1. The Role of Women in Elizabethan England
Miss Royce

2. 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

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

4. 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)

5. 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

6. 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

7. 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

8. 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

9. 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

10. 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.