“I dare do all that may become a man” (Macbeth, Act 1.7) Themes Notes 2 Date: Objectives Take notes on the themes of Macbeth Understand the point, ideas and reasons for reading Macbeth Warm-up – take down the quote and answer the question. “I dare do all that may become a man” (Macbeth, Act 1.7) A man works to achieve what he wants – do you agree? Can you give examples?

Plan for today – examine theme two . 1. Introduction Addressing the question. 2. Manhood as physical bravery 6. Conclusion How important the theme is. Man and Woman 5. Dangers of being obsessed with manhood 3. Womanhood as weakness 4. The code of conduct and control for men

Theme Two: Man and Woman One of the main questions in Macbeth is what it means to be a man. What characters do and how they act is all based on how they believe ‘real men’ behave. It is the most important thing, as Macbeth says: “I dare do all that may become a man Who dares do more is none” (Act 1.7) The problem is that ‘manliness’ is linked to ambition. If Macbeth does not seek power, if he does not get what he wants by any means necessary, he feels he is not living up to the male ideal. This obsession is what will cause all the hardship in the play, not only for those Macbeth hurts and kills but also for himself. (Why do you think being womanly is considered an insult to them – 1600 Scotland)

Manhood – physical bravery The play starts by showing what manhood is in 17th century Scotland and what the rewards men get. Macbeth claims to be the most manly fellow in Scotland because of his deeds on the battlefield. He has fought off entire armies on his own and earned the respect and praise of his fellow soldiers: “brave Macbeth – well he deserves that name... Like Valour’s minion... that Bellona’s bridegroom” (Act 1.2) As a result of being so strong and courageous that he is linked to the goddess of war, he is given titles and rewards. The king names him Thane of Cawdor. When power and masculinity are linked however, should the biggest man not be in charge? (By today’s standards, is violence needed to prove you are a man? Has it changed to some other deeds?)

Womanhood - weakness As being a man is the greatest praise in the play, being a woman is the greatest insult. Women are linked to weakness, powerlessness and fragility. Even Lady Macbeth, who shows clear ambition and capability, asks that she no longer be a woman in the task she must perform: “Come, you spirits That tend on mortal thoughts, unsex me here” (Act 1.5) Lady Macbeth renounces her womanhood for woman are too emotional, kind and caring to do what she needs to do. To get ahead in the world, to seize opportunity and hold onto power, she feels she has to act like a man. Unfortunately, she also believes she must act violently and without conscious for that is what she believes is ‘manly’ as well. (Sexism, racism – all depends on ‘them’ being the opposite of ‘us’. Agree?)

Code of conduct and control for men Everyone in the play is controlled by this obsession with being a man which at times is harmless but at other times is dangerous. The men follow a simple code of conduct which involves showing no emotion. When Macduff’s family is killed, Malcolm urges him to take the news like a man: “Dispute it like a man.... Be this the whetstone of your sword, let grief Convert to anger: blunt not the heart, enrage it” (Act 4.3) Men don’t get sad. They get angry, violent and fight. Similarly, when Seigward’s son dies, he does not mourn. He shows no womanly emotions but instead is happy that his son’s wounds were in the front. He fought and died ‘like a man’. (Is this healthy? Is it ok to keep all these emotions inside and not talk about them? What could happen if you don’t talk about them?)

Dangers of being obsessed with manhood. Those who can manipulate this code of conduct and control are able to do awful things in the play. The most common way to manipulate someone is to question their manhood and call them a woman, as Lady Macbeth does as she plans the king’s murder: “When thou durst do it, then you were a man And to be more that what you were, you would Be so much more the man.” (Act 1.7) She does this again at the feast to celebrate Macbeth’s coronation. To control or pacify him, she asks if Macbeth is a man. Macbeth too uses this manipulation on others then, convincing the murderers to kill Banquo by, along with other means, telling them real men would do as he asks. (Can you see the lesson here? What if someone questioned your manhood, even just to make you angry? How would you react? Is that what they would want?)

Conclusion Men’s obsession with protecting and proving their masculinity becomes the most dangerous thing in the play. It places Macbeth in a position of power, allows him to be manipulated by his wife and causes the tragedies in the play. It is ironic that a woman is in fact the most capable and resourceful character in the play. Lady Macbeth organised the kings murder, convinces her husband to carry out this terrible crime and manages the aftermath incredibly well. The fact she committed these acts after trying to become more like a man is not a positive image for manhood. This play is a warning to change how we think about gender, lest we do unspeakable act in an attempt to ‘be the man’. (Once you’ve read through all this notes, summarise them in your own words. Six paragraphs, 2 pages, use the quotes.)