Gender Roles In Macbeth

Leni Oliver

Mr. Sansbury

AP Language and Composition

10 April 2023

Gender Roles Impact on Power Dynamics

The Elizabethan era rarely saw women in positions of power. They typically lacked any sort of power and were expected to be subservient and silent. In Shakespeare’s Macbeth, women aren’t at the forefront, yet they have great influence over the men in power. Macbeth is a novel that portrays the downfall of Scottish King Macbeth and the progression of his corruption after he kills the previous king. Shakespeare wrote this cautionary and tragic tale to warn against the pestiferous effects of power and overambition. Women have a key role in the play and have varying depictions that stray from the traditional gender roles of both

They hold a lot of power over Macbeth when they deliver their prophecies and can control his actions. They give the first prophecy to Macbeth and Banquo, which prompts him to kill Duncan. The witches tell Macbeth and Banquo that "Macbeth, [that] shalt be king hereafter" (1.3.51). This evokes Macbeth’s desire to be king and leads to his contemplation of murder. These supernatural characters were feared in the Elizabethan era, which makes them understandable villains in the play. The witches are shown as being able to manipulate the minds of the characters, as they tell Macbeth to "beware Macduff" (4.1.81), which leads to Macbeth's decision to kill Macduff's family. This solidifies the fact that the witches have enormous power over Macbeth and can manipulate him to do anything. Another prophecy delivered by the witches that pushes Macbeth further into irrationality is when they tell him that the only way he can be defeated is by a man not born of a woman. The witches state, "Laugh to scorn/ The power of man, for none of the women born/ Shall harm Macbeth" (IV.i.95–97). This gives him a false sense of security, and he believes no one can kill him. However, Macduff was born via c-section, which implies that he wasn’t actually born a woman. While that is questionable logic, it does follow what the witches foretold. This could advance the audience's fear of the supernatural. The three witches hold a lot of power

Her being a victim of Macbeth’s corruption illustrates how, although she was innocent, her existence was a threat, and Macbeth's first instinct was to remove the threat. This could be a comment from Shakespeare that power’s influence leads to corruption and a lack of empathy. Lady Macduff is portrayed as a loving and devoted wife and mother who is betrayed by her husband's ambition. Her murder is one of the most tragic events in the play, as it highlights the human cost of Macbeth's quest for power. Lady Macduff's portrayal as a victim underscores the vulnerability of women in a society where men hold all the power. Lady Macduff’s brief dialogue with the messenger emphasizes her innocence when she says, "Why then, alas, do I put up that womanly defense, to say I have done no harm?" By putting up a "womanly defense" to deny any wrongdoing, Lady Macduff is suggesting that her society expects her to be passive to her impending fate. Lady Macduff's frustration is understandable. She knows that Macbeth has wronged her and her family, and yet she feels constrained by societal expectations to deny any wrongdoing and remain silent. Shakespeare's choice in highlighting this minor character could parallel many women of his time and be a comment on their lack of