Ambition and masculinity in MacBeth illuminate MacBeth's thirst for the crown, and how his wish to preserve his manhood inhibit his actions making many question his masculinity due to his indecision. Constantly defending his masculinity to his wife, MacBeth actually commits more unhonorable acts in an attempt to protect his ideal of being a man.
Shakespeare's detail in MacBeth show how MacBeth thought that his action were wrong, something a man would never do, yet he continues in these acts under the pressure of his wife to commit these acts becoming less of a man in the views of the audience all in an attempt to maintain his image of masculinity to society. Claiming, "we will go no further in this business," MacBeth clearly states his intentions to do the honorable thing and cease his schemes, but under his wife's question of are "thee not a man?" MacBeth feels obligated to show her the complete untruth in her words.
Lady Macbeth by George Cattermole.
Macbeth Consulting the Vision of the Armed Head. B...
English: Poster of Thos. W. Keene in William Shake...MacBeth is unable to feel secure in his manhood and powers as a husband if his own wife is willing to question his manhood. Feeling the need to prove his manhood MacBeth is willing to do the fell deed almost as a "dare" to prove his manliness. "Bearing his powers with such meekness," Duncan was a just king that was honorable and portrayed most of the characters that a man should have. Being just and noble Duncan ruled with a fair hand, and MacBeth felt as that he should have this power due to his manly defense of the nation; that if he should accept the fact that an untested youth should be in line for the crown, that it would be an insult to his manhood if he stood idly by and allowed this to happen. Although feeling...