MACBETH
Bring forth men-children only; For thy undaunted mettle should compose Nothing but males. Will it not be received, When we have mark'd with blood those sleepy two Of his own chamber and used their very daggers, That they have done't? |
While sounding like an insult, Macbeth wishing only male children on his wife is what she wanted when she called for the spirits to take her femininity, and it is received like a compliment. He sees bold masculinity as heroic and daring, while she uses it for cruelty and brutality. After this remark he immediately turns around and goes along with her plan, suggesting that the mention of children showed his ambition and need to continue the bloodline through sons.
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