Interpreting Shakespeare's Macbeth Through The Feminist Perspective

In 1606, William Shakespeare wrote a play for King James I, the tragedy of Macbeth. For the last five-hundred years, this highly regarded piece of literature has been studied by countless students and intellectuals. One of the many methods scholars use to interpret a piece of literature is through the feminist perspective. Feminism is defined as the doctrine advocating social, political, and all other rights of women equal to those of men (“Feminism”). Although one can use a feminist lens to interpret Shakespeare’s Macbeth, the historical perspective will provide the most effective means of interpretation for readers.

As a modern reader, it is easy to read Macbeth and see elements of feminism come into play. In today’s society where people

At the beginning, Lady Macbeth is portrayed by Shakespeare to be a strong willed, self-sufficient woman. In her relationship with her husband, Macbeth, readers are led to believe she is in control; Macbeth seems to follow her orders and plans. After the murder of Duncan, Lady Macbeth exhibits this control over her husband by ordering “Go get some water / And wash this filthy witness from your hand. -/ Why did you bring these daggers from the place? / They must lie there. Go, carry them and smear / The sleepy grooms with blood” (Macbeth 2.2.60-64). Lady Macbeth takes control of the situation following the murder of Duncan. During this time period in history, women did not have control, especially not over their husband. This behavior by Lady Macbeth appears to reverse the standard gender roles during the 16th century; she defies the norm. However, as the play progresses, we see how the horrendous acts Lady Macbeth and her husband have coordinated and executed begin to affect her. When her condition worsens, a doctor is brought into address her distress. The doctor explains, “Unnatural deeds / Do breed unnatural troubles. Infected minds / To their deaf pillows will discharge their secrets” (Macbeth 5.2.75-77). He is stating that she is weak and fragile due to the

With King James I coming to power, Shakespeare wanted to show his worth and gain the approval of his ruler through this play. This time period was still trademarked by the arts and emotions over reasoning and logic. During the time period the idea of feminism was present, but did not have much prevalence. Most women of the time period were not so much focused on the reformation of society and social equality, but on the home and life around their own household. “The raven himself is hoarse that croaks the fatal entrance of Duncan Under my battlements. Come, you spirits That tend on mortal thoughts, unsex me here, And fill me from the crown to the toe topful Of direst cruelty” (). Lady Macbeth explains she should be less like a woman and wants to have someone make her more like a man. While a feminist would like to explain that this is an argument to show Lady Macbeth’s attempt at a portrayal of women’s equality, in reality it is much better to explain this quote through a historical perspective and view it as something that is based off of an event. Shakespeare’s intention for Lady Macbeth was not to portray the importance of equality for