Many characters in Macbeth appear to be without a specific gender (whether for an act or the whole play), which often gives them increased authority and control throughout the play. The Weird Sisters are beyond labels, as they have the qualities of both men and women. Banquo questions their gender when he first encounters them: “Upon her skinny lips; you should be women, / And yet your beards forbid me to interpret / That you are so” (I.iii.43-45).The supernatural are unable to be characterized and are not bound by the standards of mortals. Femininity and masculinity are not black and white, and the Weird Sisters are in the gray area. The Weird Sisters are not predisposed to certain labels, and therefore have great powers beyond the imagination of any character. On the other hand, Lady Macbeth appears to be a woman, but renounces her gender in Act 1, calling on “spirits / That tend on mortal thoughts, unsex me here / And fill me from the crown to the toe topfull / Of direst cruelty; make thick my blood /…. Come to my woman’s breasts / And take my milk for gall, you murd’ring ministers” (I.v.38-41, 45-46). Lady Macbeth believes that her womanhood is preventing her from achieving her goals. She views her womanhood as a weakness, and by renouncing her gender, she believes that she will be much stronger, proving the restrictions that gender roles create. Ultimately, when Lady Macbeth allows her emotions and guilt to consume her, she becomes weak and unable to function, leading to her death, suggesting the benefit of not being bound by gender roles. When both the Weird Sisters and Lady Macbeth rebel against their traditional gender roles, they are able to become more powerful by throwing aside their emotions and becoming driven to accomplish their goals, but at the same time corrupt others and bring chaos.
Macbeth Act I.i - Three Different Portrayals of the Weird Sisters
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=clG8ha2D26g
Macbeth Act I.i - Three Different Portrayals of the Weird Sisters
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=clG8ha2D26g