The Role of Women in Elizabethan England Miss Royce

Woman as Object Woman as object of gaze, men as those who look Woman is the object of affection, something to be obtained The physical, rather than the mind, is emphasized Modern examples: Billboard and magazine ads, scenes in movies and on tv

Shakespeare’s Juliet Father is to be convinced (by Paris) that she should be handed away, like she doesn’t have an opinion

Romeo loves the idea of Juliet more than he loves Juliet herself (even before he knows her he wishes to touch and hold her, as if she is an object he is to obtain)

Woman as Backdrop Woman takes the backseat to the man Man ignores woman’s advice, feelings, emotions in exchange for maintaining a public image Man’s career or reputation takes precedence over his relationship with a woman Modern Examples : Women in James Bond movies

Shakespeare’s Calpurnia Symbol for the private, domestic realm (which takes a backseat to public affairs) Calpurnia is a powerless figure, willing though unable to help and comfort Caesar

Woman as Virtuous, Innocent So pure and perfect, so formed of gentleness and compassion, that her very virtues become the instruments of her ruin Women who, though they may not always understand you, do always feel you, and feel with you Voice is soft and flexible, she is pathetically graceful Modern Example: Adrienne in Rocky, MJ in Spiderman http://muse.jhu.edu/journals/theatre_journal/v060/60.2.kahn.html

Shakespeare’s Desdemona She values simplicity, sensibility, and domesticity It was the perfection of women to be characterless (she is identified largely in part by how she compares to the man

Woman as Aggressor, Manipulative Manipulation is a large part of their role or their character Ambition may lead to manipulation for personal gain Modern example: Miranda Priestly in The Devil Wears Prada

Shakespeare’s Lady Macbeth Consider the relationship between gender and power and how it influences the play Lady Macbeth manipulates her husband beautifully by attacking his manhood until he feels that he must commit murder to prove himself.