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Essay / Research Paper Abstract
A 3 page essay that argues that Shakespeare's As You Like It (c. 1599) and Alpha Behn's play The Rover or, the Banish'd Cavaliers (1677) are two instances where playwrights use comedies as vehicles for social criticism. Both plays portray strong, intelligent women who defy the social and sexual conventions of their time. In so doing, these characters are both contrary to the way that women were generally perceived within the patriarchal society of their centuries.
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3 pages (~225 words per page)
File: D0_khayliro.rtf
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Unformatted sample text from the term paper:
the severest social criticism, making it socially acceptable even within restrictive societies. Shakespeares As You Like It (c. 1599) and Alpha Behns play The Rover or, the Banishd Cavaliers (1677)
are two instances where this occurs. Although these plays are both comedies, they also each portray strong, intelligent women who defy the social and sexual conventions of their time. In
so doing, these characters are both contrary to the way that women were generally perceived within the patriarchal society of their centuries. In As You Like It, the lead
female character of Rosalind is undoubtedly one of the most interesting and provocative characters in the play. Not only does she portray both energy and intelligence when disguised as the
boy "Ganymede," but she also shows an endearing sense of humor as she is able to laugh at herself and her situation. Shakespeare has Rosalind show incredible ingenuity when
she proposes to Orlando that he practice his wooing by pretending that she, dressed as a boy, is that lady. Of course, the humor derives from the fact that
Orlando actually loves Rosalind, but does not recognize her in her disguise. She is who she pretend to be. Rosalind would obviously like to act as lovesick of Silvius,
but she keeps her emotions in check so that she can carry off her masquerade as a man. When Rosalind confronts the Dukes accusation that she is a traitor,
the audience sees her courage and fortitude. Her resourcefulness is show by her suggestion that she dress as a man to make their journey into the forests of Arden safer.
It is also Rosalinds idea to purchase a house and sheep in Arden, so that they will have some means of sustaining themselves. It is interesting to not that Shakespeare
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