In this Master's thesis I will analyse unconventional depictions of sexuality in Shakespeare's "As You Like It", "Troilus and Cressida" and "Hamlet" with particular focus on the bard's way of dealing with homosexuality, infidelity and incest. Furthermore, I am going to explore modern responses and reactions to these aspects of these plays.
This will allow me to assess the continued relevance today of Shakespeare's depictions of sexuality and to identify similarities and differences between modern attitudes to and depictions of these matters and how they were viewed and depicted in the Elizabethan era.
The Master's thesis seeks to answer the following questions: What were conventional and unconventional depictions of sexuality in Shakespeare's time? How and in how far did Shakespeare break with these conventional depictions of sexuality in the exemplary plays and what do we do with these depictions in the turn of the 21st century?
Table of Contents
1. Introduction
2. Conventional and Unconventional Depictions of Sexuality in Shakespeare's Time
3. As You Like It – Cross-Dressing and the Question of Homosexuality
3.1 Homosexuals: Celia & Rosalind
3.2 Pseudo-Homosexuals: Ganymede & Orlando
3.3 Four Marriages: Heteronormativity Restored
4. Troilus and Cressida – Cuckolds and Whores
4.1 The Imagery of Helen
4.2 Troilus and Cressida's Pre-Marital Relationship
4.3 Cressida's Infidelity
5. Hamlet – Uncles, Maids and Mothers
5.1 Marrying Your Sister-In-Law
5.2 Hamlet's Desires Part I: Ophelia
5.3 Hamlet's Desires Part II: Gertrude
6. Today's Depictions of Sexuality – Shakespeare Reviews From 1995 Up to Now
6.1 As You Like It
6.2 Troilus and Cressida
6.3 Hamlet
7. Conclusion
Research Objectives and Themes
The thesis aims to analyze how Shakespeare addresses and subverts conventional depictions of sexuality—specifically homosexuality, infidelity, and incest—within the Elizabethan era, while also assessing the continued relevance and reception of these depictions in modern theatrical productions.
- The theoretical exploration of Elizabethan gender norms and heteronormativity.
- An in-depth analysis of homoerotic and pseudo-homosexual dynamics in As You Like It.
- The characterization of infidelity and the "cuckold/whore" trope in Troilus and Cressida.
- A study of incestuous desires and family constructs in Hamlet.
- A comparative outlook on modern theatre reviews from 1995 to 2018 regarding these sexual themes.
Excerpt from the Master's Thesis
Homosexuals: Celia & Rosalind
Celia and Rosalind are cousins as their fathers are brothers (cf. Dusinberre (ed.) 2017, 145). It should be noted that a relationship between cousins does not count as incest (cf. Parker 1560. In: Cummings 2011, 686) and that the forms of address, 'cousin' and its short form “coz” (AYL, I.2, 1), express emotional closeness and “intimacy” (Bevington (ed.) 2017, 246). Even before the audience has ever seen Celia and Rosalind, they are mentioned in a conversation between Charles and Oliver (cf. AYL, I.1, 100 – 107). Therefore, Shakespeare's audience does not get to know them via a direct appearance on stage. This would have allowed the audience to make up its own minds about them having regard to their outward appearance, the actors' ways of acting and what they say. In lieu thereof the audience gets to know them by information that is exchanged between others about them. The very first thing we learn about Rosalind and Celia is that they have a very close and deep relationship, so close in that other people at court are talking about it. We learn that Rosalind is “the [banished] Duke's daughter” (ibid., 100) and that Celia is “the Duke's daughter” (ibid., 102). That shows the exterior reason for their close relationship. However, in the information that is given about Celia her deep love for Rosalind is immediately included: “the Duke's daughter, her cousin, so loves her” (ibid., 102 – 103). This main clause introduces a consecutive clause that explains the consequences Celia's love for Rosalind would have if the latter had been banished: “that she would have followed her exile or have died to stay behind her.” (ibid., 104 – 105). Celia's love is so deep that there would be severe consequences if she lost Rosalind, the person she loves. Charles explains that Celia would leave her home forever for Rosalind or even die without her. This foreshadows Celia's actually leaving the court when Rosalind is banished by the Duke (cf. ibid., I.3, 96 – 102).
Summary of Chapters
1. Introduction: Introduces the research topic, the theoretical framework, and the key questions regarding Shakespeare's subversion of sexual norms.
2. Conventional and Unconventional Depictions of Sexuality in Shakespeare's Time: Outlines the theoretical foundation, focusing on gender norms, heteronormativity, and the "one-sex-model" of the Elizabethan era.
3. As You Like It – Cross-Dressing and the Question of Homosexuality: Examines homoerotic and pseudo-homosexual relationships, focusing on the dynamic between Rosalind, Celia, and Orlando.
4. Troilus and Cressida – Cuckolds and Whores: Analyzes the depiction of female infidelity and the "fallen woman" trope through the characters of Helen and Cressida.
5. Hamlet – Uncles, Maids and Mothers: Explores the psychoanalytic elements, specifically focusing on incestuous overtones within the relationships between Hamlet, Gertrude, and Ophelia.
6. Today's Depictions of Sexuality – Shakespeare Reviews From 1995 Up to Now: Provides an analytical outlook by examining contemporary theatrical reviews and how modern directors handle Shakespearean sexuality.
7. Conclusion: Synthesizes the findings and answers the research questions regarding how Shakespeare challenges his era's conventional sexual depictions.
Keywords
Shakespeare, Sexuality, Homosexuality, Infidelity, Incest, Heteronormativity, Gender roles, Early Modern England, As You Like It, Troilus and Cressida, Hamlet, Psychoanalysis, Theatre reviews, Gender studies, Unconventionality
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the core focus of this research paper?
The work examines Shakespeare’s depictions of sexual themes—specifically homosexuality, adultery, and incest—that existed on the periphery of early modern social norms to determine how he subverted the conventional moral standards of his time.
What are the primary fields of study explored?
The paper covers Elizabethan gender studies, the socio-legal perception of marriage and sexuality in the 17th century, early modern literary criticism, and psychoanalytic approaches to dramatic texts.
What is the primary research objective?
The goal is to understand how Shakespeare broke with conventional portrayals of sexuality in specific plays and to assess the long-term impact and evolving reception of these depictions in modern times.
Which scientific methodology is utilized?
The analysis follows a literary-analytical approach, utilizing contemporary historical texts, Elizabethan conduct books, and modern queer and psychoanalytic research to interpret the plays and their recent production reviews.
What does the main part of the thesis encompass?
The main section investigates three plays: it analyzes the homoerotic tension in As You Like It, the performative infidelity in Troilus and Cressida, and the complex incestuous dynamics in Hamlet.
Which keywords characterize the work?
Key terms include Shakespearean sexuality, heteronormativity, gender performance (cross-dressing), psychoanalysis (Oedipus complex), and the cultural evolution of moral norms in theatrical reception.
How does the author interpret the relationship between Celia and Rosalind in As You Like It?
The author argues that Shakespeare suggests a homoerotic bond of significant depth, which is presented as equal in value to heterosexual romantic love, even if the plot ultimately bends towards an traditional end.
What role does the "cuckold" archetype play in the analysis of Troilus and Cressida?
The author uses the cuckold archetype to highlight the misogynistic world view of the era, where female infidelity is treated as a severe moral failure that permanently taints the male partner's social status.
How is the concept of incest handled in the analysis of Hamlet?
The paper argues that incest is not merely a subplot, but the central conflict driving Hamlet's psychological distress, particularly in his confrontation with his mother regarding her marriage to his uncle.
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- Marie Sophie Jendrusch (Autor:in), 2019, Unconventional Depictions of Sexuality in Shakespeare's Works, München, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/1236064
