stereotypes that Shakespeare displays throughout the play and in Asp’s opinion, Macbeth’s wrongdoings stem from his insecurities of not fully embodying the definition of a true man. Ramsey adds to Asp’s argument by trying to prove that Shakespeare is asking the question, “What is a man?” Throughout, this question is explored and Shakespeare exposes the ambiguity in the definition of man in Lady Macbeth questioning Macbeth’s courage, an attribute not to be overlooked when defining a true man. Smuts also agrees but added something unique in that not only are the definiti...

    Read More

  • Human Right Issues in Macbeth by William Shakespeare

    1518 Words  | 4 Pages

    Shakespeare is known for strong male heroes, but they are not laying around in this play, not that Macbeth is full of strong female heroines, either. The women in the play, Lady Macbeth and the witches have very uncommon gender belief, and act as inhumane as the men. While the men engage in direct violence, the women use manipulation to achieve their desires. As Lady Macbeth impels Macbeth to kill King Duncan, she indicated that she must take on some sort of masculine characteristic in order to process the murder. “Come, you spirits/ that tend on mortal thoughts, unsex me here, / and fill me from the crown to the toe top-full/ of direst cruelty.” (i v 31-34) This speech is made after she reads Macbeth’s letter. Macbeth, she has shown her desire to lose her feminine qualities and gain masculine ones. Lady Macbeth's seizure of the dominant role in the Macbeth's marriage, on many occasions, she rules her husband and dictates his actions. Her speeches in the first part of the book give the readers a clear impression. “You shall put this night’s great business into my dispatch, which shall […] gi...

    Read More

  • Macbeth: A Very Complex Character

    1982 Words  | 4 Pages

    .... The theme of masculinity being displayed throughout the play, particularly by Macbeth himself, reinforces his position in terms of importance. This revolving notion can be justified through the manner in which the audience views Macbeth’s own urge for power- over femininity and also for the throne; thus slowly developing a setting for the preceding plot. Once again Macbeth is also imperative in regards to the story line, as he is the figure in which Shakespeare tends to propose certain principles and consequences.

    Read More

More about Masculinity In Macbeth Essay

Open Document