Khan 1

Taskin Khan 03/06/2013 English-4 Mr.Hill Prompt-6 In the play Macbeth, the idea of masculinity has been presented in various scenarios by different characters. As we proceed through the play, different characters perceive and convey the concept of masculinity with different meanings which influence the course of the play. After receiving the news that Macbeth is the new Thane of Cawdor, Lady Macbeth becomes over-ambitious and desires to become the Queen of Scotland by murdering King Duncan. However, she believes her husband is a coward man and will not accord with the plan. Thus to pursue her goal she beseeches to be turned into a man so that she is no longer filled with compassion and kindness: Come you spirits, that tend on mortal thoughts, unsex me here, And fill me from the crown to the toe top-full Of direst cruelty. (Shakespeare, Act 1, Scene 5, line 37) Lady Macbeths urges to become a man so that she could commit the murder shows her association of masculinity with cruelty and viciousness. However, later when Lady Macbeth challenges Macbeths masculinity, Macbeth replies, I dare do all that may become a man, who dares do more is none.(Shakespeare, Act 1, Scene 7, line 45) His reply shows that even though masculinity is associated with cruelty and violence, there is a boundary, and whoever crosses that is no man at all.

Khan 2

Later in the play, when Ross comes with the grieving news that Macduffs entire family has been murdered, the idea of masculinity erupts again. When Macduff completely breaks down after hearing the news Malcom says Dispute it like a man (Shakespeare, Act 4, Scene 3, line 222). To that Macduff replies, I shall do so, But I must also feel it as a man (Shakespeare, Act 4, Scene 3, line 223). Macduffs reply adds a new meaning to masculinity. Before masculinity was associated with only cruelty and malice but Macduff believes that a man should also have compassion and feel for others. His view of masculinity contrasted sharply with that of Macbeth and Lady Macbeth. Across the play masculinity has been given different meanings. While Lady Macbeth associates it with coldness and cruelty, Macduff thinks manhood is also about having feelings and emotions.

Khan 3

Promp-2 Like all other Shakespeare plays, Macbeth bears several instances of nature serving as the harbinger of doom and death. In Macbeth most of these precursors are evidenced before the assassination of King Duncan. On the night, King Duncan stayed at Macbeths palace, Banquo was telling his son about how unusual the darkness was by saying Theres husbandry in heavens; Their candles are all out (Shakespeare, Act 2, Scene 1, line 4) Furthermore, in the morning Lennox was also mentioning about the atypical nature of the night: The night has been unruly. Where we lay, our chimneys were blown down and, as they say, Lamenting heard in the air, Strange screams of death (Shakespeare Act 2, Scene 3, line 46) The bizarre nature of the night, reflected by the words or Banquo and Lennox, signals the forthcoming doom that would strike the entire kingdom when Duncans assassination will be discovered. Shakespeares use of nature as the harbinger of doom or death helps create the tension in the play before the actual climax is reached. This helps to keep the audience enticed to the play and elevates their anticipation for what will happen next. This feature also makes Shakespearian plays unique and exclusive. The use of nature to signal the impending death of King Duncan helps arouse the audiences anticipation for the climax and allows a fine transition from the humdrum part of the play to the eventful.

Khan 4

Citations: 1. Holt McDougal Literature: British Literature: Tragedy of Macbeth (348-431) Illinois 2010. Print.