Blog 18: Gender Roles

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 agree with the article's analysis on the roles of characters in Macbeth by their gender. For example, Macbeth is seen as a brave and powerful man. While Lady Macduff is his counterpart that is considered a ncie warm women. Also, it is considered that Lady Macbeth is someone who taunts Macbeth and dares him to do things. "It is important to Macbeth to be seen as a strong, powerful man." Therefore, i agree with this author because all of the character's genders have an affect on the play.