ENGLISH LITERATURE (CBSE/UGC NET)

Detailed explanation-1: -Macbeth declares that he no longer intends to kill Duncan. Lady Macbeth, outraged, calls him a coward and questions his manhood: “When you durst do it, ” she says, “then you were a man” (1.7.49). He asks her what will happen if they fail; she promises that as long as they are bold, they will be successful.

Detailed explanation-2: -Lady Macbeth asks Macbeth, “you were a man; / And, to be more than what you were, you would/ Be so much more the man.” (1.7. 51-53). Lady Macbeth repeatedly questions Macbeth’s manhood since he lacks the strength to do what needs to be done. She berates and humiliates Macbeth in order to manipulate him to do her will.

Detailed explanation-3: -“When you durst do it, then you were a man; And to be more than what you were, you would Be so much more the man” (1.7. 49-51). In this quote Lady Macbeth is manipulating her husband Macbeth by speaking of his manhood. She gains more and more control over Macbeth as the play goes on.

Detailed explanation-4: -Lady Macbeth calls him a coward, and repeatedly attacks his masculinity. She shocks Macbeth into action by saying that, had she sworn to kill her child, she would dash its brains against a wall rather than break her oath.

Detailed explanation-5: -Lady Macbeth embodies the ideals of masculinity because she manipulates her husband to kill the king, she is ambitious, and she thinks that she is a man.