Gender Roles In Macbeth

Shakespearean constructs the matrimonial bond between Macbeth and Lady Macbeth as a convoluted and intricate association. During the Jacobean and Elizabethan eras, societal expectations dictated that men were the dominant figures in marriages, and women were expected to be subservient. However, Lady Macbeth subverts this gender norm by exerting considerable influence over Macbeth. She challenges Macbeth's virility by impugning his “valour” and thirst for supremacy, Persuading and manipulating him into perpetrating regicide. Lady Macbeth's manipulation is exemplified by her symbolic reference to the "ornament of life," which represents their desire for the crown. Macbeth's response, "I dare do all that may become a man," highlights his internal

However, this rapacious pursuit also begets trepidation and remorse, further enmeshing their relationship. Lady Macbeth is the driving force behind Macbeth's actions, using her cunning and manipulation to push him towards murder. She desires power and is unafraid to go to any length to achieve it, even if it means going against societal norms. Lady Macbeth's dialogue is filled with symbolism, referring to "pouring spirits" and "chastising with the valour of my tongue." These metaphors create a sense of urgency and foreboding as if there is something dark lurking beneath the surface. Meanwhile, Macbeth is plagued with guilt and fear, struggling to come to terms with the atrocities he has committed. The metaphors "infirm of purpose" and "shame to wear a heart so white" suggest his inner conflict, highlighting his inability to fully embrace the path he has chosen. Perhaps, the marriage between Macbeth and Lady Macbeth is one of the alternative desires - Lady Macbeth wants power, while Macbeth wants to maintain his innocence. However, their incongruous desires could not be reconciled, culminating in their tragic demise. (Act 1 scene 5 and Act 2 scene

Macbeth laments that Lady Macbeth's death should have occurred later, demonstrating the couple's closeness. However, the repetition of "tomorrow" highlights the futility of their ambitions in the face of time's relentless march towards the end. Macbeth's description of life as a "walking shadow" and "poor player" underlines the emptiness of his and Lady Macbeth's efforts to maintain power. This disillusionment is significant in the Jacobean and Elizabethan eras, where social norms dictated that marriages were means of consolidating power and status, rather than being based on love. The symbolism of the "brief candle" conveys how the couple's ambitions were fleeting and ultimately insignificant, and the repetition of "out" emphasises the finality of Lady Macbeth's death. Shakespeare draws attention to the fragility and temporary nature of power and raises questions about the morality of political ambition. (Act 5 scene