Macduff in macbeth
![macduff in macbeth macduff in macbeth](https://cdn2.rsc.org.uk/sitefinity/images/education/Shakespeare-learning-Zone/macbeth/macbeth-and-macduff-fight/macbeth_-1946_-macbeth-and-macduff-fight_1946_photo-by-angus-mcbean-_c_-rsc_128852.jpg)
![macduff in macbeth macduff in macbeth](http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-LJ6ChD7677k/Vl3py-oMUfI/AAAAAAAAibg/4sc7dYi3wiY/s1600/vlcsnap-2015-12-01-18h52m58s3.jpg)
This paranoia is evident when Macbeth expresses his jealousy towards his closest ally and friend, Banquo. Unfortunately, Lady Macbeth manipulates her husband and his understanding of masculinity by claiming that if he went through with the murder, then he would not only be a man, but “be so much more.” Dangling the enticing possession of a manly reputation over Macbeth, his wife’s cunning tactic succeeds in cajoling the tragic figure into killing the King, setting off a domino effect of chaos throughout the rest of the play.Īfter following through with Lady Macbeth’s plot, Macbeth transforms into a power-hungry leader who is paranoid of losing his new role as King of Scotland. Although Macbeth exhibited ambition by conveying his eagerness to be the King of Scotland, he also exhibits his compassion through attempting to retract against the treacherous plot. Lady Macbeth, however, persuades her husband when she proclaims, “When you durst do it, then you were a man / And to be more than what you were, you would/ Be so much more the man.” 2 It is within these lines that the paradox of masculinity is expressed. Her fears are confirmed when Macbeth backs out of the plan shortly afterwards when he deliberates over the consequences of treason. Lady Macbeth expresses her concerns however, when she worries whether her husband will be manly enough to follow through with this plan. Immediately, Macbeth’s wife is eager for this power, insinuating that they must murder the King themselves in order for this prophecy to come to fruition. The letter details an encounter with three witches and their prophecy that Macbeth will overtake the throne from King Duncan.
![macduff in macbeth macduff in macbeth](http://ticket.heraldtribune.com/files/2016/02/8824-Fight-Scene.jpg)
Early on in the play, Lady Macbeth is introduced when she receives a letter from her husband. By analyzing the story of Macbeth, the dangers of masculinity can be presented through the ideologies of the main characters and their understanding of the ideal man.Ī character who reinforces the rigorous traits of manhood is Lady Macbeth. Throughout the play, the main characters implicitly express their beliefs on what a man should be, revealing the societal expectations of masculinity. Tempted by power and glory, the male protagonist takes matters into his own hands by killing the king, taking the throne, and subsequently facing the repercussions of acting on his ignoble desires.
![macduff in macbeth macduff in macbeth](http://resource.download.wjec.co.uk.s3.amazonaws.com/vtc/2016-17/16-17_3-20/img/macbeth-the-series/macduff.jpg)
Set in the backdrop of eleventh-century Scotland, the play follows the titular character who receives a prophecy that he will be crowned king. Playwright William Shakespeare grapples with this idea of manhood in his tragic play Macbeth. Throughout history, the rigors of masculinity have tainted men’s understanding of themselves, their relationships with others, and the societies in which they live. In Baldassare Castigone’s The Book of the Courtier, Count Lodovico announces that the ideal man for the king’s court “should be fierce, rough and always to the fore, in the presence of the enemy but anywhere else he should be kind, modest, reticent and anxious above all to avoid ostentation.” 1 While this description exemplifies the difficult feat of becoming a courtier, it also presents contradictions within the nearly impossible expectations of what it means to “be a man.” These expectations are not exclusive to the Italian Renaissance era, however. One of the requirements was being a man, but not just any ordinary man. During the Italian Renaissance, there were many credentials required to become a courtier to the king and queen.