The essay deals with Shakespeare’s female characters in “Hamlet” and “As you like it”, raised above society’s conceptions of the female gender.
Shakespeare’s writings are highly observant and contain social and historical representations as well as observations about the human condition. His characters show depth and their personalities undergo changes and reach resolutions according to both societal norms of the time but also to the genre of the play. Gender relations were a significant aspect of his writing especially regarding to the time when Shakespeare was writing when women were the property, first of their father and then of their husband according to the law. Their marriages were business transactions with the woman being exchanged for a higher position in society by entering a family of high social status or even to secure survival if the woman’s family was poor. For the transaction to be successful the woman had to be a virgin, of proven chastity, otherwise she was considered to be unwanted for marriage. This related highly to matters of succession since it was the only that the fatherhood of the husband was certain. In this society, where men dominated every aspect of life women were not permitted to reveal their true self and potential instead they were constantly oppressed and obliged to obey men.
Table of Contents
1. Introduction
2. Ophelia’s character analysis in Hamlet
3. Rosalind’s character analysis in As you like it
4. Conclusion
Objectives and Topics
This paper examines the representation of female characters in William Shakespeare's works, specifically focusing on Ophelia from "Hamlet" and Rosalind from "As you like it," to argue that Shakespeare protested the societal suppression of women and recognized their true potential.
- The societal constraints and patriarchal norms imposed on women in Shakespearean times.
- A comparative study of Ophelia’s tragic suppression versus Rosalind’s agency and independence.
- The impact of genre conventions on the development and outcomes of female characters.
- The subversion of masculine dominance through character disguise and internal resistance.
Excerpt from the book
To be a “she” or not to be: Shakespeare’s female characters in Hamlet and As you like it, raised above society’s conceptions of the female gender
Shakespeare’s writings are highly observant and contain social and historical representations as well as observations about the human condition (Gunenc, 2015). His characters show depth and their personalities undergo changes and reach resolutions according to both societal norms of the time but also to the genre of the play (Shainess, 1982). Gender relations were a significant aspect of his writing especially regarding to the time when Shakespeare was writing when women were the property, first of their father and then of their husband according to the law (Shainess, 1982). Their marriages were business transactions with the woman being exchanged for a higher position in society by entering a family of high social status or even to secure survival if the woman’s family was poor (Shainess, 1982). For the transaction to be successful the woman had to be a virgin, of proven chastity, otherwise she was considered to be unwanted for marriage (Shainess, 1982). This related highly to matters of succession since it was the only that the fatherhood of the husband was certain (Shainess, 1982). In this society, where men dominated every aspect of life women were not permitted to reveal their true self and potential instead they were constantly oppressed and obliged to obey men (Shainess, 1982).
Shakespeare’s writings appear to reveal an understanding of the female situation in such a society since through his plays a concern about this problematic view of womanhood by society can be detected (Greer, 2003). Even though a woman had become the ruler of the country, society still functioned by the masculine domination norms that are seen through Shakespeare’s plays, often leading to assumptions of the playwright’s little regard for women and chauvinistic tendencies (Greer, 2003). My purpose is to argue that an examination of Shakespeare’s female characters can convince that Shakespeare not only understood but rather protested to the society’s complete disregard of the female gender, their potential and virtues and the suppression of intelligent human beings, able for independence and with much to offer.
Chapter Summary
1. Introduction: This chapter establishes the historical context of gender relations in Shakespeare’s era and outlines the research objective to prove that his plays offer a critique of patriarchal suppression.
2. Ophelia’s character analysis in Hamlet: This section details how Ophelia’s compliance with societal and paternal expectations leads to her mental deterioration and tragic demise, serving as a critique of female objectification.
3. Rosalind’s character analysis in As you like it: This chapter analyzes how Rosalind uses disguise and wit to exert agency, providing a positive alternative to the tragic path taken by Ophelia.
4. Conclusion: The final chapter synthesizes the comparison between the two heroines, concluding that despite genre limitations, both characters reveal the untapped potential of women stifled by their environments.
Keywords
Shakespeare, Hamlet, As you like it, Ophelia, Rosalind, Gender roles, Patriarchy, Female suppression, Agency, Elizabethan society, Tragedy, Comedy, Female potential, Social norms, Literary criticism
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the core focus of this research paper?
The paper explores the representation of female characters in Shakespeare's plays, specifically investigating how gender roles and patriarchal pressures influence the lives and fates of women.
What are the primary themes discussed in the work?
Key themes include the societal suppression of women, the contrast between tragedy and comedy as genres, the significance of female agency, and the impact of Elizabethan societal norms on individual identity.
What is the author's central research objective?
The author aims to demonstrate that Shakespeare was not merely a product of his time but a playwright who understood and protested the systematic disregard for women's potential.
Which methodology is utilized in this paper?
The research employs a qualitative literary analysis, examining textual evidence from "Hamlet" and "As you like it" alongside critical perspectives on gender relations in Elizabethan England.
What aspects are covered in the main body of the text?
The main body conducts a character study of Ophelia, emphasizing her victimhood and loss of voice, followed by an analysis of Rosalind, highlighting her wit, resourcefulness, and ability to thrive through gender subversion.
Which keywords best characterize this academic study?
The study is defined by terms such as Shakespeare, gender roles, patriarchy, agency, female potential, and literary representation.
How does the author characterize Ophelia’s descent into madness?
The author views Ophelia's madness not just as a psychological breakdown, but as the only available outlet for her to express her true self and voice in a world that consistently silenced her.
What makes Rosalind's situation different from Ophelia's?
While Ophelia is trapped by patriarchal expectations, Rosalind uses the theatrical device of disguise to bypass these limitations, allowing her to test her partner and act with independence.
- Citation du texte
- Elena Agathokleous (Auteur), 2021, Shakespeare’s female characters in "Hamlet" and "As you like it". Raised above society’s conceptions of the female gender, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/1007721
