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Gendered reading of Macbeth. By Robyn McCoy. P.S everyone, sorry if I sound a bit croaky, I was struggling with a sore and scratchy throat haha enjoy . Definitions .
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Gendered reading of Macbeth By Robyn McCoy 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 Traits • FEMININE: • Submissive • Dependent • Unintelligent and Incapable • Emotional • Receptive • Intuitive • Weak Timid • Content • Passive • Cooperative • Sensitive • Attractive because of physical appearance • MASCULINE: • Dominant • Independent • Intelligent and competent • Analytical and Logical • Rational • Brave • Strong • Ambitious • Competitive • Strong • Assertive • Attractive because of achievements
ORIGINs • Cicero states "a man's chief quality is courage." • the Hebrew Bible states 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 strong” • Ideas 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 • Protagonist • Relationship between cruelty-masculinity -bravery-ambition
Lady Macbeth • The character of Lady Macbeth helps establish and emphasize masculine characteristics • She criticizes him for being weak and cowardly when he does not go through with the murder • She seems to be the driving force for Macbeth’s plans and uses manipulation to get him to do what she wants • In this way lady Macbeth and Macbeth subvert gender role expectations
Macduff • His love and care for his family is evident, which contrasts to Macbeth who does not seem to care when his wife dies • Seems to embody Shakespeare’s idea of what a man should be-strong, but also able to show emotion • When he learns of his family’s 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 Response • Sophisticated and unique for its time • Makes us question ideas on femininity and masculinity in current life and how they shape our actions, thoughts and expectations • Explores 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