Gender

• What is a central theme in Macbeth related to gender?

  The roles characters are confined to
• How is masculinity portrayed in Macbeth?

  As a desired trait often questioned
• What does Lady Macbeth question to challenge Macbeth's masculinity?

  If he is a "man"
• How do the Macbeths feel about gender expectations?

  They feel restrained by these expectations
• What was the gender construction like in the Jacobean era?

  Strict and rigid
• What roles were women expected to fulfill in the Jacobean era?

  Daughters, wives, and mothers
• What could happen to women who angered men in their lives?

  They could be kicked out or killed
• How were men viewed in comparison to women during the Jacobean era?

  They had significantly easier lives
• What was considered an honourable act for men in the Medieval Era?

  To die in battle
• What message does Shakespeare convey through different types of masculinity?

  He questions the validity of each type
• How does Lady Macbeth taunt Macbeth regarding his masculinity?

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

  His insecurity regarding masculinity
• What does Macbeth argue about manhood in his reply to Lady Macbeth?

  It is tied to honour, not violence
• How does Macbeth's character change in response to Lady Macbeth's manipulation?

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

  He is "bold" and can face evil
• What does Shakespeare imply about the types of men in the play?

  There are violent and chivalrous types
• How does fear relate to masculinity in the play?

  It is seen as incompatible with masculinity
• What does Macbeth admit after Fleance escapes?

  He is scared again
• What do the similes of "marble" and "rock" suggest about masculinity?

  It portrays men as powerful and strong
• How does Macbeth's fear influence his actions?

  It leads him to continue murdering
• What does Macbeth decide in his final battle?

  To fight to the death
• How is dying in battle viewed in the context of masculinity?

  As a noble and honourable act
• What alternative form of masculinity is presented through Malcolm and Macduff?

  Emotional and deeper than violence
• What does Malcolm associate with masculinity in his conversation with Macduff?

  Unstoppable sexual desire
• What does Macduff say about boundless intemperance?

  It is a tyranny
• How does Macduff react to the news of his family's slaughter?

  He expresses extreme emotional distress
• What does Macduff's expression of love for his children suggest about masculinity?

  It can be tender and loving
• What does Malcolm suggest is the appropriate response to grief?

  To wage war on the enemy
• How does Macduff's response to Malcolm's suggestion challenge traditional masculinity?

  He insists on feeling grief as a man
• How do the female characters in Macbeth transcend gender boundaries?

  They are given agency and power
• What is Lady Macbeth's role in the play regarding gender?

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

  It parallels Eve's influence on Adam
• What are the key characteristics of masculinity in Macbeth?

  • Masculinity is a desired trait
  • Often questioned by others
  • Associated with violence and bravery
  • Can be fragile and insecure
  • Different types portrayed: violent vs. chivalrous
• How do the male characters in Macbeth respond to fear and masculinity?

  • Fear is seen as incompatible with masculinity
  • Characters repress or reject fear
  • Macbeth struggles with his fear
  • Fear leads to further violence and tyranny
• How does Lady Macbeth's character challenge traditional gender roles?

  • She is manipulative and powerful
  • Rejects the subservient wife role
  • Drives the plot through her ambition
  • Her power is mental, not physical
• What alternative masculinity is presented through Malcolm and Macduff?

  • Emotional and deeper than violence
  • Macduff expresses paternal love
  • Malcolm's leadership restores order
  • Challenges traditional views of masculinity
• Who is a significant character in Shakespeare's presentation of gender?

  Lady Macbeth
• How does Shakespeare portray Lady Macbeth's character?

  As manipulative and domineering
• What drives the plot forward in Macbeth?

  Lady Macbeth's lust for power
• What does Lady Macbeth attack to manipulate Macbeth?

  His manhood