Masculinity in Macbeth
What is considered masculine?
- Strength
o Physical
o Mental
o Emotional
- power
o titles (King, Prince, Thane, etc)
- Aggression
o Pride
- Wealth
- Revenge (desire)
- Lineage/Heirs
- Ambition
- Ability to use reason over emotion
- Ability to deal with violence, gore, battle, etc
- Fighting spirit
o Loyalty to King
o Loyalty to country
- Protector
o Of children
o Of women
- Bravery
What is not considered masculine?
- Guilt
- Fear
- Cowardice
- Any weaknesses
o Physical, mental, emotional
- Deception
- Betrayal
How Shakespeare achieves representation of masculinity?
Within the play, Shakespeare positions us to understand that while characters of either gender may embody masculine or feminine traits, there is an embedded attitude within the play that privileges masculinity in men and femininity in women. We clearly see this through the characterization of Lady Macbeth. Here is a woman who invariably projects masculine qualities in how she conducts herself. However, this is ultimately punished signifying to us that her adoption of these characteristics generally associated with men disrupts the natural order of the society.
- Language choices
o Lady Macbeth’s descriptions when challenging Macbeths’s masculinity
o Duncan’s descriptions of Macbeth and Banquo
o The difference between dialogue from masculine/feminine characters – assertive vs. submissive
- Binary Opposition
o Masculinity is seen to be privileged over femininity within the play – so long as the masculine character is able to reflect the values, attitudes, beliefs, etc
- Imagery
o A number of clear/vivid metaphors, similes and symbols associated with masculinity within the play. These help identify/explore various values underpinning the play and/or identifying the characters
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