Masculinity Is a Big Theme in Macbeth’s Play

Usually, when a man feels tears coming, he automatically shuts them off. But then there is that saying, it takes a strong man to cry. This brings up the question, what does it mean to be a man? What is manhood? In this day and age culture shows how manhood is depicted. How does the bible depict manhood? Manhood is a big theme in the play of Macbeth. So, then what different conceptions of manhood does Macbeth depict? Then what is the role of Lady Macbeth?

Many have tried to define what being a man is.

But then, once defined then it automatically excludes someone. It can rob a man of being their authentic self. A real man is defined as who God wants one to be, the only way to become that man is to put God first in life. But sadly, the world has not considered this part of true manhood. Manhood cannot be measured by the size of your biceps nor the number in one's bank account.

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Being a man means having morality as in being principled and not being swayed simply by people's perception but grounded in truth. It means having sensitivity, strength (that does not necessarily mean having physical strength), and an open mind. What about society's view, of what it means to be a man.

Every male in the world has heard the words “man up” in some way or form. Society today has a universal idea of what it means to be a man. That means to be tough, meaning being invulnerable and violent when necessary. And the showing of emotions is out of the question. From an early age, boys are taught to be tough and physical. Male role models are strong athletes and superheroes, but also are war heroes who have gained their fame through violent actions. The problem is that no Hollywood interpretation or person can present a correct definition. The answer can be found in the bible where it correctly depicts what man is; being the man that God intended. In Micah 6:8 it says, “He has told you, O man, what is good; and what does the Lord require of you but to do justice, to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God?” The center of a man’s life should be his relationship with God. A man is to serve and lead his family.

At first appearance, Macbeth is depicted as a loyal and courageous thane in defense of the honor of Scotland and King Duncan. This is seen when he fought valiantly and ripped his enemy open earning him his new title. When Macbeth tells his wife that they're not going to kill King Duncan since he changes his mind being the loyal than he is, she accuses him of being a coward, and he responds saying, 'Prith I dare do all that may become a man; Who dares do more is none' (1.7.45-47). He was implying that a real man would not commit murder. Lady Macbeth plays a role in influencing Macbeth. She knows Macbeth well and knows that he is honorable so she is prepared to give the qualities of a woman to become a cruel killer. Macbeth so desires to be a man in his Lady's eyes that he kills Duncan because he was pushed so far. He tries to act like a man in different situations.