“When you durst do it, then you were a man”

Question 1

“When you durst do it, then you were a man”

Answer 1

Lady Macbeth questions and attacks Macbeth’s masculinity and pride. This tells us Lady Macbeth had authority of questioning Macbeth which was odd considering it was the Jacobean era where women wouldn’t dare to question their husbands let alone attack their manhood. Lady Macbeth doubts his ability to use his ambition to go through with murder. Her taunting criticism plays onto Macbeth’s insecurities as she manipulates his thoughts. This shows ambition plays a role in their relationship as their dynamics take a turn.