Women in Macbeth
Uploaded by dvlsxwings on Mar 12, 2006
Timeless “Macbeth”
16th century England was not the same as it is today socially. Women, no matter what age, or education, were neglected. Not only were they unnoticed, but purposely ignored in the works of art, such as Shakespeare’s works. The only woman recognized from that age, was Queen Elizabeth I. She had power, beauty, and intelligence. Thanks to her love for performing arts, she promoted Shakespeare and his writing. William could have never repaid her, so I believe that is why he included so many women with huge influences on the situations in his plays.
In “Macbeth”, Shakespeare uses the character Lady Macbeth as an icon for powerful women. As the play progresses and murders occur, she is the one that influences the main character, a Macbeth, to do as she pleases. “What beast was’t then, that made you break this enterprise to me? When durst do it, then you were a man; And to be more than what you were, you would be so much more the man. Nor time nor place did then adhere, and yet you would make both. They have made themselves, and that their fitness now.” (1.7.53-61). As it is seen, Shakespeare portrays Lady Macbeth as a controlling, woman, which will do anything to be powerful above all others. She does this by insulting her husband, calling him “not manly”, and that he doesn’t not have the braveness, nor will to do what has to be done, in this case, kill King Duncan.
In today’s society, we do not have such drama at a high level like portrayed in Shakespeare’s plays. In the 21st century, women are taking over but in a fairer, un-cruel way. In some marriages women make the decisions about home design, and vacations. These might not seem like big differences in a one’s life, but they do affect the end outcome. Even thought, women are not presidents or famous case layers, they still have the potential to influence the society from an underground way.
Shakespeare being one of the only Renaissance men that actually acknowledged women as creative, and smart creatures I agree with how he depicted the “weaker” sex. He got his break, because of the Queen’s love for the arts. He represented women as sneaky, vicious creatures that will kill, if it benefits them in anyway. The Queen herself was pictured in history books, as...