Shakespeare has much to say about what it means to be a man. Some of his words are similar to what we expect from men today even though it specifically applies to when he was alive. Shakespeare believes men should be brave, emotionally controlled and responsible.
War and bloodshed dominate the act of MACBETH. Bravery is a crucial characteristic of men in MACBETH. When Lady MacBeth is trying to convince MacBeth to kill Duncan she said “It is too full o' th' milk of human kindness” (I.v.5). Lady MacBeth is saying that MacBeth is too full of kindness which is actually one of his weaknesses. He needs to man up and be brave in order to obtain his rightful place as king. Shakespeare characterizes men as people full of “direst cruelty” (I.v.33).
War and bloodshed dominate the act of MACBETH. Bravery is a crucial characteristic of men in MACBETH. When Lady MacBeth is trying to convince MacBeth to kill Duncan she said “It is too full o' th' milk of human kindness” (I.v.5). Lady MacBeth is saying that MacBeth is too full of kindness which is actually one of his weaknesses. He needs to man up and be brave in order to obtain his rightful place as king. Shakespeare characterizes men as people full of “direst cruelty” (I.v.33).