The essay deals with Shakespeare’s female characters in “Hamlet” and “As you like it”, raised above society’s conceptions of the female gender.
Shakespeare’s writings are highly observant and contain social and historical representations as well as observations about the human condition. His characters show depth and their personalities undergo changes and reach resolutions according to both societal norms of the time but also to the genre of the play. Gender relations were a significant aspect of his writing especially regarding to the time when Shakespeare was writing when women were the property, first of their father and then of their husband according to the law. Their marriages were business transactions with the woman being exchanged for a higher position in society by entering a family of high social status or even to secure survival if the woman’s family was poor. For the transaction to be successful the woman had to be a virgin, of proven chastity, otherwise she was considered to be unwanted for marriage. This related highly to matters of succession since it was the only that the fatherhood of the husband was certain. In this society, where men dominated every aspect of life women were not permitted to reveal their true self and potential instead they were constantly oppressed and obliged to obey men.
Table of Contents
- Ophelia: A Tragic Consequence of Societal Expectations
- Rosalind: An Alternative Path to Freedom
Objectives and Key Themes
This paper aims to demonstrate that Shakespeare, through his portrayal of female characters in Hamlet and As You Like It, not only understood but also critiqued societal norms that suppressed women and disregarded their potential. The analysis focuses on how societal expectations shaped the fates of Ophelia and Rosalind, contrasting their experiences to highlight the impact of patriarchal structures on women's lives.
- The impact of societal expectations on women's lives in Shakespeare's time.
- The contrast between Ophelia's tragic fate and Rosalind's empowered journey.
- Shakespeare's nuanced portrayal of female characters and his critique of patriarchal norms.
- The exploration of female agency and resilience within restrictive social contexts.
- The role of gender and societal expectations in shaping individual destinies.
Chapter Summaries
Ophelia: A Tragic Consequence of Societal Expectations: This section analyzes Ophelia's character in Hamlet, highlighting her tragic fate as a direct consequence of societal expectations placed upon women during Shakespeare's era. Ophelia, initially presented as a naive and innocent young woman, is subjected to manipulation and control by her father and brother, who prioritize her chastity and obedience above her own desires and well-being. Her inability to defy patriarchal norms, coupled with Hamlet's erratic behavior and subsequent rejection, leads to her mental breakdown and eventual demise. Her tragic end serves as a potent illustration of how conforming to societal expectations does not guarantee safety or happiness, and instead can lead to devastating consequences. The analysis delves into specific scenes, such as Ophelia's interactions with Laertes and Polonius, and her subsequent manipulation by Claudius and Polonius to spy on Hamlet. The section explores how Ophelia's suppression and lack of agency ultimately contribute to her tragic downfall, culminating in her madness and death by drowning. The use of Ophelia's final lines, "Lord, we know what we are, but know not what we may be," is examined to underscore the limitations imposed on women and the existential angst stemming from a life dictated by societal expectations.
Rosalind: An Alternative Path to Freedom: In contrast to Ophelia's tragic fate, this section explores Rosalind's journey in As You Like It, presenting her as a strong and resourceful woman who actively challenges societal constraints. Banished from court, Rosalind disguises herself as a man, Ganymede, allowing her to escape patriarchal control and assert her agency. This disguise not only enables her survival but also allows her to express her true self and pursue her desires. The analysis focuses on Rosalind's wit, resourcefulness, and resilience in navigating the forest of Arden. Her interactions with Orlando, Celia, and other characters showcase her strength of character and her ability to manipulate situations to her advantage. Rosalind's eventual triumph underscores the potential for women to achieve freedom and happiness when they are empowered to make their own choices and challenge societal expectations. This section contrasts Rosalind's proactive approach to adversity with Ophelia's passive acceptance of her fate, highlighting the impact of individual agency in overcoming societal limitations. The analysis concludes by demonstrating how Rosalind's story offers a powerful counterpoint to Ophelia's tragedy, illustrating the possibilities available to women who are able to break free from the constraints imposed upon them.
Keywords
Shakespeare, female characters, Hamlet, As You Like It, Ophelia, Rosalind, societal expectations, patriarchal norms, gender roles, female agency, tragedy, comedy, oppression, freedom, resilience, wit, manipulation.
Shakespearean Female Characters: A Comparative Analysis - FAQ
What is the main focus of this academic paper?
This paper analyzes the portrayal of female characters in Shakespeare's Hamlet and As You Like It, specifically examining how societal expectations and patriarchal structures shaped their lives and destinies. It contrasts the tragic fate of Ophelia with the empowered journey of Rosalind to highlight the impact of gender roles on women's agency and resilience.
What are the key themes explored in the paper?
The key themes include the impact of societal expectations on women's lives in Shakespeare's time, the contrast between Ophelia's tragedy and Rosalind's empowerment, Shakespeare's critique of patriarchal norms, the exploration of female agency and resilience, and the role of gender in shaping individual destinies.
Which Shakespearean plays are analyzed?
The analysis focuses on two plays: Hamlet, examining the character of Ophelia, and As You Like It, focusing on the character of Rosalind.
How does the paper compare Ophelia and Rosalind?
The paper contrasts Ophelia's tragic fate, resulting from her inability to defy societal expectations and patriarchal constraints, with Rosalind's empowered journey, where she actively challenges societal norms and achieves freedom through disguise and resourcefulness. This comparison highlights the impact of individual agency in navigating patriarchal structures.
What is the significance of Ophelia's character in the analysis?
Ophelia's character serves as a tragic illustration of the devastating consequences of conforming to societal expectations. The analysis explores how societal pressures, coupled with manipulation by male figures, lead to her mental breakdown and death. Her story underscores the limitations imposed on women and the lack of agency in their lives.
What is the significance of Rosalind's character in the analysis?
Rosalind's character offers a powerful counterpoint to Ophelia's tragedy. By disguising herself as a man, she escapes patriarchal control, asserts her agency, and ultimately achieves freedom and happiness. Her story highlights the potential for women to overcome societal limitations when empowered to make their own choices.
What are some of the key scenes analyzed in the paper regarding Ophelia?
The analysis delves into specific scenes depicting Ophelia's interactions with Laertes and Polonius, and her manipulation by Claudius and Polonius to spy on Hamlet. These scenes illustrate the control exerted over her and her lack of agency.
What is the significance of Rosalind's disguise in the analysis?
Rosalind's disguise as Ganymede is crucial. It allows her to escape patriarchal control, express her true self, pursue her desires, and demonstrate her wit and resourcefulness in navigating the challenges she faces in the forest of Arden.
What are the main conclusions of the paper?
The paper concludes that Shakespeare, through his portrayal of Ophelia and Rosalind, both understood and critiqued the societal norms that oppressed women. It emphasizes the importance of female agency and resilience in overcoming patriarchal limitations, showcasing the contrasting outcomes based on individual choices and responses to societal pressures.
What are the keywords associated with this paper?
Shakespeare, female characters, Hamlet, As You Like It, Ophelia, Rosalind, societal expectations, patriarchal norms, gender roles, female agency, tragedy, comedy, oppression, freedom, resilience, wit, manipulation.
- Quote paper
- Elena Agathokleous (Author), 2021, Shakespeare’s female characters in "Hamlet" and "As you like it". Raised above society’s conceptions of the female gender, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/1007721
