Macbeth Women Have Power

Do women have power and courage? Although it was unusual in the 16th and 17th century, women in Macbeth were portrayed as equal to men. Macbeth, the tragedy written by William Shakespeare in 1606, altered gender roles and depicted all people equivalent to one another. After three witches tell Macbeth his fate is to become king of Scotland, the idea sparks immediate ambition. Lady Macbeth then drives her husband to kill Duncan, leading to a civil war in Scotland. During the Elizabethan era, female roles were played by males in Shakespeare’s performances. But, Macbeth strongly contrasts the idea that women are taken care of by their husbands or male family members. The female characters such as Lady Macbeth, Lady Macduff, and the witches are

Why would Shakespeare choose to alter the gender roles of his society? In Macbeth, Shakespeare explores power and ambition to contradict the role of women in Shakespeare’s era. This exploration is significant because it demonstrates the importance of women in society.
Lady Macbeth uses her power to persuade Macbeth to kill King Duncan; this demonstration of power and persuasion was not typical behavior of women in Shakespeare’s era. Before Macbeth kills King Duncan, he is hesitant about the historic action. Although he is intrigued at the idea of becoming king, he believes Duncan is a good man. Using her power, Lady Macbeth says, “That I may pour my spirits in thine ear, / And chastise with the valour of my tongue/ All that impedes thee from the golden round, / Which fate and metaphysical aid doth

Along with power, Shakespeare uses fear to show gender equality. After Macbeth sees a Banquo’s ghost in his chair at the feast, Lady Macbeth says, “Shame itself! / Why do you make such faces? When all’s done, / you look but on a stool” (III.4.68-70). The notion that men were more courageous than women is entirely contradicted in Macbeth. In fact, Lady Macbeth shows more bravery and audacity than Macbeth. When Lady Macbeth says “why do you make such faces”, she is calling him a coward. By doing so, Shakespeare gives women like Lady Macbeth exceptional strength which the men do not possess. But, this resilience and fortitude was not as common in the real world. “Elizabethan Women were subservient to me. They were dependent on their male relatives to support them.” In Macbeth, the men are reliant on the women for comfort and sustainability. In power and fear, women are equal to men in Macbeth. Women also had many traits like bravery and aspirations, which made them equal to