Macbeth Gender Roles Essay

Gender Roles- an exploration of femininity and masculinity in Shakespeare’s Macbeth

Written by William Shakespeare in the 17th century, Macbeth tells the tale of a power-hungry soldiers rise to the throne, while exploring various themes including concepts of masculinity and femininity, drawing a particular emphasis to the dichotomy between the two. In Macbeth, Shakespeare explores the bounds of these gender roles, and challenges their limits. By juxtaposing characters who step outside of the roles prescribed by their genders, such as Lady Macbeth, with characters who stay within their roles, such as Lady Macduff, Shakespeare conveys a disapproving message regarding individuals who defy their gender roles. Several unique female characters

In 17th century England, witchcraft was a widespread belief, and these shared beliefs allowed Shakespeare to allude to things associated with witchcraft as they were widely known by his audience. Real “Witches” were typically elderly, or women considered outsiders, likely due to lack of children or husbands, which lent well to Shakespeare’s characterization of the witches in Macbeth, as they were given an immediate negative connotation based on the experience of his viewers. In his final interaction with the weird sisters, Macbeth refers to them with derogatory terms, such as “hags”, showing that their power over him has faltered as he has become a fearless and confident ruler. Secondly, Lady Macbeth provides a shock to the audience and challenges the masculinity of her husband. The first interaction depicted between the two is an argument in which Lady Macbeth encourages Macbeth to murder Duncan ensuing the news of his prophecies. In her introductory soliloquy, she states “Glamis thou art, and Cawdor, and shalt be what thou art promised. Yet I do fear thy nature; It is too full o’ th’

He clearly does not have enough confidence in his own masculinity to not commit the murder and continue to feel secure in his marriage. Thus, Lady Macbeths dominance over him is clearly defined. Macbeths masculinity is also challenged by Macduff. Throughout the course of the play, Macduff emerges as a hero, and is eventually the one to kill Macbeth and restore Scotland’s monarchy from his short-lived tyranny. When Macbeth originally discovers Macduff’s suspicions towards him, he orders his entire family, including wife and children, to be murdered. Macduff’s absence has left his family defenseless and vulnerable to the dangers consuming Scotland under King Macbeth. In a speech of dramatic irony, Lady Macduff states, “Wisdom? To leave his wife and his babes, his mansion, and his titles in a place from whence himself does fly. He loves us not.” (Mac) She makes this remark shortly before her murder, essentially attacking Macduff’s masculinity as he appears to have abandoned his family out of fear, therefore not fulfilling his duties as a father and husband. Upon receiving this news, Malcolm encourages Macduff to “Dispute it