This short analysis of the theme of gender in Macbeth will help you to understand how Shakespeare explores ideas about masculinity and gender roles in the play.
Though Macbeth is a Jacobean play, there are hints of more modern ideas around masculinity and femininity. However, although Lady Macbeth proves initially to break the stereotypes of women at the time with her cunning, machiavellian schemes, the play’s ending perhaps reinforces more reductive views of femininity as she eventually loses her power and influence over Macbeth.
This video summarises how the theme of gender in Macbeth can be analysed using key quotes from the play which relate to this theme. If you're revising for GCSE English or any other relevant qualification, let me know how you have found this video in the comments section.
All artwork was drawn by Robert Simpson.