The Theme of Masculinity in Shakespeare’s play, Macbeth :: GCSE Coursework Macbeth

The Theme of Masculinity in Macbeth  Ã‚  Ã‚   In Shakespeare’s play, Macbeth‚ the theme of masculinity is explored. As Macbeth matures‚ there are times when his masculinity is put to the test, mostly after the murder of Duncan. There are four main themes in which masculinity is presented in the play. It was once considered that the more bloodthirsty and violent you were, the more manly you would be considered. Patriotism was regarded as a very masculine pathway and to die in battle for your cause, or better, for your country was in some ways a great act of heroism and a honourable way to die‚. This is one of the main themes of masculinity explored in Macbeth and can be illustrated by the simple quote of the man who will soon cold-bloodedly kill Banquo. The question put forth by Macbeth is whether the murderer will try and be a good Christian. He believes that to kill another man will make him more of a man and replies, We are men, my liege.‚ We can see patriotism active in the play when Siward seems unmoved by the news of the death of his son brought to him by Ross. Pleased in the knowledge that his son died an honourable man, fighting for his cause, he is happy because, knowing that his sons wounds were on his chest, he knows his son was not killed running away. If that was the case, Siward would not of though of his own son so highly. But like a man he died‚ There is a point where one cannot do anything that will make one more of a man‚ is a concept that Macbeth argues, indirectly, in the play. He thinks that after the murder of Duncan, which is wife thought made him a great man, there is nothing that he could do to be more of a man‚, Macbeth believes that he has done the ultimate deed, and that to do anything else to try to prove yourself would just be wrong because it would overshadow the deed that was done before it. I dare do all that may become a man; Who dares do more is none.‚ In Lady Macbeth‚s eyes if Macbeth did not kill Duncan than he would not be a man to her anymore, she believes that he would be denying all urges for greater wealth and prosperity that man should have. She is wondering why he is not taking the opportunity to be king when he can easily do so, in reality, we know why Macbeth is contemplating the murder of Macbeth, because he has morals, qualities that we consider manly today.