Theme Of Masculinity In Macbeth

William Shakespeare develops the motif of masculinity to show contrast between the male characters in Macbeth and to determine who best exemplifies the qualities of a man. The characters who epitomize a man’s emotion, strength, and loyalty prosper, whereas those who do not suffer a lonely demise. Shakespeare’s belief that man must be faithful, sympathetic, and reasonable greatly contrasts from the fierce and impassive depiction of man in the 16th and 17th century. Shakespeare’s use of the motif of masculinity is effective in defining what it is to be or not to be a man when Macbeth defends his manliness, when Macduff and Macbeth react to the loss of their loved ones, and when young Siward nobly dies in battle.

Although Macbeth is a tyrannous,

The once nervous, subservient thane becomes an immoral, malevolent king. The characteristics embodied by Lady Macbeth in the earlier acts that contradict the virtues of masculinity are transferred to Macbeth. Macbeth wishes only to keep the throne and not even the death of Lady Macbeth can evoke emotion from him. He responds to the news with the fact that “she should have died hereafter” and that life is merely an elusive game playing tricks on the mind up until death (5.5.20). To an audience of Shakespeare’s time, his insensitivity would come off as emotionless, tough, and masculine. However, Shakespeare means to convey the complete opposite. He creates a foil in the form of Macduff to show how masculinity is not characterized by impassiveness. When Macduff learns of the death of his family he is immediately struck by grief. He knows he must get revenge “but [he] must also feel it as a man” (4.3.261). The deaths of his “pretty chickens and their dam” (4.3.257) allow him to exhibit sorrow and emotion. Macduff clearly loves his family and he acts out of the goodness of his country. His nobility and honor make him an emblem of masculinity. Audiences are able to respect Macduff and sympathize with him but also set a standard for Macbeth. Macbeth clearly falls short of the standard with his disinterested response to the death of Lady Macbeth and he is eventually killed by Macduff. The

Rather than the tough, detached Macbeth prevailing in the end, the victory goes to Macduff and Malcolm. Shakespeare is effective in persuading audiences and readers that characteristics such as overconfidence, impassiveness, and toughness do not define masculinity, in fact they lead to the downfall of Macbeth. It is the logical, patriotic, and brave characters that end the tyranny and epitomize masculinity. Shakespeare does not completely obliterate the old definition of masculinity as he keeps the ideas of bravery, honor, and loyalty. These traits are crucial attributes and the removal of them would displease audiences of the Shakespearean era. William Shakespeare purpose of the motif of masculinity extends beyond the play to alter the misconception that masculinity equals strength and ferocity rather than reasonable, noble, and