Blog 18: female role in Shakespeare's Macbeth

Now that our reading of the tragic drama, Macbeth, is complete, we are able to take a more critical eye to aspects of theme, characterization, and plot. Perhaps one of the most glaring observations about the play is the limited influence of female roles. In fact, the two main female characters, Lady Macbeth ad Lady Macduff, are only referenced in terms of their husbands. This detail is very telling of the time period in which Shakespeare wrote and the time period the story takes place.

Visit the following website and read up on Shakespeare's treatment of Gender Roles in Macbeth:

"Gender and Sexuality in Shakespeare's Macbeth: A Reversal in Gender Roles" (Thacker)

Do you agree/ disagree with some of the article's analysis? Choose a quotation from Thacker's writing and argue for or against it.

I disagree with it. "In Shakespeare and the Nature of Woman, Dusinberre writes that “If a man lacks physical power he becomes a woman, not respected because not feared.” However, Shakespeare proves this wrong by using Macduff as an entirely different type of man. When he hears of the murder of his family, he speaks that he must “feel it as a man”.

Read more at Suite101: Gender and Sexuality in Shakespeare's Macbeth: A Reversal in Gender Roleshttp://shakespeareantheatre.suite101.com/article.cfm/gender_and_sexuality_in_shakespeares_macbeth#ixzz0dID4i0E1

Use the following website below to fill in your class worksheet and make deeper connections between Shakespeare's relationship with Anne Hathaway and his representation of females in Macbeth:

"In Search of Shakespeare" (PBS)

"The Marriage of William Shakespeare and Anne Hathaway"

[One paragraph response- 5 points, posted by 1.18.10; Worksheet handed in at the end of the period - 6 points]