A Man Made of a Woman: A Study of Gender Ideologies in Macbeth

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do more, is none" (1.7. 50-51). Lady Macbeth disagrees with Macbeth and replies, "When you durst do it, then you were a man/ And, to be more than what you were, you would/ Be so much more the man" (1.7.54-56). In this moment, Lady Macbeth tells Macbeth that he was more of a man before than he is now. Since Macbeth is a man, he should be able to do anything to become the best, even if he has to compromise his morals such as killing someone. Lady Macbeth tells Macbeth that men are daring, cruel, greedy, and prepared to take action, with no feelings involved telling their women what to do. On the other hand, Lady Macbeth believes that women must stay at home and nurture their children and must let men take charge. This is clearly displayed when Lady Macbeth tells Macbeth, "I have given suck, and know/ How tender 'tis to love the babe that milks me/ I would, while it was smiling in my face/ Have plucked my nipple from his boneless gums/ And dash'd the brains out, had I so sworn as ...

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