The Atypical Gender Roles in Shakespeare's The Merchant of Venice

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During the period of time when Shakespeare's’ plays were produced, the division between gender roles of men and women were greatly distinguished. In the Renaissance Period women were portrayed by society as objects of desire however their ruler, Queen Elizabeth, seemed to defied this objectification. Many believed that she should be wed and produced an heir and yet by refusing this traditional custom, knowing that as soon as she bore a son she would lose her power to control England, Queen Elizabeth unintentionally shattered the illusion of the female roles in society. This is perhaps the inspiration and influence for the female characters of Shakespeare’s play, The Merchant of Venice. Women were oppressed and objectified because of the strictures that society has imposed upon them however Portia, Nerissa, and Jessica found ways to escape those societal constraints, which were illustrated in the cross-dressing, their transformation, opportunities and empowerment. As a result of cross-dressing, Jessica, Nerissa, and Portia are able to fight against oppression, surmount traditional gender roles, and enable to act and speak with the same freedom men possess.Before running away, Shylock’s authority over Jessica was approved by their society so therefore, he can dictate who she can marry and speak to. When in disguised however, Jessica is able to act without concerns about Shylock’s approval. Therefore when that authority was broken, she can run away to wed Lorenzo and to convert herself to Christianity. When Portia and Nerissa disguised themselves and men to save Antonio’s lives. They earned the respect of many important peers such as Shylock, Gratiano, Antonio, Salerio, the Duke, and their own husbands. This type of respect and hono... ... middle of paper ... ... her test, Portia is put in an wanted situation where she has the control to put an end to the short marriage. However as a woman of good virtue, she chose to practice the thing that she asked of Shylock, mercy. By disguising themselves as men, Portia, Nerissa, and Jessica are able to go through transformations that allowed them to collapse the social hierarchy and seized more opportunities. The Merchant of Venice acts as a looking glass upon the restricting role of women in the Renaissance society and how they are subject to the rule of men. Eventhough women of this time were oppressed when it comes to their relationship and place in society; Shakespeare was able to show strength, intelligence, and selflessness in these characters in order to convey feminism. These new achievement of power and freedom encourages the audiences to question gender roles in society.

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