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The role of women in Shakespeare’s Macbeth
Luna Dral
Essay Macbeth
Manon Stassen
30-09-2018
For hundreds of years, women were seen as less important than men (Tim Lambert,
localhistories). And they still are in a lot of countries around the world. I picked this subject
for my essay because I thought it would be interesting to see the role of the women in
Shakespeare’s Macbeth. Ever since it was published this play has been important in human
development and it still is (TEDEducation, YouTube). And maybe this play even played a
small role when women started fighting for their rights. Because even though there are only
six women in Macbeth, I think they still found a way to influence Macbeths’ decisions. I am
going to discuss three main topics in this essay. First I want to discuss the supernatural
through the role of women. Second I am going to point out why Lady Macduff plays a rather
contrasting role throughout the play. And last but not least, my opinion about the portrayal of
women in Macbeth.
Right at the beginning of the book, the opening scene, you already get a glimpse of the
role of women in Macbeth. Three ugly witches are plotting a plan to ruin Macbeths’ life. The
witches have the ability to see into the future and know Macbeth will become king of
Scotland. With their chant “fair is foul, and foul is fair” (Act 1 scene 1, lines 12-13) they put a
curse on Macbeth. I think Shakespeare gave the witches supernatural abilities so that they
would have had more influence and power. Because that’s what Macbeth is about after all,
power. The importance of power is also seen when the witches tell Macbeth he should be
king, and make him aware of all the awesome power that could become his.
All through the play the women are always associated with evil, right from the
beginning. Starting with the witches, they are described as ugly and vindictive. And later
The role of women in Shakespeare’s Macbeth
Luna Dral
Essay Macbeth
Manon Stassen
30-09-2018
For hundreds of years, women were seen as less important than men (Tim Lambert,
localhistories). And they still are in a lot of countries around the world. I picked this subject
for my essay because I thought it would be interesting to see the role of the women in
Shakespeare’s Macbeth. Ever since it was published this play has been important in human
development and it still is (TEDEducation, YouTube). And maybe this play even played a
small role when women started fighting for their rights. Because even though there are only
six women in Macbeth, I think they still found a way to influence Macbeths’ decisions. I am
going to discuss three main topics in this essay. First I want to discuss the supernatural
through the role of women. Second I am going to point out why Lady Macduff plays a rather
contrasting role throughout the play. And last but not least, my opinion about the portrayal of
women in Macbeth.
Right at the beginning of the book, the opening scene, you already get a glimpse of the
role of women in Macbeth. Three ugly witches are plotting a plan to ruin Macbeths’ life. The
witches have the ability to see into the future and know Macbeth will become king of
Scotland. With their chant “fair is foul, and foul is fair” (Act 1 scene 1, lines 12-13) they put a
curse on Macbeth. I think Shakespeare gave the witches supernatural abilities so that they
would have had more influence and power. Because that’s what Macbeth is about after all,
power. The importance of power is also seen when the witches tell Macbeth he should be
king, and make him aware of all the awesome power that could become his.
All through the play the women are always associated with evil, right from the
beginning. Starting with the witches, they are described as ugly and vindictive. And later
