Gender

• How does Shakespeare explore gender roles in his works?

  He shows how they can be challenged or reinforced
• What traditional ideas are questioned in Macbeth?

  Masculinity and femininity are questioned
• How do Macbeth and Lady Macbeth distort gender expectations?

  By reversing roles in their pursuit of power
• What does the play Macbeth warn about rejecting gender roles?

  It leads to chaos and destruction
• Why is gender important in Macbeth?

  It reveals power dynamics in relationships
• How does ambition intersect with gender expectations in Macbeth?

  It exposes conflicts between masculinity and femininity
• What do Jacobean beliefs about gender roles reflect in Macbeth?

  They reflect ideas of divine order
• What does Macbeth believe true manhood includes?

  Honour and restraint, not just violence
• How does Shakespeare present masculinity in Macbeth?

  As conflicted, especially with Macbeth's brutality
• What happens to Macbeth's masculinity as he embraces cruelty?

  It becomes toxic and destructive
• What critique does Shakespeare make about hyper-masculine violence?

  It leads to negative consequences and ambition
• What does Lady Macbeth ask to be stripped of?

  Compassion to become more masculine
• How does Lady Macbeth view ruthlessness?

  As necessary for power, a male trait
• How does Lady Macbeth manipulate Macbeth's masculinity?

  By challenging his courage and manhood
• What is the outcome of Lady Macbeth's rejection of femininity?

  It leads to her mental breakdown and death
• How does Lady Macbeth's line about water contrast with her later actions?

  It shows her guilt returning despite suppression
• How does Macbeth's character change as he becomes more violent?

  He embodies Jacobean ideas of masculinity
• What were men expected to be in Jacobean society?

  Strong, rational, and dominant
• What were women expected to be in Jacobean society?

  Passive, nurturing, and obedient
• How would Lady Macbeth's subversion of gender roles be viewed by a contemporary audience?

  As deeply unnatural and dangerous
• What warning does Shakespeare convey through gender role reversal?

  Disturbing natural roles leads to chaos
• How does disrupting the divine order of kingship relate to gender roles?

  Both lead to chaos and disorder