Macbeth-GENDER

• What concept is explored throughout the play regarding characters?

  The concept of 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 was a very strict and rigid construction
• 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 near 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 viewed as one of the most honorable things a man could be?

  Being a warrior
• How does Shakespeare present different types of masculinity in the play?

  He presents many different types of masculinity
• How does Lady Macbeth taunt Macbeth about his masculinity?

  She accuses him of being a "coward"
• What does Macbeth's response to Lady Macbeth's taunts reveal about him?

  It highlights his insecurity
• What does Macbeth mean when he says, "I dare do all that may become a man"?

  He suggests that manhood is tied to honor
• What does Lady Macbeth imply about masculinity when she questions Macbeth's refusal to murder Duncan?

  She suggests that masculinity is proven with violence
• What are the two types of manhood Shakespeare implies exist in the play?

  Violent and chivalrous
• What does Macbeth become obsessed with after Lady Macbeth's insults?

  He becomes obsessed with proving his masculinity
• What does Macbeth say in response to Lady Macbeth's question, "Are you a man?"

  He replies, "Ay, and a bold one, that dare look on that / Which might appal the devil"
• What do the words "bold" and "dare" emphasize in Macbeth's response?

  They emphasize his manly bravery
• What does the phrase "might appal the devil" suggest about Macbeth's view of his manhood?

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

  Both end up dead
• How are fear and paranoia viewed in relation to masculinity in the Jacobean era?

  They are deemed incompatible with masculinity
• How does Macbeth struggle with his 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 express when he hears about Fleance's escape?

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

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

  They portray men as powerful, strong, and dominant
• What does Macbeth's "doubts and fears" lead him to do?

  It leads him to continue murdering others and being a tyrant
• What does Macbeth decide in his final battle?

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

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

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

  He presents a deeper, more emotional form of manhood
• What does Malcolm's testing of Macduff's morals suggest about masculinity?

  It associates masculinity with unstoppable sexual desire
• What does Macduff's admission about "Boundless intemperance" suggest?

  It suggests men are encouraged to be tyrants
• How does Macduff react to the slaughter of his children and wife?

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

  It suggests masculinity can be tender and loving
• What does Malcolm mean when he tells Macduff to "Dispute it like a man"?

  He suggests the appropriate manly response is to wage war