Gender Discrimination In Lady Macbeth

“All women are born evil.” -Jean Giraudoux. From the beginning, Eve gave Adam the apple. This marked the moment when women were destined to be evil. Eve, who craved for power, who convinced Adam to eat the apple, used her femininity to manipulate him. This strategy became a characteristic inside women. Thus, throughout the ages, women used manipulation to achieve their desires; however, women are not the only ones at fault. Men and women alike are prone to greed, vengeance, hunger for power, and selfish ambitions for themselves. Because humanity itself is corrupt, one gender cannot be blamed. In The Tragedy of Macbeth, William Shakespeare elucidates that power is not gender specific and anyone can wield it regardless of their gender through the characterization of the manipulative Lady Macbeth, the bold Lady Macduff, and the mad Macbeth. In the beginning of the play, Shakespeare demonstrates Lady Macbeth’s dominance over her husband to highlight women are just as corrupt as men. Lady Macbeth manipulates her husband by calling him

Lady Macbeth stereotypical role as a female is to be a “good wife” and care for her husband. During this time, women had no status, during this time, women were nothing; their status was entirely dependent on their husband’s; thus, they are one unit. This mentorship became the norm for women to devote all their efforts in creating the most “impeccable husband” so they could reap the benefits. Lady Macbeth is an extreme example of wives aiding their husbands. This perception of women, as nothing but mere advocates may have causes Lady Macbeth’s frustration within herself, which leads to her selfish ambitions in becoming queen. Lady Macbeth sees herself as a worthy queen, maybe more than her weak husband. Shakespeare elucidates those who want power only act in their benefit, not for anyone