Gender inequality dates back to early modern times when philosophers assumed that human beings were created for different roles in life. Unfortunately, women received the short end of the stick. Women were decided to be weaker, less able intellectually and unable to control her emotions, whereas nowadays, this is not always the case. Very few women were educated, and expected to marry young, stay home and do domestic work, rather than go out into the big wide world and make it for themselves.
The aim of this essay is to explore the gender roles in Shakespeare's Macbeth, particularly between Macbeth himself and Lady Macbeth, compare the original text with Roman Polanski's film version, while exploring the reading position.
In Polanski's film, Lady Macbeth initially portrayed as decisive, controlling and has a large influence over Macbeth. Throughout act 1/scene 5 she is situated above him, while Macbeth is lying on the bed.
Lady Macbeth by George Cattermole.
English: Poster of Thos. W. Keene in William Shake...
The sleepwalking Lady MacbethMacbeth tells her that King Duncan is coming to the castle for a banquet. Lady Macbeth's facial expressions and actions show her nimble thinking. She is stroking his face, mothering him, which is her way of buttering him up for the evil plan she is to unravel, to kill the king giving Macbeth the chance to be in his position. This sets the scene for the Macbeth's power hungry demeanour. Lady Macbeth is able to convince Macbeth to kill King Duncan that night after the banquet. A powerful image is promoted of Lady Macbeth throughout this scene in the film, although in Shakespeare's text it is hard to conjure this up. The reader is forced to take Lady Macbeth's side, she is so far in control that what they are going to do almost seems right. Proof of her control is evident, but in Polanski's...