This term paper will address women's representation and gender constellations in the early modern society of English Renaissance. Firstly, an outline of women’s role in the early modern England will illustrate social structures and sexual distinctions. Afterwards, the focus lies on Ophelia who is portrayed as women’s stereotype in this patriarchal society. She is presented as an oppressed woman, a fragile, naive and powerless virgin whose only way out of male dominance is suicide. Therefore, an analysis of Ophelia’s character follows in regard to her virginity, her oppression and lastly her suicide as female strategy. Furthermore, Gertrude, the Queen of Denmark, will be discussed in order to broader the perspective on women during the Elizabethan period. At the end of the paper, gender issues due to power structures and women’s role in Shakespeare’s Hamlet will be summarized.
Table of Contents
1. Introduction
2. Women’s role in the early modern England
3. Ophelia in Shakespeare’s Hamlet
3.1 Ophelia as virgin
3.2 Ophelia as an oppressed woman
3.3 Ophelia as corpse – suicide as female strategy
4. Gertrude in Shakespeare’s Hamlet
5. Conclusion
6. Bibliography
Objectives and Research Focus
This paper examines the representation of women and gender constellations within William Shakespeare's Hamlet, analyzing how Elizabethan patriarchal structures influence the portrayal of female characters.
- Analysis of women's social roles and subordination in the English Renaissance.
- Examination of Ophelia as a stereotypical representation of a powerless, obedient virgin.
- Investigation of Ophelia's suicide as a potential form of rebellion against male dominance.
- Discussion of Gertrude’s complex role as a widow, wife, and queen within a male-dominated power hierarchy.
Excerpt from the Book
3.1 Ophelia as virgin
“The chariest maid is prodigal enough/ If she unmask her beauty to the moon.” - This is the moment in which Leartes, Ophelia’s brother, instructs his sister to be sceptical towards Hamlet as his advances to her are merely “a show of love”. Both, Corambis and Leartes deem him untrustworthy and demand that Ophelia should “refuse his tokens” as “[…] men often prove/ Great in their words, but little in their love”. Tough the relatives seem to be worried about Ophelia’s heart, their focus lies on protecting her virginity. Corambis expresses this metaphorically: “Springes to catch woodcocks, […] How prodigal the tongue lends the heart vows?” He continues by adding that Ophelia should “be more scanter of (her) maiden presence” because otherwise her “honour” is threatened. Hamlet, as well, seems to be focussed on Ophelia’s sexuality, by claiming that she should go to a nunnery. All of these sentences are sexually connotated and aim at relegating Ophelia to stay in the subordinated role of a women who has no autonomy. Ophelia clearly answers that she “shall obey” which underlines her inferior position since a women’s virginity reflects her value and social status. As both of Ophelia’s relatives attempt to manipulate her behaviour, her body does not belong to her anymore; it is made a family affair. It is evident that her father and brother control her life and resist against any kind of intimacy with Hamlet.
Summary of Chapters
1. Introduction: The introduction outlines the central theme of gender representation in Hamlet and establishes the historical framework of the Elizabethan era.
2. Women’s role in the early modern England: This chapter illustrates the patriarchal social structures and the subordination of women in the early modern period.
3. Ophelia in Shakespeare’s Hamlet: This chapter explores how Ophelia is portrayed as an oppressed, naive, and ultimately rebellious female character.
3.1 Ophelia as virgin: This section details how Ophelia’s virginity is treated as a commodity controlled by her father and brother.
3.2 Ophelia as an oppressed woman: This section analyzes how Ophelia is victimized by male dominance and misogyny.
3.3 Ophelia as corpse – suicide as female strategy: This section interprets Ophelia’s suicide as an aestheticized death and a form of protest.
4. Gertrude in Shakespeare’s Hamlet: This chapter discusses the role of Queen Gertrude and the moral ambiguity surrounding her actions.
5. Conclusion: The conclusion summarizes the findings regarding how Ophelia and Gertrude reflect the limited autonomy of women in Shakespeare's world.
6. Bibliography: Lists the academic primary and secondary sources used for the compilation of the paper.
Key Words
Hamlet, William Shakespeare, Ophelia, Gertrude, Elizabethan age, Patriarchy, Misogyny, Gender roles, Subordination, Femininity, Renaissance, Power structures, Suicide, Female stereotype, Virginity.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the core subject of this paper?
The paper examines the representation of women and gender dynamics in William Shakespeare's tragedy, Hamlet, with a focus on the characters Ophelia and Gertrude.
What are the central themes discussed?
The central themes include patriarchal power structures, the subordination of women in the early modern era, misogyny, and the use of female suicide as a strategic form of protest.
What is the primary research question?
The research explores how the historical Elizabethan background influences the portrayal of female characters and demonstrates the contemporary gender issues of that time.
Which scientific method is utilized?
The paper uses literary and historical analysis to interpret the characters of Ophelia and Gertrude against the backdrop of patriarchal values during the English Renaissance.
What is covered in the main section?
The main section analyzes social roles during the Renaissance, the restricted and oppressed life of Ophelia, and the complex, often misunderstood role of Queen Gertrude.
Which keywords best characterize this work?
Key terms include Hamlet, gender roles, patriarchy, Ophelia, Gertrude, misogyny, and subordination.
Why is Ophelia labeled as an oppressed woman?
She is labeled as such because her choices, sexuality, and body are controlled by the men in her life, specifically her father Corambis and her brother Leartes.
How is Gertrude's death interpreted in the text?
The text suggests that Gertrude’s death in the final scene is open to interpretation, questioning whether her fatal action was an act of maternal sacrifice or unintentional ignorance.
- Quote paper
- Anonym (Author), 2019, Women's Representation in Shakespeare's Hamlet, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/1515269
