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Examples Of Masculinity In Macbeth

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In the play Macbeth, by Shakespeare, Shakespeare criticizes the violence and cruelty that is present in masculinity even though masculinity was seen as a strong and respected trait in men.

In the beginning of Macbeth Shakespeare views masculinity as a trait of a warrior and a protector. This is shown during the war between Scotland, the Norwegian King, and Scottish rebels. A servant brings a report to Duncan and tells him that they (Scotland) are winning the war and Macbeth is a big part of their success. The servant reports , “For brave Macbeth - well he deserves that name -/ Disdaining fortune, with his brandish’d steel, / Which smoked with bloody execution.” (1.2.18-20) . When Macbeth faces “disdaining fortune”, meaning fortune goes against him he is still able to be a successful warrior. He is strong and fights with “brandish’d steal”, confidence. The servant sees Macbeth as a brave, strong, and masculine man because he is able to fight in war. During the time period of Macbeth, men were seen as protectors and warriors. Masculinity is important when it comes to war and violence. The stronger and more …show more content…

The more masculine a person becomes, the more violent and cruel they become. Macbeth writes a letter to Lady Macbeth telling her about the prophecy he received from the witches. He was destined to become king. When Lady Macbeth received the letter she called the spirits and demanded, “…unsex me here,/ And fill me, from the crown to the toe, top-full/ Of direst cruelty!”( 1.5.48-50). Lady Macbeth is telling the spirits to “unsex” her, meaning make her a man. She then states that the reason she wants to become a man is to become cruel and evil so she can kill Duncan. Women were seen as weak and emotional people that can’t do harm to anyone. On the other hand masculine men were seen as strong and cruel, because they aren’t held back by morals. This is why men are able to fight and

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