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Examples Of Manhood In Macbeth

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What does it mean to be a man? Manhood is defined differently by everyone. It could mean being courageous or even having self control. Throughout the play Macbeth, the theme of manhood comes up a lot. The author of the play, Shakespeare, must have thought that the idea of manhood was very important. In every act of the play there is at least one instance where manhood is brought to the attention of the audience. From the play, Macbeth, there are many different themes of masculinity and manhood. To begin, in Act I of the play Macbeth, Lady Macbeth called into question Macbeth’s manhood. When conspiring against the King, Macbeth tells his wife that he does not want to kill the King anymore. She immediately questions Macbeth about whether he …show more content…

Macbeth orders the killing of everyone in Macduff's castle and when Macduff gets the news, he is stricken with grief. He pulls his hat over his eyes so no one can see him weep. When Malcolm sees this he says, "Dispute it like a man" (Act IV Scene iii, Line 220) Malcolm is telling Macduff that real men don’t cry and that he need to keep his emotions in check. Malcolm doesn’t want to see Macduff cry over his family, he wants to see Macduff take his revenge out on Macbeth. Truthfully, Macduff has every right to weep over his family, but real man don’t cry according to Malcolm. In conclusion, there are many themes about manhood in every Act of Shakespeare's play Macbeth. Whether it is questioning someone else’s manhood or not feeling like a real man because of the clothes you are wearing. Manhood no doubt is a central theme in the play. Manhood is perceived differently all over the world. Many think being a man means being a gentleman while others think it means never giving up no matter how hard it is. Manhood will be debated for as long as people are different. What do you think it means to be a

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