Gender

• How is masculinity portrayed in the play?

  Masculinity is seen as the desired trait
• What does Lady Macbeth question about Macbeth in Act 3, Scene 4?

  She questions if he is a "man"
• What does Macduff say about feeling grief?

  He explains he must feel his grief "as a man"
• How do the Macbeths feel about gender expectations?

  They feel restrained by the expectations of their gender
• What was the nature of gender roles in the Jacobean era?

  Gender roles were strict and rigid
• What were women expected to be in the Jacobean era?

  Women were expected to be loyal and respectful daughters, wives, and mothers
• What could happen to women who angered men in their lives?

  They could be kicked out or killed
• What was the financial situation for women in the Jacobean era?

  It was nearly impossible for women to support themselves financially
• How were men viewed in comparison to women in the Jacobean era?

  Men had a significantly easier time than women
• What roles were men expected to fulfill in society?

  Men were householders, politicians, and landlords
• What was celebrated in male sexuality during the Jacobean era?

  Male sexuality was celebrated
• What was considered one of the most honorable things a man could be?

  A warrior
• What does Lady Macbeth do to challenge Macbeth's masculinity?

  She taunts him about his masculinity
• How does Macbeth react to Lady Macbeth's accusations of cowardice?

  He expresses that he cannot withstand the attack on his masculinity
• What does Macbeth argue about manhood in his response to Lady Macbeth?

  He argues that manhood is tied to honor
• What does Shakespeare imply about the types of men people can choose from?

  There are two types: violent and chivalrous
• How does Macbeth's character change in response to Lady Macbeth's insults?

  He becomes obsessed with proving his masculinity
• What does Macbeth claim about his bravery in Act 3, Scene 4?

  He claims he is a "bold" man
• What does the phrase "might appal the devil" suggest about Macbeth's view of his manhood?

  It suggests he has an exaggerated perspective of his manhood
• What happens to both Duncan and Macbeth in the play?

  Both end up dead
• How are fear and masculinity viewed in the Jacobean context?

  Fear and paranoia are deemed incompatible with masculinity
• How does Macbeth's character struggle with fear?

  He struggles to keep his fear at bay
• What does Macbeth feel after Duncan's murder?

  He is scared of the man he has become
• What does Macbeth admit when he hears about Fleance's escape?

  He admits he is scared again
• What does the adjective "perfect" imply about Macbeth's manhood?

  It implies fear taints manhood
• What do the similes referring to "marble," "rock," and "air" suggest about masculinity?

  They portray men as powerful, strong, and dominant
• What does Shakespeare argue about Macbeth's continued murders?

  They are a means of escape from his doubts and fears
• What does Macbeth decide in his final battle?

  He decides to fight to the death
• What does Macbeth's decision to fight suggest about his courage?

  It suggests some of his courage and honor have been restored
• How is dying in battle viewed in the context of the army?

  It is considered more honorable than surrendering
• What alternative form of masculinity does Shakespeare present through Malcolm and Macduff?

  It is a deeper, more emotional form of manhood
• What does Macduff's admission about "boundless intemperance" imply?

  It suggests men are encouraged to be tyrants
• How does Macduff react to the news of his family's slaughter?

  He expresses extreme emotional distress
• What does the phrase "my pretty ones" convey about Macduff's masculinity?

  It expresses deep paternal love
• What does Malcolm suggest is the appropriate manly response to grief?

  To wage war on his enemy
• How does Macduff's response to Malcolm's suggestion about grief differ?

  He implies that repressing grief denies his love
• How do the female characters in the play transcend gender boundaries?

  They are given agency and drive the plot forward
• What is significant about Lady Macbeth's character in terms of gender presentation?

  She is manipulative and domineering
• How does Lady Macbeth's manipulation of Macbeth relate to femininity?

  It associates femininity with the fall of man
• What does Lady Macbeth hope to do when she says she wants to "pour [her] spirits in [his] ear"?

  She wants to persuade him to do her bidding