Macbeth: Gender Norms And Expectations Of Women

There is a multitude of expectations from the moment a baby is born. When parents discover the sex of their baby they immediately learn to parent in a way that conforms to “normal” gender expectations. For centuries people have created an unwritten and unspoken rulebook for the manner in which males and females should think, act and feel. Historically, gender norms and expectations were considerably different and arguably more significant than the way they are today. Women in the 17th, 18th and 19th century were considered the “weaker” sex, and were expected to bear children and submit to their husbands (Emsley et al.). Contrarily, the men in these centuries were dominant, and were expected to work for their families (Emsley et al.). The society

Without the female characters, the storyline would be less invigorating and difficult to move forward. The initial spark that set off the series of events that took place was created by the Weïrd Sisters. In the opening scene of the play the Weïrd Sisters conspire to “meet with Macbeth” (Shakespeare 1. 1. 8). The meeting they have with him is an extremely important event that sets up the main plotline and central conflict. Upon Macbeth’s arrival, they hail to him as Thane of Glamis, Thane of Cawdor and finally they prophesize, “Macbeth, that shalt be king hereafter” (Shakespeare 1.3.53). These three lines, though small, influenced the actions of Macbeth for the duration of the play. Historically, women were objectified and were used in productions primarily as something to look at and admire, but “not with any sense of worth other than their physical features” (Zuber). The Weïrd Sisters’ genders are substantially subverted as they are not attractive, as mentioned earlier, and they hold greater significance than most women of that era would have. Furthermore, Lady Macbeth helped move the story along in many ways as well. One of the most famous and important scenes in Macbeth is 1.7, when Lady Macbeth persuades her husband into murdering King Duncan. This scene is imperative in order for

While men were considered the stronger of the two sexes, women were considered weaker in terms of physical and emotional strength (Sharnette). Shakespeare effortlessly disassembles this social construct by vesting power upon Lady Macbeth and the Weïrd Sisters. The sisters have a significant amount of control over Macbeth. Their prophecies influence Macbeth greatly and drive him to think and behave differently. Not only do their initial prophecies challenge Macbeth’s thoughts, the apparitions they present him with in 4.1 dramatically alter his attitude, and make him overconfident and consumed with power. The three apparitions are: (1) “Beware Macduff! / Beware the Thane of Fife!” (Shakespeare 4.1.81–82), (2) “[…] none of woman born/ shall harm Macbeth” (Shakespeare 4.1.91–92), and (3) “Macbeth shall never vanquished be until/ Great Birnam Wood to high Dunsinane Hill/ Shall come against him” (Shakespeare 4.1.105–107). The Weïrd Sisters present Macbeth with the illusion that he has complete control of his future and the events to come which in reality, he does not have. The idea that these women can have such a large impact on a man is contrary to what is expected of them. Moreover, Lady Macbeth asserts herself in many ways in her marriage, and throughout the play there are instances in which