Macbeth vs. Masculinity Essay Example

that contributes to the tragedy which occurs in this novel. She is the more dominant in her marriage with Macbeth and the mastermind that dictates his thoughts and feelings.

Lady Macbeth immediately takes control of the situation by preparing for destruction, and providing a blueprint which paves the way for Macbeth to become a king. Eventually, she drives Macbeth to commit heinous acts by challenging his man hood on many occasions. Shakespeare suggest that only a male figure can associate with cruelty as Lady Macbeth communicates, meet do I fear thy nature; It Is too full o' the' milk of human kindness to catch the nearest way: thou wouldst be great, art not without ambition, but without the Illness should attend 1 OFF of the woman's nurturing breast which hinders him from taking initiative.

This implies that he is not manly enough to perform the immoral deeds that it takes to gain power, and he needs her guidance. As a result of her concerns, she prays to the spirits for help and requests, "Come, you spirits that tend on mortal thoughts, unsexes me here, and fill me from the crown to the toe top-full of direst cruelty. Make thick my blood. "(Macbeth 1. 5.

3()-33) Lady Macbeth prays for the necessary strength to lead her husband free from the native feelings of guilt or remorse.

She is aware that cruelty is only a trait found in men, and prays to assume such a wicked role for the purposes of persuading Macbeth to commit murder. In addition, she wants to create a mental block from her natural woman kindness, and also requires support in order to

encourage and Justify such a sinful crime. In one instance, Lady Macbeth challenges her husband by stating, "When you durst do it, then you were a man; And to be more than what you were, you would be so much more the man.

" (Macbeth . 7. 49-51).

Shakespeare uses this quote to vent her disapproval of his sudden cold feet, and provokes Macbeth by claiming he can only obtain true manhood by murdering King Duncan. Lady Machete's critical comments eventually awakens his inner beast and he feels compelled to prove he is worthy of Ewing a man.

Lastly, Shakespeare uses other events which draw attention to the great significance of the male role and characteristics. Following the devastating news about the attack that killed his family, Macadam entered a vulnerable state of sorrow causing him to shed tears.

It was in that moment that Malcolm responded, "Dispute it like a man. "(Macbeth.

3. 21-23). Malcolm wanted to assure he handled this event in a manly manner and instructed to keep his emotions in check. Furthermore, Macbeth defends his manhood as he states, "I'm not going to surrender and have to kiss the ground in rent of Malcolm, or be taunted by the common people.

Even though Birdman Wood really did come to Adenosine, and I'm fighting a man not of woman born, I'll fight to the end. "(Macbeth. 8. 28-32).

I am confident that this is a relevant scene because Macbeth started out as a coward but refuses to die the same way.

Macbeth knows that he has no chance of surviving, but he takes a manly approach and welcomes a duel rather than

fleeing. This final scene encompasses the importance of masculinity as it illustrates a manly growth in Machete's character and how he is shaped by previous events. On the other hand, Lady Machete's supportive manly side was proven false by her conscience and she committed suicide.