"From the crown to the toe, top full of direst cruelty"

This quote is said by Lady Macbeth because she is wanting to take the throne and do whatever is necessary to make that happen.  This quote and its surrounding context is about how Lady Macbeth wants to be less of a lady, and more of a cold hearted male.  She implies that women are nurturing and unable to carry out the tasks of men because of this nature.  She says "unsex me here," because she believes that being a woman is what is holding her back from being able to kill Duncan.  I think this is extremely sexist.  Yes, women can be caring mothers, but that doesn't mean it is true in all cases, nor is it true that all men are void of feelings.  Thinking like a man does not mean thinking like a killer.  Shakespeare casts women in stereotypical roles, but considering the time at which this was written, I do not find it ridiculous.  I am all for women's rights, but in the 17th century, this was pretty widely accepted.  Women have come a very long way and I think that is why it is hard to read Shakespeare now because he had a low view of women and their capabilities.