Women in Shakespeares Much Ado About Nothing and Taming of the Shrew E

During the early modern period, despite Queen Elizabeths powerful rule in the mid-sixteenth century, women in England had very few social, economic, and legal rights. According to the British system of coverture, a married man and wife became one person under the law, thus, all(a) the legal rights and responsibilities a woman had when she was single transferred to her save upon marriage (McBride-Stetson 189). Additionally, once married, the entirety of a womans space and wages came under the husbands control thus, in essence, women became the responsibility and property of their husbands (McBride-Stetson 189). Shakespeare, through his writings, illustrates the early modern periods obsession with maintaining the legal subordination of women through marriage. Shakespeares leading lady in The Taming of the Shrew severely contrasts her obedient and demure sister and, in doing so, transcends the gender roles appropriated to her and, thus, must be tamed. In contrast, Much splash About zilchs Hero plays the role of the ideal early modern woman until the nature of her righteousness comes into question. Despite the fundamental differences between the characters of these two women, the financial and object-based language used to describe women as well as the institution of marriage in The Taming of the Shrew and Much Ado About Nothing demonstrate the early modern periods view of women as pieces of property. The play introduces Petruccio as Katherines potential suitor before Petruccio, in fact, meets Katherine however, Petruccio asserts, I have thrust myself into this maze/ Happily to wive and thrive as I may (1.2.52-53). Interestingly, Petruccio lists wiving as his first goal, followed by thriving. In a sense, the ... ...r to that of property and subject to male control. Clearly, the study of these plays serve as prime examples in demonstrating the effect of British common law during the early modern period as well as depicting the societys anxieties in reg ards to maintaining the ultimate upper-hand in regards to womens rights, or, lack thereof. Although Hero is, for the most part, painted as a virtuous character throughout Much Ado About Nothing, the question of her virtue is not only known to be a false-accusation to the audience, but her chastity is quickly restored at the end of the play. Likewise, Petruccio is able to remedy Katherines shrewish behavior into that of a young lady. Clearly, the plots of these plays as well as the repeated associations between women and ones property overtly demonstrate a societal desire to maintain a sense of power and domination over women.