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William Shakespeare’s play titled Macbeth is an excellent source to show the difference between the sexes. It is also used widely throughout the world as an example to show that women are behind the cruelty that society sees in men. Lastly, it shows the exceptions to this thesis. All of this is shown in the major character relationship within the play, that of Macbeth and Lady Macbeth.
Predominantly, the function of this relationship is to show the difference between the two sexes when they consider themselves partners. At the onset of the story Lady Macbeth is shown to have equal status in her relationship with Macbeth, but as the plot progresses the female in the relationship progressively dominates. “Duncan. Give me your hand; /Conduct me to mine host; we love him highly, /And shall continue our graces towards him. / By your leave, hostess.” (II. vi. 29-32). In this quote Lady Macbeth greets the king of Scotland into her home without the presence of Macbeth. This show’s she is taking responsibility and control as a hostess, and Macbeth is not. “Lady Macbeth. You do unbend your noble strength, to think/ So brainsickly of things” (II. ii. 45-46). Here, Lady Macbeth is controlling Macbeth by making him feel inadequate and weak after having murdered Duncan, another example of how the female of the two is dominating the relationship. Lastly, another example of how Lady Macbeth is in more control than her male counterpart is her death. “Seyton. The queen, my lord, is dead.” (V. v. 16). Lady Macbeth takes control by taking her life. In comparison, Macbeth lets his power get out of control to a point where he is murdered by Macduff.
Shakespeare was a genius psychologist. While throughout most of his history, males have been the tyrannical dictators; my opinion is that he suggests that women are actually the secret motivation behind a man’s actions. The relationship between Lady Macbeth and Macbeth shows the link between women, masculinity, and cruelty....