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23
0
Sienna Zee
17/09/2025
English Literature
AQA Macbeth Essay 2021
1,659
•
17 Sept 2025
•
Sienna Zee
@siennazee_english
Shakespeare's portrayal of gender in Macbeth challenges 17th-century norms, particularly... Show more
As the play progresses, Shakespeare depicts the gradual disintegration of Macbeth and Lady Macbeth's relationship, a consequence of their shared guilt and individual moral decline.
The murder of King Duncan marks a turning point in their relationship. Macbeth begins to distance himself from Lady Macbeth as his ambition grows and becomes his tragic flaw (hamartia). This shift is evident in Act 3, Scene 1, where Macbeth deliberately keeps Lady Macbeth uninformed about his plans regarding Banquo.
Quote: Macbeth's attempt to flatter Lady Macbeth with "dearest chuck" while concealing his intentions shows the growing divide between them.
The breakdown of their relationship serves multiple purposes in the play:
Highlight: The Jacobean audience reaction to Lady Macbeth's power would likely have been one of horror and fascination, as her dominance over Macbeth and her role in disrupting the natural order challenged societal norms.
Shakespeare's portrayal of the Macbeths' relationship ultimately serves to condemn their actions. As their bond deteriorates, both characters are shown to suffer the consequences of their ambition and moral transgressions, leading to their eventual downfall.
This complex depiction of gender dynamics, power, and morality in "Macbeth" continues to resonate with modern audiences, offering insights into the destructive nature of unchecked ambition and the consequences of subverting societal norms.
Shakespeare presents Lady Macbeth as an atypical wife for the Jacobean period, portraying her as the dominant force in her relationship with Macbeth. This unconventional dynamic is used to explore themes of gender and power within the play.
Lady Macbeth's influence over Macbeth is evident in her assertive language and actions. After Macbeth's return from committing regicide, she takes control of the situation, ordering him to "go get some water and wash this filthy witness from your hand." The use of imperative verbs and irony in her speech demonstrates her commanding presence and her role in pushing Macbeth towards evil.
Highlight: Lady Macbeth's influence on Macbeth's morality is a central theme, as she catalyzes his descent into evil by manipulating his conscience and masculinity.
Shakespeare employs various literary devices to emphasize Lady Macbeth's manipulative nature:
Contrast: The juxtaposition of "childhood" and "painted devil" in Lady Macbeth's speech reveals the transformation of the Macbeths' morals from innocence to immorality.
Metaphor: The phrase "it's the eye of childhood" underscores Lady Macbeth's Machiavellian approach to controlling her husband.
Abstract noun: The use of "childhood" further emasculates Macbeth by comparing him to a child, reinforcing Lady Macbeth's dominance.
Example: Lady Macbeth's manipulation is evident when she says, "it's the eye of childhood fears a painted devil," using childish fears to belittle Macbeth's hesitation.
The portrayal of Lady Macbeth's androgynous nature and her supernatural associations would have been particularly impactful for a Jacobean audience. Her behavior, which defies traditional gender roles, would have been seen as unnatural and possibly linked to witchcraft.
Vocabulary: Androgynous - Having both masculine and feminine characteristics.
Definition: Divine Right of Kings - A political and religious doctrine asserting that a monarch derives the right to rule directly from God.
Our AI Companion is a student-focused AI tool that offers more than just answers. Built on millions of Knowunity resources, it provides relevant information, personalised study plans, quizzes, and content directly in the chat, adapting to your individual learning journey.
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The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good
Thomas R
iOS user
Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.
Basil
Android user
This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.
Rohan U
Android user
I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.
Xander S
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now
Paul T
iOS user
The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good
Thomas R
iOS user
Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.
Basil
Android user
This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.
Rohan U
Android user
I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.
Xander S
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now
Paul T
iOS user
Sienna Zee
@siennazee_english
Shakespeare's portrayal of gender in Macbeth challenges 17th-century norms, particularly through the complex relationship between Macbeth and Lady Macbeth. The play explores themes of power, ambition, and morality, showcasing how gender roles can be subverted and their consequences.
Key points:... Show more
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Join milions of students
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As the play progresses, Shakespeare depicts the gradual disintegration of Macbeth and Lady Macbeth's relationship, a consequence of their shared guilt and individual moral decline.
The murder of King Duncan marks a turning point in their relationship. Macbeth begins to distance himself from Lady Macbeth as his ambition grows and becomes his tragic flaw (hamartia). This shift is evident in Act 3, Scene 1, where Macbeth deliberately keeps Lady Macbeth uninformed about his plans regarding Banquo.
Quote: Macbeth's attempt to flatter Lady Macbeth with "dearest chuck" while concealing his intentions shows the growing divide between them.
The breakdown of their relationship serves multiple purposes in the play:
Highlight: The Jacobean audience reaction to Lady Macbeth's power would likely have been one of horror and fascination, as her dominance over Macbeth and her role in disrupting the natural order challenged societal norms.
Shakespeare's portrayal of the Macbeths' relationship ultimately serves to condemn their actions. As their bond deteriorates, both characters are shown to suffer the consequences of their ambition and moral transgressions, leading to their eventual downfall.
This complex depiction of gender dynamics, power, and morality in "Macbeth" continues to resonate with modern audiences, offering insights into the destructive nature of unchecked ambition and the consequences of subverting societal norms.
Access to all documents
Improve your grades
Join milions of students
By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy
Shakespeare presents Lady Macbeth as an atypical wife for the Jacobean period, portraying her as the dominant force in her relationship with Macbeth. This unconventional dynamic is used to explore themes of gender and power within the play.
Lady Macbeth's influence over Macbeth is evident in her assertive language and actions. After Macbeth's return from committing regicide, she takes control of the situation, ordering him to "go get some water and wash this filthy witness from your hand." The use of imperative verbs and irony in her speech demonstrates her commanding presence and her role in pushing Macbeth towards evil.
Highlight: Lady Macbeth's influence on Macbeth's morality is a central theme, as she catalyzes his descent into evil by manipulating his conscience and masculinity.
Shakespeare employs various literary devices to emphasize Lady Macbeth's manipulative nature:
Contrast: The juxtaposition of "childhood" and "painted devil" in Lady Macbeth's speech reveals the transformation of the Macbeths' morals from innocence to immorality.
Metaphor: The phrase "it's the eye of childhood" underscores Lady Macbeth's Machiavellian approach to controlling her husband.
Abstract noun: The use of "childhood" further emasculates Macbeth by comparing him to a child, reinforcing Lady Macbeth's dominance.
Example: Lady Macbeth's manipulation is evident when she says, "it's the eye of childhood fears a painted devil," using childish fears to belittle Macbeth's hesitation.
The portrayal of Lady Macbeth's androgynous nature and her supernatural associations would have been particularly impactful for a Jacobean audience. Her behavior, which defies traditional gender roles, would have been seen as unnatural and possibly linked to witchcraft.
Vocabulary: Androgynous - Having both masculine and feminine characteristics.
Definition: Divine Right of Kings - A political and religious doctrine asserting that a monarch derives the right to rule directly from God.
Our AI Companion is a student-focused AI tool that offers more than just answers. Built on millions of Knowunity resources, it provides relevant information, personalised study plans, quizzes, and content directly in the chat, adapting to your individual learning journey.
You can download the app from Google Play Store and Apple App Store.
That's right! Enjoy free access to study content, connect with fellow students, and get instant help – all at your fingertips.
App Store
Google Play
The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good
Thomas R
iOS user
Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.
Basil
Android user
This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.
Rohan U
Android user
I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.
Xander S
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now
Paul T
iOS user
The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good
Thomas R
iOS user
Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.
Basil
Android user
This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.
Rohan U
Android user
I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.
Xander S
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now
Paul T
iOS user
