Gender Relationships In The Sonnets And Cymbeline

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The Sonnets and Cymbeline portray different gender relations: dramatically through the narrative, characterisation and theatricality of Cymbeline and through the poetic structure and language of the Sonnets. The relationships between male characters in Cymbeline can be measured against the two female characters in play and considered within the bounds of gender characteristics alongside patriarchal and societal expectations of gender roles. The effects of Innogen’s disguise as Fidele does not introduce romantic confusion or comedic relief to the plot but appears to operate on a psychological level in order to drive the plot to its misogynistic conclusion. The interaction between characters and the resolutions achieved in Cymbeline supports the proposition that the most important relationships are those between men. The early sonnets, which are considered to address a young man and those from Sonnet 127 onwards the dark lady, illustrate relationships directly between the poet’s voice and the character, whilst no name characters or narrative exist across the sonnets. The language of the sonnets illuminate relationships amidst the theme of longevity and procreation in order to present the emotional and physical nature of relationships and does not imply an importance over relationships between men. Therefore, the Sonnets cannot be considered to support the proposition. Sonnet 1, introduces the predominant themes which run through the sequence of sonnets: the phrase ‘we desire increase’ (Sonnet 1, line 1, Norton 2nd eds, pp. 1946) suggests procreation and immediately the theme of immortality arises where we ‘might never die’ (Sonnet 1, line 2, Norton 2nd eds, pp. 1946). The poet is suggesting that the alleged youth, to wh... ... middle of paper ... ...re portrayed with more emotional involvement and positive language than those directed to the dark lady. However, in terms of indicating whether male relationships are more important they are inconclusive; the gender of the poet’s or reader’s voice, place the relationships within different sexual orientation. Cymbeline is a play dominated with male characters and set against familial discord and political issues, address gender stereotypes through the relationships in the play. Cymbeline, in performance can visually explore the relationships between characters and how resolutions and social order can be reinstated, notably with Innogen being placed in a more subservient and compliant role having been reduced in status through her disguise and the natural male heir aligned to the throne, thus endorsing the proposition that male relationships are more important.

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