“To be or not to be”, modern society still struggles with the everlasting debate of William Shakespeare’s intent in how he portrays his female characters. Was the greatest playwright a sexist? Many of his works such as Taming of the Shrew and Romeo and Juliet were excruciated by the audience due to its diminishing content towards women. Thus, by addressing Part 1: Language in Cultural Context of the play, A Midsummer Night's Dream, the audience realizes that it’s no different. Once again, William’s women are placed in a chauvinistic and patriarchal society in which men have the ultimate say. The main female characters, Helena and Hermia are placed in a chauvinist society in which they are portrayed as subordinates to the male representation
…show more content…
Through her fixation, the audience is able to catch hints of gender roles. For instance, as Helena resiliently pursues Demetrius through the woods without accepting rejecting. By stating: “Your wrongs do set a scandal on my sex/ We cannot fight for love as men may do/ We should be wooed and were not made to woo”, Helena recognizes her wrong doings as she becomes the pursuer. This example enlightens the audience on how women were expected to behave, unlike men who can woo whomever they please, women are not allowed to fight for love; instead, they must wait for the man to chase them. Additionally, it impacts the theme of gender roles in regard to the little say women had on their lives, as they awaited male courteous and their father’s acceptance. Another explicit portrayal of Helena as a subordinate woman is shown when she connects herself to Apollo, “Apollo flies and Daphne holds the chase/ The dove pursues the griffin. The mild hind/ Makes speed to catch the tiger—bootless speed,/ When cowardice pursues and valor flies.” This example highlights the violent way in which man have treated women, as Apollo did not only wish to capture Daphne but to rape her as well. As Helena chases Demetrius, she claims that she is mirroring Apollo, however, it is Demetrius the one who threatens her violently as he promises to "do mischief in the wood" if Helena doesn't end her pursuit. Therefore, the audience can conclude that women are not only expected to quietly wait for her love but to also endure threats of sexual violence if resisting or pursuing male
Through her fixation, the audience is able to catch hints of gender roles. For instance, as Helena resiliently pursues Demetrius through the woods without accepting rejecting. By stating: “Your wrongs do set a scandal on my sex/ We cannot fight for love as men may do/ We should be wooed and were not made to woo”, Helena recognizes her wrong doings as she becomes the pursuer. This example enlightens the audience on how women were expected to behave, unlike men who can woo whomever they please, women are not allowed to fight for love; instead, they must wait for the man to chase them. Additionally, it impacts the theme of gender roles in regard to the little say women had on their lives, as they awaited male courteous and their father’s acceptance. Another explicit portrayal of Helena as a subordinate woman is shown when she connects herself to Apollo, “Apollo flies and Daphne holds the chase/ The dove pursues the griffin. The mild hind/ Makes speed to catch the tiger—bootless speed,/ When cowardice pursues and valor flies.” This example highlights the violent way in which man have treated women, as Apollo did not only wish to capture Daphne but to rape her as well. As Helena chases Demetrius, she claims that she is mirroring Apollo, however, it is Demetrius the one who threatens her violently as he promises to "do mischief in the wood" if Helena doesn't end her pursuit. Therefore, the audience can conclude that women are not only expected to quietly wait for her love but to also endure threats of sexual violence if resisting or pursuing male