A Feminist Perspective on the Female Characters of William...

Throughout Man’s history, women have always been at a disadvantage socially, economically, and politically. Shakespeare realized this and sought to bring the controversy that comes with Androgynous issues—to life. Through strong female characters and the implications of disguises, Shakespeare exposes gender issues. Many critics believe Shakespeare poorly represents women in his plays through intentional exploiting of women with his boy-girl-boy disguises. When in fact, I see Shakespeare as exploiting how women were/are treated through that very use of disguises and— the strength he gives his female characters, especially that of Portia (Merchant of Venice) and Viola (Twelfth night)—is representative of his personal admiration of†¦show more content†¦Portia is careful not to reveal her intelligence to the men in the play until she has completed her tasks. An English woman during this time period would most likely not have acted the way Portia acted . Shakespeare transforms Portia’s character, from at first appearance, a spoiled rich woman—to an intelligent, self reliant female. She was caught within the confines of her fathers wishes and could not openly deceive her dead father. She had no choice given the time period but to follow the guidelines her father placed prior to his death. In Portia’s first act of self survival, she guides the man she loves, Bassanio, to the right casket her father had hidden her picture in. It is however, the scenes in which Portia dresses and acts like a male that liberates her and allows for Shakespeare’s thoughts on androgyny to come forth. Portia assumes the role of Ballario and becomes the salvation for herself and Antonio and her husband. Ballario is well spoken, passionate about the law and well educated. Portia is for the first time in her life accepted on an intellectual level. She is not only equal to the men but even more respected as a learned law professor. She seems to enjoy this as she carefully chooses her words and long speeches in the court room scene. Portia trespasses on traditionally male ground making the court room scene one of the first scenes of its kind. Julie Hankey, in her 1994 essay: VictorianShow MoreRelatedAnalysis Of Shakespeare s Hamlet 1061 Words   |  5 PagesKylie Kwiatt Jaime Jordan Reading Shakespeare October 29, 2014 Hamlet through Feminist Lens In the play Hamlet by William Shakespeare, the character of Ophelia may be looked at and analyzed through a Feminist perspective. By using a Feminist lens, readers may observe the impact of patriarchal society and misogyny on the mind of a young lady doing her best to fit into the role of a Shakespearian-era woman. 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