Monday, September 24, 2012

Why are there so many strong women in Shakespeare's works?


One thing that stands out immediately in Much Ado About Nothing is the presence of a strong, central, female figure.  I find this to be slightly ironic considering during Shakespeare’s time women were not very highly regarded, especially when they are married, as seen through the “Marriage and Money” article previously read.  Through the first two acts, primarily the first one, I see Shakespeare setting the stage to enhance Beatrice’s role as a strong woman.  Shakespeare clearly demonstrates this powerful aspect of women when he puts Benedick vs. Beatrice in a verbal showdown.  After the two provide insults back and forth, primarily Beatrice towards Benedick, Benedick has enough and backs down, “I have done” (I.I.116-117).  I found this moment to be extremely interesting while reading because what man during this time would let a woman win such a match of insults?
            To further demonstrate Beatrice’s strong-will and dominance, when she provides a reason to not get married she makes a valid, religious based point which undermines the male gender.  She basically tells her uncle, Leonato, that she refuses to be overmastered with a piece of valiant dust?” (II.I.51-52) .  Although Beatrice believes she will be overpowered by whomever she marries she still refers to the man as a miniscule piece of dirt.  This is a powerful insult not only to men but also God and Adam from Genesis.  But, what is more interesting than Beatrice’s control is the acknowledgement Shakespeare makes in the men, that women seem to be the person in the marriage who “wear the pants”.
            As shown in our study guide questions, we also see the quote from Don Pedro in Act I Scene I, line 213 “Well, as time shall try.  In time the savage bull doth bear the yoke” while discussing marriage.  Even Don Pedro recognizes that once a man enters marriage he will become tamed and part of the yoke.  This is the lifestyle that Benedick appears to want to avoid for the rest of his life so he can remain a bachelor but we all know this is not practical during Shakespeare’s time just as it seems impractical to have a woman “in-charge”.  It is funny to think that a woman would be the one to put the man in his place and tell him what to do and how to act, especially from all the commentary we have read about societal roles.
            One thing I also noticed while reading that almost contradicts the idea of women’s roles once they are married is when Benedick and Don Pedro are communicating.  In Act One, Benedick sees marriage as the end of his individuality.  He sees that the woman is going to take over his life and over power him and he will be a tool to her.  Benedick says, “In such great letters as they write ‘Here is good horse to hire’ let them signify under my sign ‘Here you may see Benedick, the married man’” (I.I.218-219).  This is extremely ironic to me considering all that has been embedded in the minds of readers of Shakespeare is that women are not supposed to be in power.  I think this quote directly addresses the oppression Benedick will feel from being married to any woman. 
            What does this say about Shakespeare as a writer?  We have already seen powerful women in A Midsummer Night’s Dream and even in Twelfth Night.  Are these women supposed to represent the few women who, during the time actually stood out or maybe this is Shakespeare’s way of calling out all the women and get those who are a bit more timid to stand up and take control of the life they lead and the men in society?  It is unfortunate that no one ever will know the answer to any of these questions but I think they are reasonable to be asking, otherwise why would the women in Shakespeare’s plays have so much strength?

4 comments:

Unknown said...


Brianna,

I completely agree with your post. I find it interesting that Shakespeare makes Beatrice so bold and independent. Knowing that women were considerably inferior to men during Shakespeare’s time, it is radical that he created such a powerful female character in this play (and many other plays, too). I think Beatrice illustrates the idea that women do indeed have voices, and that they are capable of producing quick, witty comments. However, it is incredible that she has no desire to marry – at least in the beginning of the play. As an orphan, she is already disadvantaged enough, but as a woman who refuses to marry, she has an especially unfortunate outlook. When I read that she denies Don Pedro’s suggestion of marriage, I was amazed! Does she not realize how much a marriage would benefit her security? Nevertheless, perhaps she values her independence and freedom. She is clearly not after money, or else she would have jumped on Don Pedro’s offer!

Unknown said...
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Unknown said...

I agree with both of you, this is probably my favorite play so far simply because of Beatrice. I'm happy Shakespeare made such a strong female character who doesn't want to marry! I agree with you Krystal, I was shocked when she turned down marriage, especially with her unfortunate background you would think she'd want to marry? I admire Beatrice, she's independent and speaks her mind which definetly caught my attention.I think she does value her independence and freedom, she's been on her own pretty much all her life, why change it now? And yes, she clearly turned down Don Pedro's offer, money is clearly not important to her.

Unknown said...

I also questioned Shakepeare's portrayal of women after reading "Marriage and Money." I wonder if his intention is to reflect to his women viewers that they possess power or if he is just mocking them. I have been enjoying the lively spirit of Beatrice. I felt her rejection of marriage could be her unwillingness to lose her freedom. In "Marriage and Money" it stated that unmarried women had more freedom. Although her she rejects marriage, it could be interpreted that her behavior toward Benedick reveals she actually likes him. I think of their relationship as almost juvenile in their behavior toward each other. The more they insult each shows the strength of the passion they truly feel for each other, but don't acknowledge yet.