Examples Of Masculinity In Macbeth

Macbeth by William Shakespeare is a play concerning the desire for power and the developing insanity that follows. Often Lady Macbeth rejects any raw emotion from Macbeth including reactions that were tied to femininity. Lady Macbeth abuses her power over Macbeth to manipulate him by challenging his masculinity. Any signs of sensitivity or remorse were cast aside and were regenerated with deranged reactions because that was more socially acceptable. The toxic masculinity strongly enforced by social standards and more so by Lady Macbeth results in Macbeth acquiring some demented characteristics. Any sentiments he had prior were now offset by blind anger and careless resentment. Shakespeare’s Macbeth demonstrates the catastrophic consequence

He is suffering psychologically following Banquo’s murder because he does not have access to moral support nor genuine sympathy. Macbeth was experiencing visions of Banquo’s ghost and his actions are representative of the fact that he is responsible for the murder of his friend. He does not know how to cope with himself meanwhile Lady Macbeth neglected his valid emotions. She continues to probe and question, “Why do you make such faces?/Shame itself!” (Shakespeare 3.4.79-80). She took advantage of his vulnerability to doubt his manliness. Macbeth pleads with her that those who have died do not come back from the dead however she dismisses his behavior. Macbeth's obsession with his manhood becomes increasingly destructive, and his mental state deteriorates. The hallucinations become more realistic and the visions lead to escalating paranoia. While weighing his options, Macbeth exclaims, "I am in blood, stepped in so far that, should I wade no more, returning were as tedious as go o'er" (Shakespeare 3.4.168-170). This highlights his realization that he has gone too far to turn back, and his descent into madness is inevitable. Macbeth’s grasp on sanity weakens and the aspiration for kingship over takes him. His perpetual battle with manhood continues to guide him to his