A misogynistic society often comes with many consequences. Hence the topic of female stereotypes has been addressed for centuries, from Shakespeare’s era to the 20th century to present day. William Shakespeare’s play The Taming of the Shrew and Ella Wheeler Wilcox’s (1850-1919) poem “Woman” exhibit their opinions regarding a woman’s role in society and the manner in which she responds. Shakespeare and Wilcox both reject the idea that female stereotypes, set by a misogynistic society, pressures and encourages women into conforming. While Shakespeare believes that women must put on the facade of giving up their volition in order to gain respect, Wilcox proposes that women need to be nonconformists in order to live a life that is not dictated
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Petruchio, Kate’s husband, persuades her that the moon is the sun. Kate abruptly replies saying that “the sun it is not when you [Petruchio] say it is not,/ And the moon changes even as your [Petruchio’s] mind.” (Shakespeare IV. V. 24-25) It is evident that Kate knows that the sun and moon will remain sun and moon despite what Petruchio says, yet she says contrary of what she believes, conveying the sarcasm of her statement. Shakespeare uses sarcasm to express Kate’s opposing thoughts with Petruchio, and by saying that she concurs with Petruchio, it creates an insincere tone. Kate, being brought up in a misogynistic environment, understands that no matter how many times she tries to contradict Petruchio and tell him that the sun and moon do not obey his command, Kate is mistaken simply because she is a woman. By expressing her agreement with Petruchio to please his ears, Shakespeare displays the fact that Kate put on the facade of conforming to the female stereotype of compliance. The insincere tone brings out the true meaning of Kate’s statement: she is willing to sacrifice her volubility in exchange for mutual respect between …show more content…
Wilcox writes that the title of “woman” “suggests/ The Mother, Wife, and Sister” (Wilcox 5-6), while the title of “lady” suggests “the dame/ Whose costly robe… gives her the name” (Wilcox 6-7).Wilcox uses the title “woman” to convey how nonconformists are given responsibilities; they care for children, husbands, and siblings (instead of just being the stereotypical housewife). On the other hand, the title “lady” conveys how conformists wear “costly robe[s]” and are only responsible for appearing pretty. Thus, a woman has much more freedom compared to a lady. The nonconformist- who can act accordingly to what her responsibilities request- juxtaposes the conformist who is restricted to one role: to beautify in order to please men and satisfy the female stereotype of being attractive, further creating a partial tone towards women (nonconformists). Wilcox’s partial tone underscores her approval and encouragement of females rejecting their stereotypes. When females reject their stereotypes, they are not restricted by a misogynistic society and have the power to take on more responsibilities, thus living life out of their own volition. Wilcox further contrasts “ [the] woman [who] must grow brave of heart… to play her troubled part/ Well in
Petruchio, Kate’s husband, persuades her that the moon is the sun. Kate abruptly replies saying that “the sun it is not when you [Petruchio] say it is not,/ And the moon changes even as your [Petruchio’s] mind.” (Shakespeare IV. V. 24-25) It is evident that Kate knows that the sun and moon will remain sun and moon despite what Petruchio says, yet she says contrary of what she believes, conveying the sarcasm of her statement. Shakespeare uses sarcasm to express Kate’s opposing thoughts with Petruchio, and by saying that she concurs with Petruchio, it creates an insincere tone. Kate, being brought up in a misogynistic environment, understands that no matter how many times she tries to contradict Petruchio and tell him that the sun and moon do not obey his command, Kate is mistaken simply because she is a woman. By expressing her agreement with Petruchio to please his ears, Shakespeare displays the fact that Kate put on the facade of conforming to the female stereotype of compliance. The insincere tone brings out the true meaning of Kate’s statement: she is willing to sacrifice her volubility in exchange for mutual respect between …show more content…
Wilcox writes that the title of “woman” “suggests/ The Mother, Wife, and Sister” (Wilcox 5-6), while the title of “lady” suggests “the dame/ Whose costly robe… gives her the name” (Wilcox 6-7).Wilcox uses the title “woman” to convey how nonconformists are given responsibilities; they care for children, husbands, and siblings (instead of just being the stereotypical housewife). On the other hand, the title “lady” conveys how conformists wear “costly robe[s]” and are only responsible for appearing pretty. Thus, a woman has much more freedom compared to a lady. The nonconformist- who can act accordingly to what her responsibilities request- juxtaposes the conformist who is restricted to one role: to beautify in order to please men and satisfy the female stereotype of being attractive, further creating a partial tone towards women (nonconformists). Wilcox’s partial tone underscores her approval and encouragement of females rejecting their stereotypes. When females reject their stereotypes, they are not restricted by a misogynistic society and have the power to take on more responsibilities, thus living life out of their own volition. Wilcox further contrasts “ [the] woman [who] must grow brave of heart… to play her troubled part/ Well in