Macbeth And Medea Analysis

Paul Vu
Dr. Elizabeth C. Ramírez
THTR 475A.03
2 May 2017
Macbeth and Medea: Breaking Expectations
Macbeth by William Shakespeare and Medea by Euripides are known for their powerful critiques on the social expectations of women. Women during the time of Elizabethan and Greek theatre were often stereotyped and considered the weaker sex. Men were depicted as strong individuals who supported and protected women. However, both Shakespeare and Euripides broke expectations by portraying strong and iconic female characters in their respective plays. The idea of a strong female character was often unheard of during the time of Elizabethan and Greek Theatre. Through the thematic comparison of Macbeth, and Medea; this essay demonstrates how Shakespeare

Manipulation is a recurring theme in Macbeth because whenever Macbeth shows signs of weakness, Lady Macbeth undermines his manhood. Lady Macbeth’s actions portray her as strong and evil rather than nurturing and good. Lady Macbeth’s character exemplifies the complete opposite of social expectations during the Elizabethan era. By being able to manipulate her husband, Lady Macbeth is also seen as being a stronger character than Macbeth. Conclusively, Lady Macbeth’s actions portray Shakespeare’s exploration of gender roles, and his evaluation of

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This is important because Lady Macbeth views her femininity as a weakness that is hindering her. Lady Macbeth wants to rid herself of her menstrual cycle so that her emotions won’t get in her way of obtaining her goals. By “unsexing” herself, Lady Macbeth hopes to gain the strength of masculinity which in turn will help her in goading her husband. This demonstrates Lady Macbeth’s devotion to Macbeth because she is willing to do anything in order to help Macbeth become king. The devotion of both Lady Macbeth to Macbeth and Medea to Jason allows readers to identify with them. However, it is the betrayal of Medea, and Lady Macbeth’s quest for her husband’s kingship that causes both characters to transition into their ruthless nature. Femininity is an important theme because Lady Macbeth and Medea initially exuded love and selflessness before adopting a more masculine role. Lady Macbeth and Medea are therefore considered tragic heros because they put their loyalty above their own self-worth. Ultimately, this ideal encompasses how femininity is controlled by men, because the actions of the Macbeth and Jason were the cause for Lady Macbeth and Medea’s