Gender (Macbeth)

• How are men stereotypically portrayed in Macbeth?

  Associated with violence
• What do the Macbeths equate manhood with?

  Cruelty and aggression
• How is the play Macbeth described in terms of its view on women?

  Arguably misogynistic
• What roles do women play in Macbeth?

  Manipulative, hags, or unfortunate mothers
• What does "fair is foul and foul is fair" suggest about the witches?

  They are unnatural women with power
• How do the witches influence Macbeth's ambition?

  They plant the desire for the throne
• What violent act is Macbeth praised for at the start of the play?

  Splitting Macdonwald in two
• How does Lady Macbeth view her husband's kindness?

  As a weakness preventing him from seizing power
• What does Lady Macbeth mean by "unsex me"?

  She wants to reject femininity for power
• What does Lady Macbeth associate with manliness?

  Violence and cruelty
• How does Lady Macbeth manipulate Macbeth's perception of manhood?

  By challenging his courage and bravery
• What does Macbeth mean by "I dare do all that may become a man"?

  He refers to honorable actions
• How does Lady Macbeth's imagery of "milk" function in the play?

  It equates kindness with weakness
• What does Lady Macbeth's willingness to kill her child suggest about her character?

  She is ruthless and ambitious
• How does Macbeth respond to Lady Macbeth's challenge of his manhood?

  He ultimately decides to kill Duncan
• What does Macbeth's choice to kill Duncan signify about his character?

  He loses his honor and integrity
• How does Macbeth's paranoia about Banquo reflect his character development?

  He fears losing the throne and his power
• What does Lady Macbeth accuse Macbeth of when he sees Banquo's ghost?

  Of cowardice
• How does the phrase "something wicked this way comes" describe Macbeth's transformation?

  He becomes a wicked 'thing' devoid of honor
• What does Macduff's character represent in contrast to Macbeth?

  Good fatherhood and emotional humanity
• What realization does Macbeth have about the witches at the end?

  He has been tricked by them
• What does Malcolm's restoration of order signify?

  Hope for a different way to wield power
• How does the cycle of violence relate to men's nature in the play?

  It suggests inherent violence in men
• What does Macduff's call on God imply about leadership?

  Leaders should care for the vulnerable
• What are the key themes of masculinity and femininity in Macbeth?

  • Men associated with violence and aggression
  • Women portrayed as manipulative or nurturing
  • Lady Macbeth's rejection of femininity for power
  • Macbeth's struggle with his manhood
  • Contrast between Macbeth and Macduff's masculinity
• How does Shakespeare portray the witches in relation to gender?

  • Witches depicted as unnatural women
  • Their beards symbolize gender distortion
  • They manipulate Macbeth's ambition
  • Represent forces of evil and deception
• What is the significance of Lady Macbeth's imagery and language?

  • Equates kindness with weakness
  • Calls on spirits to gain power
  • Challenges Macbeth's masculinity
  • Represents the struggle for power in a patriarchal society
• How does the play explore the consequences of ambition?

  • Ambition leads to moral corruption
  • Macbeth's rise results in paranoia and tyranny
  • Lady Macbeth's ambition leads to her madness
  • The cycle of violence perpetuates through ambition