Did Macbeth Want to Be a Woman?
Shakespeare’s tragedy “Macbeth” is filled with themes of ambition, power, and the corrupting influence of ambition. One intriguing question that arises from the play is whether Macbeth, the protagonist, ever desired to be a woman. This essay explores this question by examining the character’s motivations, actions, and the symbolism used by Shakespeare.
In the opening scenes of the play, Macbeth is introduced as a brave and loyal soldier, admired by his peers. However, as the story progresses, Macbeth’s ambition to become king takes over his life, leading him down a dark path of murder and deceit. Throughout the play, there are several instances that suggest Macbeth may have wished to be a woman, either out of fear or as a means to an end.
One of the most notable instances occurs when Macbeth encounters the witches. In Act 1, Scene 3, the witches prophesy that Macbeth will become thane of Cawdor and king. After hearing this, Macbeth expresses his desire to be king, but not his desire to be a woman. However, in Act 4, Scene 1, when the witches return, they reveal a third prophecy: “Beware Macduff, / Be very bold, / Macbeth shall be king till Great Birnam Wood to high Dunsinane Hill / Shall come against him.” This prophecy seems to unsettle Macbeth, as he fears the power of the forest. In this context, it can be interpreted that Macbeth’s fear of the prophecy may be a reflection of his fear of becoming a woman, as the forest is often associated with the feminine and the unknown.
Another possible indication of Macbeth’s desire to be a woman is his obsession with appearance. Throughout the play, Macbeth is fixated on his own image and the image of others. For example, in Act 2, Scene 1, Lady Macbeth tells Macbeth to “unsex” himself and “be a man.” This line suggests that Macbeth may feel that he lacks the qualities of a man, which could be interpreted as a desire to be a woman. Additionally, in Act 5, Scene 5, Macbeth’s physical appearance begins to deteriorate, which could be a metaphor for his descent into madness and his desire to escape his current state.
Furthermore, the symbolism used by Shakespeare may also support the idea that Macbeth wanted to be a woman. The play often contrasts Macbeth with his wife, Lady Macbeth, who is portrayed as cunning and manipulative. Lady Macbeth’s role in the play can be seen as a representation of the feminine, while Macbeth’s role represents the masculine. This dichotomy may suggest that Macbeth longs for the qualities associated with the feminine, such as empathy and compassion.
In conclusion, while there is no definitive evidence that Macbeth wanted to be a woman, the play offers several instances that suggest he may have wished to escape his current state or possess the qualities associated with the feminine. His fear of the witches’ prophecies, his obsession with appearance, and the symbolism used by Shakespeare all contribute to this interpretation. Ultimately, whether or not Macbeth wanted to be a woman remains a subject of debate, but it is clear that the play raises intriguing questions about the nature of ambition and the human condition.
