This document contains precise, detailed Grade 9 notes personally written by a Grade 9 student, (10 marks away from full marks!). Assessed by an examiner, with labelled AO1, AO2, AO3 marks for every quote!
Exploring the theme of gender in 'Macbeth' through Lady Macbeth's earlier subversion from...
- Shakespeare portrays men as deriving power from organic, political and
military means, whereas women gain it through illegitimate means, such as
subversion and manipulation
- However, Shakespeare challenges traditional conventions through
allocating masculine qualities on female characters
Lady Macbeth
“Come you spirits … unsex me here,” - Act 1, Scene 5
- AO1: Wishes to rid herself of the conventional femininity attached to
women, as it prevents her pursuit for power
- AO2: Repetition of imperatives, “come and “unsex” establish Lady
Macbeth’s subversion from traditional Jacobean gender norms
- AO2: Not only is she betraying gender stereotypes, but also Nature itself
through her dominance of supernatural, omniscient powers
- AO2/AO3: However, Lady Macbeth’s association of masculinity with the
male symbolises her conformity to gender stereotypes, she believes that
femininity cannot be one with evil and cruelty
- AO3: Symbolises the Seven Deadly Sins of gluttony and pride, which lead
to her inevitable and allegorical demise
- AO3: Transmits power to the supernatural rather than God, symbolises her
betrayal of religion which would enrage the religious audience, especially
King James I
“Take my milk for gall,” - Act 1, Scene 5
- AO1/AO2: Wants to replace purity and life-bringing attributes for bitterness
and poison, symbolises the regicide of Duncan who was murdered due to
Lady Macbeth’s bitterness
- AO2: Imperative “take” establish her subversion from gender norms
- AO2: Oxymoron of “milk” which symbolises purity, innocence, satisfaction,
versus “gall” representing bitterness, resentment, envy, effectively
symbolise the extent of Lady Macbeth’s atypical behaviour
- AO3: Her rejection of traditional gender roles would’ve created a sense of
disgust and hostility within the Jacobean audience
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