The time when Shakespeare works came alive was also a time when women and men had their predetermine roles in society. This time was known as the renaissance. Shakespeare who is known for being one of the greatest writers of all time, was also known for questioning and challenging the predetermine roles of men and women which was put in order by society at that time.
Back in the days of renaissance the female and male where portrayed with different trades. The women mainly represented the feminine and where represented with virtues such as “obedience, silence, sexual chastity, piety, humility, constancy, and patience” these virtues had a significant importance in the relationship with the male.
Nevertheless Shakespeare plays with the gender role and raises the questions about what defines the male and the female qualities. This can be seen in both his plays “Macbeth” and “Romeo and Juliet”.
In the play “Macbeth” it can be seen how Shakespeare plays with the predetermine roles of male and female characteristics. When we first meet Lady Macbeth she is already planning the murder of the King in order for her husband to take over the throne. Lady Macbeth is characterized by being stronger and more ruthless than her husband Macbeth and she is more determine in Killing Duncan, than Macbeth himself is. Lady Macbeth prays to the gods to “unsex” her, so she thereby can possess the cruelty which is suggested than only men can posses. In other words “Lady Macbeth” represents a female who is characterized with trades of those of men.
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