Exmine the Masculine and Feminine Representations in...

The Elizabethan ideology of the traditional gender roles is constantly challenged and manipulated throughout the play, Macbeth. William Shakespeare explores the relationship between gender and power within the play, challenging the male dominant society of the 16th century. The play is set in the 11th century, Scotland where a patriarchal society is portrayed through the characters within the Shakespearean production. Qualities such as courage, honour, braveness and control were reflected at that time as masculinity. Macbeth is portrayed through these characteristics in the beginning of the play, whereas the feminine character, Lady Macbeth, was portrayed as ruthless and ‘power-hungry’. These qualities are usually associated with†¦show more content†¦Lady Macbeth is a tragic hero as she is caught up in the possession of power, much like her husband, Macbeth. During the time of Macbeth as well as in the outer world of the play, many believed in the chain of being. Monarchs were God’s appointed representatives on earth; they called this the â€Å"Devine right of kings†. Rebelling against monarchs was an insult to God, and this was exactly what Macbeth did in order to secure his own power, which was not rightfully his choice to make. During the first few scenes in the play, the audience view Macbeth as the epitome of the Elizabethan men as he portrays all the qualities of masculinity. Yet we soon see him crumbling under Lady Macbeth’s power as Macbeth feels remorseful and ridden with guilt when his wife persuades him to commit regicide, therefore defying the traditional gender roles. Macbeth sees the Masculinity in his wife and acknowledges her strength and power, he believes that it would be fitting for her to give birth to â€Å"men-children only† and that she has all the makings of a strong and brave man. Mac beth is ambitious, he craves power, and regains his masculine qualities when he becomes aggressive and murders king Duncan, disrupting the royal line. Once Macbeth becomes king, he loses his apprehensive nature and now is not persuaded by his wife but is the persuader of Lady Macbeth, this is the support of his dominant role in the patriarchal