The Theme Of Manhood In Macbeth

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Foolish Pride (An analysis of Macbeth and the theme of manhood) “Does a true man take what he wants no matter what it is, or is a real man one who will have the strength to restrain his desires” (Florman)? Macbeth clearly thought that the first option was the true form of manhood, based on his actions in the play Macbeth. Throughout the play, it seemed as if he was in a constant battle with himself to prove his manhood to someone. Macbeth wasn’t the only character who proved his manhood, or thought that he did. In the play Macbeth, by William Shakespeare, the theme of manhood may have been the most important and evident theme. First of all, Macbeth’s most promising theme proved self-evident, through the character of Macbeth. “Stars, hide your fires! Let not light see my black and deep desires” (Act 1 Scene 4 Lines 50 and 51). Macbeth was spurred with desires to kill Duncan in Act 1, but as time drew closer to the murder he decided that he should not follow through with this. Alas, Lady Macbeth proved her dominance by questioning the utmost important thing to him, which was his manhood. Macbeth quickly changed his mind and was determined to convince his wife that he was not a weak husband. It’s absolutely insane how far men will go to prove this theme of manhood to their peers. Most certainly, …show more content…

Macbeth is trying to persuade two men into believing Banquo is their enemy, in an attempt to kill Banquo while also leaving Macbeth’s hands free of blood. The two of them tell Macbeth how they are merely men, to which Macbeth replies manipulatively. "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" (Act 3 Scene 1 Lines 92-95). Macbeth explains to the men that they are not true men until they kill Banquo, which as we all know they go on to

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