Women mistaken for men, men mistaken for women, disguised as men - this play with identity and gender does not seem to be a new topic for the theatre audience of the 21. century.
But in Elizabethan England, where identity and the question of class were very important for society, these confusing relationships shown on stage must have been puzzling.
Although confusions over identity are nothing new in comedy since classical times, it is Shakespeare who mainly focused on the issue of gender in his comedies. In 'Twelfth Night' he plays with the cultural constructions of his time, for example the question of gender and erotic attraction, even between partners of the same sex.
Table of Contents
1. Introduction
2. The Definition of Gender
2.1. Cross-dressing
2.2. Marriage
3. The two contrasting women
3.1. Petrarch's influence
3.2. The female perspective
3.3. The male perspective
4. Same sex love in Twelfth Night
4.1. The ideal of male friendship
4.2. Orsino and Viola
4.3. Antonio and Sebastian
4.4. The solution in legal marriage
5. Conclusion
6. Literature
Objectives and Topics
This paper examines how gender roles and social constructions of identity are transgressed within William Shakespeare's comedy "Twelfth Night". By exploring Elizabethan perspectives on gender, marriage, and cross-dressing, the research analyzes how the play's characters—particularly through the lens of disguise and unconventional relationships—challenge the period's rigid societal ideals.
- The influence of Renaissance and Elizabethan gender definitions.
- The role and controversy of cross-dressing as a theatrical strategy.
- Contrasting perceptions of women and male perspectives on desire.
- The manifestation of same-sex attraction and the ideal of male friendship.
- The resolution of complex gender identities through traditional legal marriage.
Excerpt from the Book
2. The Definition of Gender
In the early stages of the Elizabethan Age, feminist critics had to face a "fairly homogenous and privileged domain of male scholarship" (Barker, Kamps 1) . This dominance was justified by the definition of gender at that time, which granted more power to the males than females.
The way in which Shakespeare's contemporaries understood gender and the human body was primarily influenced by the model of a Greek physician called Galen in the second century AD (cf. Massai 9). According to him, male and female sexual organs were structurally similar. What changed was the position of these organs, depending on the temperature in the body. So when men and women were believed to be basically the same, society needed other distinctive features like behaviour or clothing to differ between them. Society also believed that all males go through a transition during childhood where they are close to being female – called „effeminate“ at that time – and then grow to an adult man. When a man still kept these female parts as an adult he was seen to remain effeminate. And when male and female elements were equally present in a human body, a "hermaphrodite" could be formed (cf. Greenblatt 88).
Summary of Chapters
1. Introduction: This chapter outlines the central research topic regarding the transgression of gender in "Twelfth Night" within the socio-historical context of Elizabethan England.
2. The Definition of Gender: It examines historical gender models, specifically Galen's anatomical theories and the rise of Humanism, which framed the gender hierarchies of the time.
2.1. Cross-dressing: This section discusses the societal controversy surrounding cross-dressing and its function as a theatrical device for women to bypass social constraints.
2.2. Marriage: It explores the shift in marital ideals during the 16th century, contrasting the patriarchal view with the growing belief in equal companionship.
3. The two contrasting women: This chapter analyzes how Shakespeare presents a more realistic depiction of women compared to the rigid archetypes of the era.
3.1. Petrarch's influence: It highlights the impact of Petrarchan ideals of unattainable, chaste women on the characterizations within the play.
3.2. The female perspective: This section focuses on how female characters like Viola, Olivia, and Maria navigate and challenge their gendered identities.
3.3. The male perspective: It critiques the self-centered nature of the male characters, particularly Orsino and Malvolio, in their idealized treatment of women.
4. Same sex love in Twelfth Night: This chapter addresses the presence of homoerotic undercurrents and the boundaries of friendship in the play.
4.1. The ideal of male friendship: It explores the Elizabethan perception of intense male friendship and how it relates to potential same-sex attraction.
4.2. Orsino and Viola: This section analyzes the complex power and gender dynamics between the Duke and his page, Cesario/Viola.
4.3. Antonio and Sebastian: It discusses the more overt homosexual elements in the relationship between Antonio and Sebastian.
4.4. The solution in legal marriage: This final analytical chapter examines why the play ultimately reconciles its characters through traditional, heteronormative marriage.
5. Conclusion: This chapter synthesizes the findings, arguing that the play uses gender subversion to highlight the instability of gender norms.
6. Literature: This section lists the primary and secondary sources utilized in the research.
Keywords
Twelfth Night, Shakespeare, Gender, Cross-dressing, Elizabethan Age, Marriage, Feminism, Humanism, Petrarch, Homoeroticism, Identity, Gender roles, Social order, Sexuality, Masculinity
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the core focus of this research paper?
The paper explores the transgression of gender roles and societal norms in Shakespeare's "Twelfth Night," specifically investigating how identity and erotic attraction are portrayed in the Elizabethan context.
What are the primary thematic areas covered?
The main themes include historical gender definitions, the practice and symbolism of cross-dressing, the institution of marriage, and the expression of same-sex attraction versus societal expectations.
What is the central research question?
The research seeks to determine how gender is transgressed within the play and how Shakespeare uses both conventional and unconventional characters to reflect or challenge Elizabethan standards.
Which scientific methodology is applied?
The author uses a literary and cultural studies approach, applying historical theories of gender (such as those by Galen and Stephen Greenblatt) to interpret the character dynamics and thematic content of the play.
What topics are discussed in the main body?
The main body examines historical gender norms, the role of women and male perspectives in the play, the nature of homosocial and homosexual relationships, and the resolution of gender conflict through marriage.
Which keywords best characterize this work?
Key terms include "Twelfth Night," "Gender," "Cross-dressing," "Elizabethan Age," "Marriage," and "Homoeroticism."
How does the play depict the character of Viola?
Viola is shown as a central figure who transcends traditional female limitations by assuming a male identity (Cesario), allowing her more freedom, yet ultimately concluding the play within a marriage structure.
Why is marriage significant in the context of the play's ending?
Marriage serves as a "reassuring resolution" that restores social order and conforms to the natural, heteronormative standards favored by Elizabethan society, despite the preceding gender and identity confusion.
How is cross-dressing perceived in the play compared to the Elizabethan view?
While the Elizabethan society largely viewed cross-dressing as a moral threat or a "sin," Shakespeare employs it in the play as a strategic device to explore feminine expression and complex human relationships.
- Quote paper
- Annika Bolten (Author), 2010, The transgression of Gender in Shakespeare's Comedy 'Twelfth Night', Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/203879
