Macbeth written by William Shakespeare captured the audience's attention through violence and unexpected intrigue. Through the actions of the protagonist, he embodies many different ideas. One of the ideas it challenges is that of manhood, as it treats it in an unconventional way. Instead of depicting the protagonist's actions that represent manhood, he must struggle with the definition of manhood throughout the play. Additionally, Shakespeare showed different views of the men and women in the play on the true definition of manhood. Through the different perceptions, the reader wonders if virility is not only linked to strength which could be expressed through courage or bravery. Shakespeare challenges readers through his mixture of different points of view as well as the actions caused by different characters to display his views on manhood. In the play, Lady Macbeth is shown as ruthless, indifferent and cold, which contradicts the image frequently seen in the 11th century. women. Often, she is considered more "masculine" than her husband, because she gives the correct definition of manhood, clearly defined by others. Not only does she provide the plan, but she demonstrates power, courage, and maybe a little violence. Lady Macbeth directly introduces and plans Duncan's murder and persuades the cowardly Macbeth with her gentle words. Macbeth is hypnotized by Lady Macbeth's insatiable desires and hallucinates that Duncan's murder will depict "true manhood." At the beginning of the novel, the audience is given the image that Macbeth is a loyal and brave soldier who only serves for the prosperity of Scotland and King Duncan. He is automatically announced Thane of Cawdor after his valiant fight against Norway and is exalted by ...... middle of paper ......buked(3.1.55-61). At the climax of the play, Macbeth transforms into a villain unable to stop his ambitions which would lead directly to violence. He created his own demise as well as that of his wife. Through the different points of view presented in the play, the audience is able to construct its own definition of virility. The audience is able to convey meaningful meaning about the qualities that determine a person to be a man. Shakespeare concludes with the idea that by researching his own character, an individual is able to find the definition that suits him. Through Macbeth's protest, we learn that even the kindest, most loyal, and bravest can become victims of other people's different perceptions and their ambitions. Works Cited Shakespeare, William and John Wilders. Macbeth. Cambridge, UK: Cambridge UP, 2004. Print.