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Essay / Research Paper Abstract
In 8 pages the author discusses Shakespeare's response to women through female characters in "Hamlet" and "Othello". "It is interesting to note the role of women in William Shakespeare's plays. Many of them are two-dimensional. They portrayals of subservient women. It is only in the close examination of his works that one is able to suppose his intent in creating characters that inspire that type of controversy. Two works, 'Hamlet' and 'Othello' stand out particularly well in regards to Shakespeare's use of female characters. Examination of these two plays, will show that Shakespeare, circumvented them by creating resolute female characters with a strong sense of self, although conforming to the contemporary attitudes of women at the same time." Bibliography lists 6 sources.
Page Count:
8 pages (~225 words per page)
File: D0_Hamoth2.doc
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Unformatted sample text from the term paper:
They are portrayals of subservient women. It is only in the close examination of his works that one is able to suppose his intent in creating characters that
inspire that type of controversy. Two works, "Hamlet" and "Othello" stand out particularly well in regards to Shakespeares use of female characters. Examination of these two plays, will
show that Shakespeare, circumvented them by creating resolute female characters with a strong sense of self, although conforming to the contemporary attitudes of women at the same time.
Williams Shakespeares plays reflect his response to women through the female characters in those plays. This is evident in both "Hamlet" and "Othello".
The key female characters are Desdemona and Emilia in "Othello", and Ophelia and Gertrude in "Hamlet". Are the characters what they seem to be? Desdemona is a self-effacing
and compliant victim to Othello because of his belief in the lies told about her. Ophelia is a self-effacing and compliant victim to Hamlet. Each of the
womens capacity to perform and construct strategic selves emerges as a central subject in the plays. They both exhibit a posture of obedience in one form or another.
In each, their gestures of submission paradoxically enable the expression of desire. This shows female characters that inhabit their subjectivity. There is a centrality of women in Shakespeares
work. "Hamlet" is one of Shakespeares most famous plays. Its story has weathered well through time. Another play that has garnered attention even
today, is "Othello". For all the praises of both plays, they have been considered controversial in his treatment of the female characters therein. The subservience of Shakespeares female
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