Gender/Macbeth Flashcards
Gender Non-Quotation notes
- symbol of toxic and repressive masculinity
- manhood synonymous to violence
- if he does not pursue kingship he will be exposed a effeminate
- Ambition is his hamartia (fatal flaw), however masculinity is his weakness
- Although his exterior motive is to pursue kingship, his true interior motive is manliness
- Whenever in the play his manliness is challenged, he responds with violence
- His fragile sense of masculinity is what allows him to be controlled and manipulated
- Being king will be ultimate testament of his masculinity, the ultimate proof of his strength, therefore his wife and everyone will need to show him respect.
“Prithee, peace. / I dare do all that may become a man; / Who dares do more is none,”
Many times throughout the play Lady Macbeth taunts her husband about his masculinity. It is evident that Macbeth does not like his manhood being questioned which highlights his insecurity. When Lady Macbeth accuses him of being a “coward”, he replies, “Prithee, peace. / I dare do all that may become a man; / Who dares do more is none,” (1.7). The plea “Prithee, peace” suggests that he cannot withstand the attack on his masculinity, as Shakespeare conveys how sensitive and fragile he is. It seems as if a man’s sense of manhood is dependent on the women in his life.
“I dare do all that may become a man; / Who dares do more is none”
Lady Macbeth is implying Macbeth is not “a man” because he refuses to murder Duncan, suggesting that masculinity is proven with violence, but Macbeth disagrees. The line “I dare do all that may become a man; / Who dares do more is none” suggests manhood is tied to honour. He argues those who go against the natural order or pursue more power aren’t men, either because they aren’t human or because they aren’t noble. Shakespeare implies there are two ‘types’ of man that people can choose from: one is violent, the other is chivalrous
“Ay, and a bold one, that dare look on that / Which might appal the devil,” (3.4)
Eventually Macbeth gives into his wife’s insults and accusations. Indeed, he becomes obsessed with proving his masculinity and changing into the man she wants him to be. When Lady Macbeth asks, “Are you a man?”, he replies, “Ay, and a bold one, that dare look on that / Which might appal the devil,” (3.4). The words “bold” and “dare” emphasise his manly bravery. The phrase “might appal the devil” serves to prove he is stronger than the ultimate source of evil, providing an exaggerated perspective of his manhood.
“I had else been perfect; / Whole as the marble, founded as the rock, / As broad and general as the casing air: / But now I am cabined, cribbed, confined, bound in / To saucy doubts and fears,”
When he hears that Fleance escaped, Macbeth admits he is scared again, adding, “I had else been perfect; / Whole as the marble, founded as the rock, / As broad and general as the casing air: / But now I am cabined, cribbed, confined, bound in / To saucy doubts and fears,” (3.4). The use of the adjective “perfect” implies fear somehow pollutes or taints manhood. Macbeth is a flawed man because of his “doubts and fears”. The similes referring to “marble”, “rock”, and “air” portray men as powerful, strong, and dominant, like nature itself. “Marble” connotes sculptures or luxury, suggesting masculinity is flawlessly constructed by God. His “doubts and fears” overwhelm and surround him, and Shakespeare argues this is why Macbeth continues murdering others and being a tyrant - as a means of escape.
“I’ll fight till from my flesh be hacked,” (5.3)
“Why should I play the Roman fool and die / On mine own sword? Whiles I see lives, the gashes / Do better upon them,” (5.5)
Macbeth’s attitudes towards masculinity almost do a full circle. In his final battle he decides he will fight to the death rather than surrendering or committing suicide. He knows he is going to lose but he fights anyway, suggesting that some of his courage and honour have been restored to him. He says, “I’ll fight till from my flesh be hacked,” (5.3), and later, “Why should I play the Roman fool and die / On mine own sword? Whiles I see lives, the gashes / Do better upon them,” (5.5). In the army, it was considered more honourable to die in battle than to surrender. Shakespeare’s audience would recognise this decision as the sign of a noble hero and a real man. However, it is possible that this scene shows Macbeth can only thrive in battle, thus masculinity is associated once more with violence.
