Examples Of Manhood In Macbeth

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In the play of Macbeth the topic of manhood is very prevalent. It seems as though there are many ways to define the word manhood. The actual definition of manhood is; qualities traditionally associated with men, such as courage, strength, and sexual potency. There are also many different ways to think of this. There are lovers and fighters. Both probably have their manhood but its explained differently. Lovers are more there for the girls whatever gets the girl right. Fighters are rough and tough, big guys or small ones I guess that just have that fire in their eyes. As I have read and studied this play the topic of manhood is brought up in every single act of this play. Macbeth is, in a way, centered around manhood and how women use it to their advantage.
In act 1 scene 7 in lines 47-49 Lady Macbeth says “What beast was’t then. That made you break this enterprise to me? When you durst do it, then you were a man.” She is talking about killing Duncan and Macbeth doesn’t want to do it. Ultimately when she says this she is calling Macbeth a pansy and challenges his manhood. Macbeth doesn’t like this and goes with her plan. Really if Macbeth was a real man he …show more content…

In act 3 scene 1 lines 90-94 Macbeth is talking to the murders. He says,"Ay, in the catalogue ye go for men; As hounds and greyhounds, mongrels, spaniels, curs, Shoughs, water-rugs and demi-wolves, are clept All by the name of dogs" These murders don’t want to kill Banquo and his son, until Macbeth says they aren’t men. These guys puff out their chests and start telling Macbeth that they are the worst of cutthroats and they are the manliest men ever. When Macbeth sees Banquo’s ghost in his chair at the party and freaks out Lady Macbeth tells him he is being a nervous, foolish, woman, not like a man at all. She openly calls him a wimp. Macbeth takes her “advise” and challenges the ghost and drives it

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