Macbeth - Gender

Macbeth - Gender

1. The theme of Gender is evident through out the play, with several different characters being affected by it.

   • Lady Macbeth and the Witches defy their gender expectations by being as cruel as men are often portrayed.
     • Hecate: " He shall spurn fate, scorn death and bear his hopes 'bove wisdoms grace..."(Act 2 sc. 5)
   • Lady Macbeth makes fun of Macbeth, taunting his masculinity to make him act and kill Duncan
     • Lady Macbeth: "And, to be more than what you were, you wouold Be so much more the man." (Act 1. sc. 7)
   • Lady Macbeth believes that she must become more masculine in order to become cruel.
     • "Unsex me here, and fill me fromcrown to toe top-full of direst cruelty." (Act 1. sc. 5)
   • While Shakespeare's known for strong female leads, this play seems to lack one. Interestingly enough not one woman in the play remains alive to the end of it.