Macbeth Practise Esssay

Macbeth Practise Essay

‘I dare do all that may become a man; who dares do more is none.’ What does the play say about masculinity ?

The text “Macbeth” written by William Shakespeare talks touches on themes such as masculinity and femininity.  In his play, Shakespeare outlines the importance of masculinity and femininity and masculinity defined in his play is not the stereotypes of a man such as strong, both physically and mentally but as well as assertive towards others, stoic and courageous to the point where they put their safety of others above their own, especially those considered weaker, such as women, children and the elderly.

Firstly, Macbeth’s masculinity was insulted by his wife Lady Macbeth when he was too scared to kill King Duncan in order to become the next king. Lady Macbeth said that he was not brave enough and because he wanted to show her that he is a man and not a coward. His response of ‘I dare do all that may become a man; who dares do more is none.’ Tells us that Macbeth is willing to betray his rights and wrongs in order to show his wife that he is a man. Killing Duncan showed us that in “Macbeth” to become a man you need to become ruthless and violent wether it is right or wrong.

Secondly when Macduff hears that his wife and children have been murdered by Macbeth, he swears to get revenge on Macbeth. Macduff’s actions shows us that men should not be able to show vulnerability and emotions. In the play “Macbeth” men should be cold, ruthless, emotionless and unbreakable no matter the situation they are in. Things like shedding tears and showing vulnerability is not allowed and considered not being a man.

Lastly, William Shakespeare also shows us that femininity is when woman don’t shown innocence and gentleness. We can tell that because in Act 1 scene 5 through the soliloquy of Lady Macbeth she said things such as “unsex me here” and “Come to my woman’s breasts and take my milk for gall, you murdering ministers” Just like her husband Macbeth, she also becomes too ambitious and throws her humanity away with her husband and in the end, it was her greediness for trying to become Queen that brings her down.