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Role Of Women In Macbeth

829 Words4 Pages

Sidney Lobel
English IV/ Period 6
Dr. Harvey
January 9, 2018

The Power Within
In 11th century Scotland, women had a very limited role in society. As the burden of financial sustainment fell upon men, the women’s social position was reduced to that of a mother. Women were expected merely to be good, devoted housewives, looking tenderly after their children. Altogether, they were seen as the weaker gender, submissive towards men, seen to be emotionally unstable and constantly taken by different moods. In a society with no room for female values, Shakespeare carves out a significant space for female characters that grab onto masculinity showing great power and bravery. The characters identify this social construct of femininity as a vulnerability, and therefore seek to de-feminize themselves in order to be able to follow their ambitions.
In the beginning of the play Macbeth is portrayed as a loyal warrior who would do anything for his Country. Macbeth is hailed as a hero because he has killed the rebel McDonald and is continuing to face the Norwegian troops successfully. Macbeth triumphed again capturing the traitor Cawdor, obtaining ransom and a favorable peace treaty from the King of Norway. 'For brave Macbeth - well he deserves that name - ' is used by a Sergeant to describe his actions in battle. 'O valiant cousin, worthy gentleman ' are used by the King.” (1.2.24) This shows that Macbeth really was a hero; as such, a compliment from the King was considered a great

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