Gender Stereotypes In Measure For Measure

Since the beginning of time, both genders have had predetermined characteristics that have separated men from women. Certain behaviors, characteristics, or assumptions are tied with each gender as a symbol of their biological nature. In recent times, these lines have become less prominent, but the same cannot be said for the Shakespearian era as gender roles were key in societal acceptance. Most likely influenced by his times, William Shakespeare wrote many comical and witty plays that bent the rules of gender stereotype or became underlying issues in other works. In his play Measure for Measure, the reader is introduced to a crippled society that had lacked judicial enforcement and breeds corruption in every sense of the word. The story itself revolves around the understanding that each character acts according to their gender. According to the journal article “The Contents of Perspective Gender Stereotypes”, the top traits chosen to describe women ranged from gullible and affectionate to soft-spoken and yielding. On the other hand, men were associated with aggressive, dominant, and assertive traits, detailing the stark differences in expectations for gender role fulfillment. As the main plot unfolds, it becomes evident that gender role and stereotype forces these characters into …show more content…
Whether it be teaching the readers to avoid anything in excess or to simply consider the gender roles proposed by society, Shakespeare opens the minds of his readers to concepts not before acknowledged. The characters in his play each play a role that should make the reader aware of the risks in decisions that are made and their effects. He is able to show the sharp divide that exists between gender roles and the repercussions of choosing to rely on such considerations, certifying the already brilliant mind that is William