Masculinity And Femininity In Macbeth Seizing The Dagger

In the two interpretations of Macbeth, Lady Macbeth Seizing the Dagger (Fuseli) and Macbeth (Goold 2010), the thematic idea of masculinity and femininity is depicted. Throughout Macbeth, this theme has been evident. However, in the scene where Lady Macbeth returns the daggers this is particularly evident. She has already corrupted Macbeth after he told her about his prophecy, and she already successfully convinced him to murder the king he was loyal to. The painting specifically displays the theme in this scene through the size and placement of the characters, while the film uses language and movement. These elements build our understanding of Macbeth, and display the theme directly. Another element shared by both of the interpretations is darkness, as it is used to convey the eeriness of the situation.

She towers over the seemingly small and frail Macbeth, whose face appears to display utter terror. Upon a closer look, we can see Macbeth is being ordered to silence himself, similar to when Lady Macbeth says “These deeds must not be thought/ After these ways; so, it will make us mad.”(Macbeth Act 2 Scene 2 Lines 45-46). While the painting seems to use physical appearance to display the rather abusive relationship between the two characters, the film uses language to display distaste and disdain. A prominent example of this is when Lady Macbeth utters “Infirm of purpose” (Macbeth Act 2 Scene 2 Line 68). The way she speaks and moves toward Macbeth in this production shows her untraditional role as the masculine figure in their