Macbeth Case

The theme of manhood is reoccurring in William Shakespeare's Macbeth. In the play, Shakespeare uses manhood to stress the deeds involved with being king of Scotland, such as the death of King Duncan. Shakespeare's detailed descriptions and dialogue help the reader to grasp the intended meaning of manhood being put forth at different times in the play. In Macbeth, Shakespeare uses different definitions of manhood, all of which are shown through changing characters, to show the true meaning of manhood itself. In the play, Manhood is displayed through Lady Macbeth when she pressures her husband into killing by challenging his manhood.

Manhood occurs in plenty of ways throughout this play, one type of Manhood is displayed by Lady Macbeth. In the play, Lady Macbeth often times acts as the "boss" of Macbeth thinking she has control over him, which she ultimately does in the end, and displays a sense of manhood. "Come, you spirits / That tend on mortal thoughts, unsex me here, / And fill me from the crown to the toe top-full/Of direst cruelty!" (I.V. 40-43). This quote shows Lady Macbeth's idea that manhood is related solely to a strong urge of determination, and nothing else. Throughout the play, Lady Macbeth shows her lack of feminine characteristics, and therefore displays a more manly stature. The idea, that man will always make strong choices, even when times aren't well. In life today, this is a very common idea for many women to behold, since in the past, men made all the choices. This is seen in the play when Lady Macbeth is forced to arrange the aspects of the death of King Duncan, because Macbeth is unable to do so, without his manhood being questioned.

Another way that manhood is seen in the play is through the use of it as a substitute for sorrow. Although this theme only apears a few times during the play, it is still a powerful display of the strength of manhood. One instance in which manhood overcomes sorrow is when Macbeth orders the murder of MacDuff's entire family. This disturbing display of power by Macbeth is by far the most ruthless and heartless killing of any throughout the play. After hearing of the murder, MacDuff says, "I shall do so; / But I must also feel it as a man." (IV. III. 220-221). He says this in response to his fellow peers telling him to toughen up, and to not let this bring him down. Following the murder, Macduff seems somewhat unaffected in his mind, but emotionally, he is enraged, and wants revenge in any way he can achieve it. In the end, he achieves his revenge in a final fight with Macbeth, where he kills him with his own hands.

Indecision as a result of manhood in the play Macbeth is a very common and reoccurring theme. Indecision is seen in the form of a man lacking the ability to make a conclusion on a certain topic without the aid of another person's influence. Manhood related indecision causes many political and ethical

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