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.
Inhaltsverzeichnis (Table of Contents)
- Introduction
- Women's role in the early modern England
- Ophelia in Shakespeare's Hamlet
- Ophelia as virgin
- Ophelia as an oppressed woman
- Ophelia as corpse – suicide as female strategy
- Gertrude in Shakespeare's Hamlet
- Conclusion
Zielsetzung und Themenschwerpunkte (Objectives and Key Themes)
This paper aims to analyze the representation of women and gender issues in Shakespeare's Hamlet, considering the historical context of early modern England. It examines how societal structures and patriarchal values influenced the portrayal of female characters.
- Women's roles in early modern England
- Ophelia's character as a representation of female stereotypes
- Ophelia's portrayal as a victim of patriarchal oppression
- Ophelia's suicide as a potential strategy within a patriarchal system
- Gertrude's role and its implications for understanding women in the Elizabethan era
Zusammenfassung der Kapitel (Chapter Summaries)
Introduction: Introduces the topic of women's representation in Hamlet, focusing on Ophelia and Gertrude. It highlights the play's exploration of social structures and gender issues within the Elizabethan era and outlines the paper's structure.
Women's role in early modern England: This section explores the social and sexual distinctions prevalent in early modern England, highlighting the subordinate role of women within a patriarchal society dominated by religious and hierarchical structures. It positions Hamlet's female characters within this context.
Ophelia in Shakespeare's Hamlet: This section delves into an analysis of Ophelia's character, examining her portrayal as a virgin, an oppressed woman, and ultimately, her suicide as a possible response to male dominance. It discusses the societal pressures placed upon her and the expectations surrounding her virginity.
Schlüsselwörter (Keywords)
Shakespeare, Hamlet, Women's Representation, Gender Roles, Early Modern England, Elizabethan Era, Patriarchy, Ophelia, Gertrude, Female Stereotypes, Suicide, Oppression, Revenge Tragedy.
- Quote paper
- Anonym (Author), 2019, Women's Representation in Shakespeare's Hamlet, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/1515269
