Manhood in Macbeth by Shakespeare

We might have many different ways to define manhood. We may define manhood as a state of being a human being. With Shakespeare has his own way to define manhood and through the definition he allows his viewers to describe it. In Macbeth essay, masculinity shown as a driving force to Macbeth’s crimes, making it a vital theme. Through Macbeth and Lady Macbeth we will focus on masculinity. It beginning Shakespeare states Macbeth as “valiant”: a priced masculine quality and the key to respect in their society.

In Act 1, Macbeth is represented by Shakespeare with admired masculine qualities criticizing his idiosyncrasies. Description of Lady Macbeth of a man is desperate to others. In scene 2, he shows Macbeth as “brave”. He is clearly a brave warrior a leader at the start of the drama but he becomes a victim in witches’ predictions. Through strength of his own ambitions, Macbeth is clearly worried which he refers to as black and deep desires. Macbeth has a quality of being “ruthless” we can say Macbeth was ruthless because when Lady Macbeth comes with the idea of killing Duncan, he goes ahead and kill him. Through his play, Shakespeare gives suggestion of a really man should be. He states that man should serve justice, but at the same time, show some respectable characteristics. Macbeth believes that manhood consists of a man who experiences success and accomplishments. After Lady Macbeth questions for his masculinity, Macbeth replies, “I dare do all that they may become a man; who dares do more is none” (1.7.46-47) (1.7.46-47)

Through the tragic play, Macbeth, by Shakespeare we as the audience we learn the differing expectations and standards regarding to manhood.

Work Cited

Shakespeare, William. “Macbeth (Folger Shakespeare Library).” (1992): 304.