Writing Resources
The Power Within In 11th century Scotland women had a very limited role in society As the burden of financial sustainment fell upon men the women's social position was reduced to that of a mother Women were expected merely to be good devoted housewives looking tenderly after their children Altogether they were seen as the weaker gender submissive towards men seen to be emotionally unstable and constantly taken by different moods In a society with no room for female values Shakespeare carves out a significant space for female characters that grab onto masculinity showing great power and bravery The characters identify this social construct of femininity as a vulnerability and therefore seek to de feminize themselves in order to be able to follow their ambitions In the beginning of the play Macbeth is portrayed as a loyal warrior who would do anything for his Country Macbeth is hailed as a hero because he has killed the rebel McDonald and is continuing to face the Norwegian troops successfully Macbeth triumphed again capturing the traitor Cawdor obtaining ransom and a favorable peace treaty from the King of Norway For brave Macbeth well he deserves that name is used by a Sergeant to describe his actions in battle
