gender

Question 1

1.5 “Come, you spirits that tend on mortal thoughts, unsex me here”

Answer 1

-LMB rejects traditional gender roles by asking to be “unsexed” rejecting femininity + its associated qualities of compassion + nurturing
-imperative verbs “unsex” + “fill” suggest her yearning for power which she associated with masculinity
-reflects jacobean anxieties about women stepping out of their submissive roles
-simone de beauvoir’s idea that gender is socially constructed applies to LMB, who rejects traditional femininity to gain power. her rejection of gender norms ultimately leads to her psychological breakdown, showing how internalized expectations can be destructive

Question 2

1.7 “I dare do all that may become a man; Who dare do more is none”

Answer 2

-MB initially defines masculinity as possessing honour + self-control
-“Who dares do more is none” foreshadows eventual downfall as he later defies this definition of manhood by succumbing to unchecked ambition
-shakespeare explores how societal pressure to conform to hyper masculine ideals can lead to self-destruction

Question 3

2.2 “My hands are of your colour; but I shame To wear a heart so white”

Answer 3

-LMB scorns MB’s emotional response to the murder, equating his guilt with weakness, which she dreams unmanly
-contrast between “white” + her own resolve underscores her rejection of traditional female sensitivity in favour of perceived masculine strength

Question 4

3.4 “Are you a man?”

Answer 4

-LMB questions MB’s masculinity during banquet
-shows emotional vulnerability is incompatible with traditional masculine notions
-shows how suppressing emotions leads to MB’s paranoia + violence
-breakdown of relationship reflects consequences of subversion of gender roles

Question 5

4.3 “But I must also feel it as a man”

Answer 5

-MD offers alternative view of masculinity when grieving
-MD balances action with emotion, refusing to suppress his feelings
-shakespeare redefines masculinity contrasting it with MB’s toxic ambition
-shows damaging effects of adhering to narrow, destructive view of gender roles

Question 6

5.1 “Out, damned spot! Out, I say!”

Answer 6

-in somnambulism scene, LMB’s obsessive attempt to cleanse imaginary blood symbolises her overwhelming guilt
-contrasts with earlier rejection of femininity in A1
-by A5 she has been undone by very emotions she sought to deny suggesting repressing feminine qualities isn’t sustainable