Women as a whole are a very complex group of human beings. They can and have been

portrayed by society in many different ways, be they positive or negative. It is difficult to

accomplish a general representation of all women without instead stereotyping. However, there is

one known playwright who was able to achieve this. Shakespeare?s Macbeth demonstrates a

complete view of women by showing all sides of women?s nature through Lady Macbeth, Lady

MacDuff and the witches. This is subtly shown throughout the play in both the women?s

First of all, Lady MacDuff represents the maternal nature of women. The word maternal

is defined as motherly and this is a characteristic that Lady MacDuff possesses as she has five

children that she loves. She lets one of her sons know that she cares when she calls him ?poor

monkey? (IV.ii.57) which is a term of endearment. Lady MacDuff is so loving towards her

children that they in return love her a great deal. This is best shown when her son is stabbed and

with his last breath he calls out to his mother: ?He has kill?d me, / mother: Run away, I pray you!?

(IV.iii.86-87). This maternal bond with her

All hail, Macbeth! that shalt be king hereafter!? (I.iii.48-50).

Thrice to thine, and thrice to mine,

?Wisdom? To leave his wife, / his babes?? (IV.ii.6-7). With her family together she can

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