Examples Of Gender Stereotypes In Macbeth

Why do people conform to gender stereotypes and how does that affect mental health?

Part I:

Do you conform to gender norms or fight against them? Shakespeare's tragedy Macbeth illustrates the power gender norms had in 11th-century Scotland. Macbeth – a powerful thane and celebrated warrior, receives a prophecy that he will become King. Because of his loyalty to the king, ultimately, Macbeth’s wife helps him fulfill this prophecy. Lady Macbeth has to conform to gender norms in social situations in order to protect her innocence. Additionally, Macbeth has to fulfill the role of king and fake his ability to rule despite Lady Macbeth’s qualifications. Today, many women conform to social norms like Lady Macbeth. For example, women commonly stay

For example, when Macduff has just found Duncan dead and he brings the news to everyone. He says to Lady Macbeth, “[o] gentle lady,/’Tis not for you to hear what I can speak./The repetition in a woman’s ear/ Would murder as if fell.” (2.3.96-99) Macduff doesn’t want to tell Lady Macbeth about the king's death because he views her as a fragile woman. Societal gender norms exist as Macduff underestimates Lady Macbeth and thinks of her as innocent in the crime. In reality, Lady Macbeth acted as the mastermind behind Duncan's murder. In order to appear innocent Lady Macbeth tries to pretend to be a helpless woman and play into the stereotype. On the surface, this may appear like she has an advantage in the situation because she gets away with murder. However, constant underestimation has adverse effects on her mental health since everyone views her as powerless. On top of this, Lady Macbeth's powerlessness can be shown in her lack of a name and only being referred to as an extension of her husband. Lady Macbeth’s lack of a name illustrates that she can only obtain power through her husband. Her lack of power provides a rationale for conforming to gender norms. In addition, Lady Macbeth conforms to gender norms while sleepwalking. She cries out, “[wash] your hands. Put on your nightgown. Look not so pale… Bonquo’s buried he can not come out on ‘s grave.” (5.2.65-67) Lady

A study from the American Journal of Men's Health from 2020 describes, that “the pressure men feel to fulfill often unattainable societal gender norm expectations causes… depression, anxiety, hostile behaviors, and other adverse mental health outcomes” (Sileo). Many men find traditional gender norms such as strength, power, rejection of feminity, and suppression of emotions unrealistic. However, not achieving these norms heightens feelings of unworthiness causing mental health issues like depression. Additionally, men resort to violent or aggressive behaviors or substance abuse. These examples describe negative coping mechanisms that do little to help the problem, only creating new challenges. An article from the Lancet Public Health Journal describes that male gender norms “commonly confer power and status to boys and young men, which might… explain why norms around masculinity are difficult to shift” however, “these dominant masculinities carry risks for poor mental health” (Rice). Here the author describes why many men follow dominant social norms because they lead to higher status symbols and power. However many men do not realize that power and status do not equate to happiness and improved mental state. On the contrary, conforming to these norms had led men to have higher rates of suicide globally than women. Overall,