Gendered reading of Macbeth

By Robyn McCoyGendered reading of Macbeth

P.S everyone, sorry if I sound a bit croaky, I was struggling with a sore and scratchy throat haha enjoy Definitions Gender: A term of social classification that refers to the sexual difference and the roles, identities and practices that are related to sex differences in culture.Gendered Reading: In literature, gendered readings focus on the representations of femininity and masculinity in texts-how they are produced and why, and what effects they may have.

List of TraitsFEMININE:SubmissiveDependentUnintelligent and IncapableEmotionalReceptiveIntuitiveWeakTimidContentPassiveCooperativeSensitiveAttractive because of physical appearanceMASCULINE:DominantIndependent Intelligent and competent Analytical and LogicalRationalBraveStrongAmbitiousCompetitiveStrongAssertiveAttractive because of achievements

ORIGINsCicerostates "a man's chief quality iscourage." theHebrew Biblestates King David of Israel told his son "Be strong, and be a man" upon David's death.To be a man you have to be brave, cruel and strongIdeas of masculinity seen in myths about Gods and Heros: -Ancient Greece Mythology- Zeus - Roman Mythology- Mars, Saturn - Norse Mythology- Odin, Thor - Ancient Egyptian Mythology- Ra,

Macbeth Macbeth is praised for his work in battle in Act 1, Scene 2 Is made Thane of Cawdor because of his personal venture, admired for being afraid of nothing and his multiple killings.Ideas of valor and honor ProtagonistRelationship between cruelty-masculinity-bravery-ambition

Lady MacbethThe character of Lady Macbeth helps establish and emphasize masculine characteristicsShe criticizes him for being weak and cowardly when he does not go through with the murder She seems to be the driving force for Macbeths plans and uses manipulation to get him to do what she wantsIn this way lady Macbeth and Macbeth subvert gender role expectations

MacduffHis love and care for his family is evident, which contrasts to Macbeth who does not seem to care when his wife diesSeems to embody Shakespeares idea of what a man should be-strong, but also able to show emotionWhen he learns of his familys death, he is told to dispute it like a man. and he replies, I shall do so, / But I must also feel it as a man

Affected ResponseSophisticated and unique for its timeMakes us question ideas on femininity and masculinity in current life and how they shape our actions, thoughts and expectationsExplores the idea of men expressing an emotional side and how this does not make them weak but only enhances masculinity, which I believe is an idea seen more commonly today

Why This Information Is Useful Can be used in exam questions involving; -discourses and readings -character construction