Manhood in The Tragedy of Macbeth - 1133 Words

In Shakespeare’s Macbeth, he uses the theme of manhood to create motives for characters to act like a man. This is seen in many occurrences in Macbeth where characters try to act like men for certain reasons. Characters that apply this action are Macbeth, the first murderer, Macduff, and Young Siward. These actions are seen throughout the play, and play a key role in the development of the performance. Macbeth tells himself to act like a man in the following lines: â€Å"Prithee, peace! / I dare do all that may become a man; / Who dares do more is none† (I, vii, 45-47). This quote by Macbeth shows how he wants to be a man by killing King Duncan, but he does not think this would be an act of righteousness. Macbeth is in a controversy with†¦show more content†¦/Macbeth: Ay, and a bold one, that dare look on that / Which might appall the devil† (III, iv, 59-61). In these lines by Lady Macbeth and Macbeth, Macbeth says this to prove to Lady Macbeth he is a man. He also says this to prove to Lady Macbeth that he can be trusted to not reveal the secret of him plotting the death of Banquo to the other characters at the banquet. In the same scene Macbeth says to Banquo: â€Å"What man dare, I dare† (III, iv, 100). This line spoken by Macbeth shows how he is showing bravery toward the ghost of Banquo. Macbeth is emphasizing to Banquo that he is a man and Banquo can appear in any form to him and he will not be frightened or show signs of fear. This line spoken by Macbeth shows to the audience he is not going to appear scared because it is manlier to appear to be brave than scared. Another character who is told to act like a man is Macduff. When Macduff hears the news that his family has been murdered he starts to cry. Malcolm then tells him: â€Å"Dispute it like a man† (IV, iii, 219). Macduff responds by saying: â€Å"I shall do so; / But I must also feel it as a man† (IV, iii, 220-221). These lines spoken by Malcolm and Macduff show how manhood is seen differently between them. Macduff understands manhood as remaining strong, but it is not necessary to remain strong when certain occurrences come about. Malcolm’s view of manhood is to always remain strong and always do what is seen as the manly thing to do. In this scene Macduff stillShow MoreRelatedLady Macbeth940 Words   |  4 PagesLady Macbeth Shakespeare, who was a writer born in Stratford-upon-Avon created many different plays, in which he always portrayed the woman as the â€Å"bad guy.† He was born in 1564 and he was a writer, actor and a dramatist. He wrote many plays, mostly revolving around tragedy such as: Romeo and Juliet, Hamlet and Macbeth. Shakespeare was a respected poet, and writer who received recognition after he passed away, April 23rd. 1616. 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