MACBETH
Prithee, peace: I dare do all that may become a man; Who dares do more is none. |
During the beginning of the play Macbeth's sense of self and opinion of himself is high enough that he still views having masculinity as having a sense of honour and righteousness. He argues that doing what Lady Macbeth describes as manly and courageous would not be manly at all. The theme of gender and gender roles in Macbeth is used as a tool to show Lady Macbeth as the dominant figure in their relationship, power-hungry and possessing 'masculine' qualities of ruthlessness, courage and psychological strength. Macbeth is referencing this, acknowledging that she believes she is more masculine than him and that his idea of a man is in-congruent with this.
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