Women During The Elizabethan Era

During the Elizabethan time period, the ideal woman was quiet and obedient. A woman who was outspoken and opinionated seemed to be rare and unwanted. The ideal man was envisioned to be masculine, ruler of the house, and to be overshadowed by women. Shakespeare mentions both of his thoughts of the ideal woman and man in both plays and in sonnet 127.
Shakespeare’s writing helped the reader understand and accept the gender roles being changed. “Although Shakespeare reflects and at times supports the English Renaissance stereotypes of women and men and their various roles and responsibilities in society, he is also a writer who questions, challenges, and modifies those representations.” (Gerlach) In Othello, Iago describes the best thing an ideal woman can do is get married and have children. Iago says women should be submissive and obedient towards their husbands. “She that was ever fair, and never proud: Had tongue at will, and yet was never
loud…” (Othello 35) Emilia believes that men and women are equal in their marriage.
She says that if men can cheat, and stray from their wives, the wives should be able to do the same because they have sexual desires too. “But I do think it is their husbands' faults if wives do fall… Yet have we some revenge. Let husbands know their wives have sense like them. They see and smell, and have their palates both for sweet and sour, as husbands have.” (Othello 107) In the Merchant of Venice, Portia, is opinionated and intelligent. Portia is quick tongued while being around Nerissa. Nerissa is a Portia’s loyal companion. Portia and Nerissa are the heroes of the story. Regardless of gender. Portia is an important symbol in the play. She shows selflessness by paying the debt that is putting Antonio’s life on the line. “Pay him six thousand, and deface the bond; Double six thousand, and then treble that, before a friend of this description shall lose a hair through Bassanio’s fault.” (MOV 54) Portia’s character is more closely related to today’s
women.
Shakespeare demonstrates a flip of the behavior of women during the era. Not only does Jessica demonstrate disgrace of her father, she takes her life into her own hands. “To be ashamed to be my father’s child! But though I am a daughter to his blood, I am not in his manners. O Lorenzo, if thou keep promise, I shall end this strife, become a Christian, and thy loving wife.” (MOV 25) Jessica shows bravery and strength while she runs away with Lorenzo. Jessica’s strength is also noticeable when she is willing to convert to Christianity to marry Lorenzo and gain respect as a Christian. Antonio is an ideal man during the era. He is a Christian that is surrounded by friends, while he also despises Jews. “Antonio is a merchant; whose chief aim is to enjoy his wealth and to make it assist others. He loans money without interest. He is surrounded by friends, because his nature begets friendship. He is the type of mercy toward all mankind except to the Jew, whom he despises.” (McCarter) In Shakespeare’s sonnet, he says women who wear makeup appear to be fake and they are not as beautiful as women who use their natural features for their benefits. “For since each hand hath put on Nature’s power, fairing the foul with Art’s flase borrowed face, sweet beauty hath no name, no holy bower, but is profaned, if not lives in disgrace.” (Shakespeare) Shakespeare also says that no one’s looks could compare to the beauty of his dark-skinned mistress. Shakespeare has shaped the acceptance of the changes in roles of men and women. He gave female characters an opinion. He gave male characters the weakness of letting their guards down to be manipulated. Shakespeare’s writings are relatable to today’s society.