This paper deals with the question how women are depicted in English Renaissance drama, exemplified by the women inThe Revenger’s Tragedyand in Shakespeare’sHamletandMacbeth.It shall be examined which functions women in the drama fulfill and which conclusion their status allows.
Of particular interest will be the concept of the ‘unruly woman’, who unites characteristics like mysteriousness, seductiveness and inexplicability. The analysis will show that none of the examined characters Gertrude, Ophelia, Lady Macbeth, Lady Macduff, Gratiana, Gloriana, Castiza, Antonio’s wife and the Duchess are shaped plainly but ambivalently. Therefore, no explicitly good or evil female character can be identified. With regard to the widespread misogynistic view on women in the 17thcentury, this speaks for the dramas’ authors. However, various negative human features that are presented as typically female, will be taken into consideration and questioned as the basis for discussing the issue whether the dramatists can be rather regarded as feminists or sexists. Moreover, a short insight into the potential origins of the (male) perception of the Renaissance woman is presented and shall clarify and explain the circumstances, in which rather ‘modern’ matters like woman’s selfperception, ambition and emancipation, self-determination and reputation. The paper’s aim is to expose what the general way of women’s depiction actually is and to investigate if the dichotomy between men and woman can be portrayed in the simplified way of depicting female weakness versus male strength. Furthermore, it shall be focused on the strikingly depicted male superiority and dominance in the plays, its nature, consequences, the connected illusions and, maybe, underlying weaknesses.
Additionally, the analysis will focus on questions suggesting themselves such as the discussion of woman’s habitual death in Renaissance drama, the identification of the different angles of depiction and, above all, the inquiry of the thesis if women are really depicted as morally and socially inferior to men and, if yes, whether this can be justified.
Table of Contents
- 1.0 Introduction
- 2.0 Reflections on the origins of the view on women in Renaissance England
- 3.0 Analysis Women as morally and socially inferior to men?
- 3.1 Women's hysteria: depression, weakness and suicide in Hamlet
- 3.2 Behind the scenes of Macbeth: The woman as dominant and ingenious seducer?
- 3.3 "Wives are but made to take to bed and feed": Depiction of woman in The Revenger's Tragedy
- 4.0 Renaissance drama: misogynistic view on women or reality depicted? – A conclusion
- 5.0 References
- 6.0 Bibliography
Objectives and Key Themes
This paper examines the portrayal of women in English Renaissance drama, using *The Revenger's Tragedy*, *Hamlet*, and *Macbeth* as case studies. The analysis explores the roles women fulfill in these plays and the implications of their societal status, focusing on the "unruly woman" archetype. The study investigates whether the plays reflect a misogynistic worldview or offer a more nuanced perspective, considering the prevalent misogynistic views of the 17th century. It also delves into the potential origins of male perceptions of Renaissance women, exploring concepts such as self-perception, ambition, and societal expectations. * The depiction of women in English Renaissance drama. * The role and function of women within the dramatic narratives. * The archetype of the "unruly woman" and its multifaceted representation. * The exploration of misogyny versus a more nuanced portrayal of women in the plays. * The origins and influences shaping the perception of women during the Renaissance.Chapter Summaries
1.0 Introduction: This introductory chapter sets the stage for the analysis by outlining the paper's central research question: how are women depicted in English Renaissance drama, specifically in *The Revenger's Tragedy*, *Hamlet*, and *Macbeth*? It highlights the focus on the "unruly woman" archetype, characterized by mystery, seductiveness, and ambiguity. The chapter emphasizes the ambivalent portrayal of female characters, rejecting the notion of simple categorization into "good" or "evil." It previews the exploration of whether the dramatists reflect or challenge the prevalent misogynistic views of their time and introduces the investigation into the origins of male perceptions of Renaissance women, including themes of self-perception, ambition, and emancipation. 2.0 Reflections on the origins of the view on women in Renaissance England: This chapter explores the historical and religious influences shaping the perception of women in Renaissance England. It examines the significant role of the Bible, specifically the narrative of Eve's fall and its consequences for the status of women. The chapter analyzes John Knox's *The First Blast of the Trumpet Against the Monstrous Regiment of Women*, illustrating the prevailing belief in women's inherent inferiority. However, it also acknowledges the Bible's more nuanced representations of women, highlighting the potential for female virtue and strength. The chapter concludes by suggesting that while the Bible contributed significantly to patriarchal views, it did not preclude more complex and ambivalent portrayals of women in the Renaissance. 3.0 Analysis Women as morally and socially inferior to men?: This chapter constitutes the core of the analysis. It delves into detailed examinations of specific female characters from *Hamlet*, *Macbeth*, and *The Revenger's Tragedy*, exploring how their actions and motivations challenge or reinforce conventional gender roles. The chapter scrutinizes the portrayal of female hysteria, ambition, and agency within the specific contexts of each play, drawing comparisons and contrasts between the characters. The analysis considers whether these portrayals reinforce a misogynistic worldview or if they reveal something more intricate about the complexities of human nature, both male and female. The chapter also explores the recurring theme of women's deaths within Renaissance drama and the multiple perspectives presented in the plays' portrayals of their female characters.Frequently Asked Questions: Analysis of Women in English Renaissance Drama
What is the main focus of this paper?
This paper analyzes the portrayal of women in English Renaissance drama, using The Revenger's Tragedy, Hamlet, and Macbeth as case studies. It explores the roles women fulfill, the implications of their societal status, and the "unruly woman" archetype. The central question is whether these plays reflect a misogynistic worldview or offer a more nuanced perspective.
What are the key themes explored in the paper?
Key themes include the depiction of women in English Renaissance drama; the role and function of women within the dramatic narratives; the archetype of the "unruly woman"; the exploration of misogyny versus a more nuanced portrayal of women; and the origins and influences shaping the perception of women during the Renaissance.
Which plays are analyzed in this paper?
The paper uses three plays as case studies: The Revenger's Tragedy, Hamlet, and Macbeth. The analysis focuses on specific female characters within these plays.
What is the "unruly woman" archetype?
The "unruly woman" archetype is a recurring theme. These characters are often characterized by mystery, seductiveness, and ambiguity. The paper explores how these characters challenge or reinforce conventional gender roles.
How does the paper address the issue of misogyny?
The paper investigates whether the plays reflect the prevalent misogynistic views of the 17th century. It examines whether the portrayals of women reinforce a misogynistic worldview or reveal something more intricate about the complexities of human nature.
What historical and religious influences are considered?
The paper explores the historical and religious influences shaping the perception of women in Renaissance England, including the role of the Bible (particularly the story of Eve) and works like John Knox's The First Blast of the Trumpet Against the Monstrous Regiment of Women. It acknowledges both the patriarchal influences and the potential for more complex portrayals of women.
What is covered in Chapter 3?
Chapter 3 is the core of the analysis, providing detailed examinations of specific female characters from Hamlet, Macbeth, and The Revenger's Tragedy. It scrutinizes portrayals of female hysteria, ambition, and agency, comparing and contrasting characters and exploring the theme of women's deaths in Renaissance drama.
What is the conclusion of the paper?
The conclusion (Chapter 4) summarizes the findings and considers whether Renaissance drama reflects a solely misogynistic view on women or presents a more complex and nuanced portrayal.
Where can I find the references and bibliography?
The paper includes a dedicated section for references (Chapter 5) and a bibliography (Chapter 6).
- Quote paper
- Adriana Zühlke (Author), 2004, 'Frailty, thy name is woman': The depiction of women in The Revenger's Tragedy and in Shakespeare's Hamlet and Macbeth, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/66777
