English: Macbeth - Gender

• What concept is explored throughout the play regarding characters?

  Gender roles and expectations
• How is masculinity portrayed in the play?

  As a desired trait often questioned
• What does Lady Macbeth question about Macbeth in Act 3, Scene 4?

  His manhood
• What does Macduff mean by feeling grief "as a man"?

  He must express grief according to masculine norms
• What era is referenced regarding strict gender roles?

  The Jacobean era
• What were women expected to be in the Jacobean era?

  Loyal and respectful daughters, wives, and mothers
• How were men viewed in contrast to women during the Jacobean era?

  Men had more freedom and power
• What was considered an honourable act for men in the Medieval Era?

  Being a warrior and dying in battle
• How does Lady Macbeth challenge Macbeth's masculinity?

  By taunting him about being a coward
• What does Macbeth's response to Lady Macbeth's taunts reveal about him?

  His insecurity regarding his masculinity
• What does Macbeth imply about manhood in his line about doing all that may become a man?

  Manhood is tied to honour, not violence
• What transformation does Macbeth undergo due to Lady Macbeth's influence?

  He becomes obsessed with proving his masculinity
• How does Macbeth's final battle reflect his views on masculinity?

  He chooses to fight rather than surrender
• What does Malcolm represent in terms of masculinity?

  A deeper, more emotional form of manhood
• How does Macduff's reaction to his family's slaughter challenge traditional masculinity?

  It shows deep emotional distress and love
• What does Malcolm's advice to Macduff about grieving suggest about masculinity?

  It reflects a close-minded view of manhood
• How does Lady Macbeth's character challenge traditional gender roles?

  She is manipulative and domineering
• What archetype does Lady Macbeth represent in relation to femininity?

  A femme fatale
• What does Lady Macbeth hope to do with Macbeth when she says she wants to "pour [her] spirits in [his] ear"?

  She wants to persuade him to act
• How does Lady Macbeth's manipulation relate to the theme of the fall of man?

  It leads to Macbeth's tragic downfall
• What is Lady Macbeth's character significance in Shakespeare's presentation of gender?

  She rejects the traditional subservient wife role
• How does Lady Macbeth's character drive the plot forward?

  Her lust for power manipulates Macbeth
• What does Lady Macbeth attack to manipulate Macbeth?

  Macbeth's manhood
• What type of power does Lady Macbeth possess?

  Purely mental power
• How does Lady Macbeth's manipulation relate to femininity and the fall of man?

  It associates femininity with man's downfall
• Which biblical figure does Lady Macbeth's manipulation resemble?

  Eve convincing Adam
• What archetype does Lady Macbeth represent?

  Femme fatale
• What does Lady Macbeth hope to do when Macbeth returns home?

  Pour her spirits in his ear
• What does the reference to "spirits" imply about Lady Macbeth's intentions?

  She wants to possess Macbeth
• How does Shakespeare link witchcraft with Lady Macbeth's character?

  It implies unnatural female power
• What alternative interpretation exists regarding Lady Macbeth's manipulation?

  Criticism of society denying women freedom
• How is Lady Macbeth's power tied to Macbeth?

  Her status depends on his power
• What does Lady Macbeth's soliloquy in Act 1, Scene 5 reveal?

  Her rejection of femininity
• What does Lady Macbeth ask to be filled with in her soliloquy?

  Direst cruelty
• What does Lady Macbeth mean by wanting her blood to be made "thick"?

  To stop her menstruation and weakness
• What does Lady Macbeth want to eliminate to pursue her ambition?

  Emotional or hormonal aspects of womanhood
• What does Lady Macbeth's reference to "milk" signify?

  Motherhood and femininity
• How does Lady Macbeth's soliloquy align her with witchcraft?

  She summons evil spirits
• What does Lady Macbeth's desire to be "unsexed" imply?

  She associates cruelty with masculinity
• What does Shakespeare suggest about powerful women through Lady Macbeth?

  They may be aligned with evil