Macbeth Gender Roles

The society of the historical period in which Macbeth was set was dominated by sexist ideology; women were not seen as equals and could be accused of witchcraft without reason. There were many male and female stereotypes that were popular perceptions of what each gender should be, creating rigid gender roles. In the play, Lady Macbeth takes on many stereotypically masculine characteristics and her dominant power has led to the interpretation that she was responsible for the horrible events of Macbeth. However, Lady Macbeth’s strong actions, despite their bold defiance of gender roles, did not lead to the tragedies of the play, but rather were a result of societal pressure, and after events spiraled out of control, ended in guilt. The real cause

The downfall of Scotland was a result of Macbeth’s tyrannous rule, of which his wife was an accomplice but not the real instigator. She went along with the murderous plot against Duncan, however, it was Macbeth’s idea. Despite Lady Macbeth’s persistent and harsh persuasion, Macbeth is ultimately the one that murdered Duncan. His actions are done out of his own volition, she does not force him to do them, and it is unfair to blame the deeds of a man entirely on the influence of his wife when he is the one to make the decision to act. Lady Macbeth speaks of her husband’s greed saying that he would rather take the throne by murder than not have it despite the awful means necessary to obtain it: “The illness should attend it… wouldst not play false, and yet wouldst wrongly win: thou’dst have, great Glamis, that which cries, "Thus must thou do, if thou have it," and that which rather thou dost fear to do than wishest should be undone” (1.5.20-24). The treason and overtaking of the throne marked the start of many atrocities, such as the murder of Banquo and Macduff’s family, strange environmental occurrences, and the suffering of the Scottish people under the reign of Macbeth. Lady Macbeth is not capable of this kind of destruction, not because she is a woman, but because she is not a tyrant like Macbeth. It is evident that Macbeth has become the architect of destruction when he strategically plans to murder his best friend Banquo, telling the murderers he hired, “I will advise you where to plant yourselves; Acquaint you with the perfect spy o' the time, The moment on't; for't must be done to-night.” (3.1.144-146). Macbeth’s tyrannical nature reaches its fullest extent in his ruthless decision to kill Macduff’s innocent family: “Seize upon Fife; give to the edge o’ the sword his wife, his babes, and all unfortunate souls that trace him in his line. No boasting like a fool;