Tamed Shrews and Twelfth Nights: The Role of Women In Shakespeare

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Tamed Shrews and Twelfth Nights: The Role of Women In Shakespeare

It is curious to note the role of women in Shakespearean literature. Many critics have lambasted the female characters in his plays as two-dimensional and unrealistic portrayals of subservient women. Others have asserted that the roles of women in his plays were prominent for the time and culture that he lived in. That such contrasting views could be held in regards to the same topic is academic. It is only with close examination of his works that we are able to suppose his intent in creating characters that inspire so much controversy. Two works, Taming of the Shrew, and Twelfth Night, stand out particularly well in regards to Shakespeare's use of female characters. After examining these two plays, one will see that Shakespeare, though conforming to contemporary attitudes of women, circumvented them by creating resolute female characters with a strong sense of self.

The Taming of the Shrew is one of Shakespeare's most famous plays, and has weathered well into our modern era with adaptations into popular television series such as Moonlighting. For all the praises it has garnered throughout the centuries, it is curious to note that many have considered it to be o

Obviously, the two women are very different individuals. Yet they share the same characteristics that Shakespeare imparted onto many of his heroines. Each is resolute and knows her own mind. Though society demands certain behavior from them, they each chose to undertake a different path to deny that behavior. The self is promoted over the public image. Yet, each is not averse to returning to society's established roles if it serves their needs and wants. The entire concept of choice and free-will, of which Shakespeare was so fond of, applies as equally to his feminine characters as to his masculine. It is this very important point which establishes the conclusion that Shakespeare did indeed create realistic and meaningful female characters.

Having seen the similarities between Viola and Katherine, one should take notice that they do have different circumstances regarding their behavior. The reason for Katherine's shrewish demeanor is never given in the play, though many directors have interpreted it as an act to discourage suitors, much like Hamlet's feigned madness. Others have attributed it to sibling rivalry between Katherine and her sister Bianca. In any case, no clear rationale is given to the audience as to the reason for Katherine's behavior. It is enough to say that the actions of her father and sister do not relieve the situation as well. Throughout the whole of the play, her father treats her as a commodity to be bargained away to whoever is willing to take her. Granted that he doesn't view Bianca as anything more than a commodity as well, but he clearly favors her over Katherine as unspoiled merchandise. Bianca has a

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Approximate Word count = 1105
Approximate Pages = 4 (250 words per page double spaced)

Category: English