Macbeth and Manhood Essay - 1087 Words

Manhood and its definition is a major theme in Shakespeare’s play Macbeth. On first appearance, Macbeth is characterized as a loyal and valiant thane in defense of the honor of Scotland and King Duncan. The brutality that he shows as a warrior on the battlefield is an acceptable and lauded trait. These attributes come into question as the witches introduce the prophecies tempting Macbeth’s vaulting ambition. After the regicide, Macbeth is damned and is no longer concerned with being honorable. He covets immediate gratification at all costs and by all means. However, this gratification is temporary due to that Macbeth later on, experiences guilt and regret which directs him towards his morbid fate and ultimate demise. The hierarchy†¦show more content†¦Macbeth’s exceptional devotion to instinctively secure the king’s survival, earned him his new title and high regard. His manliness attributes has thus then portrayed him as the perfect role model fo r the other men. As an allotment of manhood, the essence of brutality, especially in a warrior, is deemed essential. Men are expected to have that ruthlessness among their character as it was envisioned by humans beforehand. â€Å"Because this state of mind is rarely attained, and when achieved, nearly impossible to maintain, androgyny is an ideal goal- a vision of unity and harmony beyond the confines of gender, within the confines of the human† (Kimbrough 133). They are envisaged to be very masculine and cruel in order to be able to kill their opponents in battle without feeling guilt or regret. It is a man’s job to prolong this aspect due to that women are defined to have a gentle heart and be regretful of any vicious acts. In the play, Macbeth displays his brutality as a tenacious, barbaric warrior, fulfilling his duty of being a protector to King Duncan. Macbeth first demonstrates his cruelty at the execution of McDonwald when he slits the traitor’s body. T hroughout the story, he had never once felt remorse for the opponents he had killed for it was his value of loyalty to King Duncan that motivated him. Brutality and loyalty were the foundations of earning the title â€Å"Thane of Cawdor,† thus making Macbeth already contented with this honor. Macbeth is certain thatShow MoreRelatedPortrayal Of Manhood In Macbeth1141 Words   |  5 PagesCatherine Murry ENGL 201B Instructor Finger 12/14/17 Mangled Manhood What it means to have a semblance of manhood is something that has been debated for centuries. There have been specific gender roles that play the part in enforcing manhood, and the idea of what a man has to do to keep his manhood has evolved as time went on. The concept of manhood plays a big role in William Shakespeare’s Macbeth. 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The motif of gender recurs many times in Shakespeare’s work. Being a â€Å"man† in Macbeth means that you must be physically capable, cruel, and do what ever it takes to accomplish one’s goals. Women were supposed to obey their husbands and be good. Evil fromRead MoreThe Influence of Masculinity in Shakespeares Macbeth Essay524 Words   |  3 PagesMacbeth uses his manhood to portray his solider like qualities, but Lady Macbeth’s masculinity manipulates Macbeth’s actions, however, in the end it is Macbeth who uses his masculinity to do heinous actions. Macbeth uses his solider like qualities to exemplify his masculinity. When the captain was explaining to Duncan about Macbeth the Captain says, â€Å"Yes, as sparrows eagles, or the hare the lion. †¦ they were as cannons overcharged with double cracks, so they doubly redoubled strokes upon the foe†