Throughout history, gender roles portrayed discrimination against women in a male-dominated society. The quest for gender equality saw the emergence of the feminists. Shakespeare in his plays such as Much Ado about Nothing and Hamlet focuses on the poignant ideas of gender roles in the society. The battles in the play stem from gender misrepresentations. The role of women was defined by household chores such as cooking for their husbands, washing and taking care of children. On the other hand, men were treated with respect and dignity. Shakespeare’s plays mirror the different roles of gender in marriages, and that female characters are subjected to gender limitations and expectations.
Gender Roles in Film Adaptations of Shakespeare
Romeo and Juliet Play
In the play, the values, beliefs, and behaviors of women and men differ. However, the character challenge the belief (Gillian 5). Indeed, the decision of Shakespeare to defy the standard of gender that were prevalent at the time brings the love of the two characters together and shapes the tragic ending (Phyllis 23). The role of men in the play is grounded on sexual domination, violence, and conquest (Rampone 14). Men portray the inferiority of the female gender as objects and they overpower, conquer and use them for sexual desires (Jenna). Romeo challenges the concept of masculinity as his longing for romance gives him the most fulfillment and satisfaction.
Women of Verona are termed to be of different class when compared to men. Women are mandated to please their husbands, be submissive in marriage, and bear children. Lady Capulet, Juliet’s mother, says that “Here in Verona, ladies of esteem, / Are already made mothers. By my count, / I was your mother much upon these years” (1.3.70-72). Women are not expected to be independent. However, Shakespeare portrays Juliet as a character that defies the societal standards of women. She does not shy away when she meets Romeo, and this is a strength unlike what was expected from unmarried women (Rampone 19). She takes the role of a leader and dominates conversations as well as challenges Romeo’s motives. She is daring and even becomes the first one to propose the idea of marriage. She says “If that thy bent of love be honorable, / Thy purpose marriage, send me word to-morrow” (2.2.143-144). She has eager sexual thought considered to be not common for a woman. Juliet defies the forced arrange to Paris and risks parents dishonor and wrath (Michael 19). In the same vein, Romeo makes way for Juliet to be powerful and rise the inner strength. The pressure of the society weighs the two down, and they end up succumbing to their attempts to fit in the society defined by traditional gender roles (Vinzent 31).
Romeo and Juliet Movie
Similarity, the 2013 movie adaptation of the play Romeo and Juliet bring light to the tragedy of the events in the play. The movie directed by Julian Fellowes evidences differing gender roles between men and women. The film features two families Montagues and Capulets. Juliet expresses her love for Romeo even though the society does not allow. Still, in the movie, women are treated with less power and importance compared to men (Phyllis 18). Women are meant to obey their men and women are expected to satisfy the desires of men and make them happy. Lady Montague and Capulet are submissive to their husbands. Again, Lord Capulet forces Juliet to get married, and when she denies, the father is enraged and disowns her. She is considered to be disobedient. In the movie, men characters such as Tybalt, Friar, and Benvolio perpetuate gender stereotypes and control everything. Men think that they are inferior and weak subjects and they can never be equal to them.
Hamlet Play
The play showcases norms and mores which establish the social order that perpetuates in the society. Ophelia in the play is an embodiment of cherished femininity and complies with the systems which protect and thrives in the society. On the other hand, Gertrude is a “sharp contrast to Ophelia as she is antithetical to the traditional standard of femininity” (Wendy). She fails to accept the gender-based expectations that are defined by the society and notably, she presents to be the downfall of the societal social structures that culminates to her destruction. In Hamlet, an ideal woman is cherished for her beauty, youth and purity. The qualities are appreciated and protected. Ophelia is constantly praised for her purity and beauty.
However, Gertrude denies the gender standards, and she is not praised for her beauty. She makes her decisions even though her religion, husband and her son object the move. Moreover, her striking rebellion against the traditional gender roles comes out when she rebels against the authority of her husband, Claudius. Gertrude is an independent woman, and indeed, “the patriarchal nature of social order in the play reinforces and rewards the compliance of women” (Wendy). In the end, Gertrude dies as she rejects her role as a woman in the society which detsrtos her. The play shows that women are willing to comply with the social order and those who defy such as Gertrude create their downfall.
Hamlet Movie
Hamlet movie was adopted in 1996 and produced by Kenneth Branagh. In the movie gender roles are characterized by stereotypes and societal pressures which are put upon women. Gertrude, for example, is not able to hold any power without her husband. Men are valued while men think that women are weak and dependent. Men are portrayed as having power over women. The movie adaptation shows that Claudius is stereotypical and power-hungry and thus manipulates Gertrude to marrying him in order to become the king. Men use the societal standards set for women to undermine them. Evidently, when hamlet grieves over the death of his father, Claudius tells him to stop acting like a woman. The tactics and the battlement that men have over women in the movie vitally contributes to the gender roles which places men in the position of power over women.
Gender roles in Macbeth Play
Women are perceived to be primary caretakers and charged with the mandate to organize social events, maintain the reputation of the family, cook and clean their homes. Women in Macbeth are viewed to be of less value and are not permitted to undertake in roles of politics. The extent of gender inequality is progressed by the male gender. Shakespeare portrays that men and women gain power from different sources. Men derive it from military and political means. Men ranked highest in the military display loyalty and bravery in war. On the other hand, the women in the pay are also powerful, but their power is gained through witchcraft and manipulation. Hecate and Lady Macbeth are the dominant women in the play, and the two are witches. Men are obsessed with being powerful. The role of women which is witchcraft determine if men will gain or lose power. For example, the witches prophesize the rise of Macbeth to become the king. (Rothwell 15). Lady Macbeth is manipulative and a witch. Men must be courageous and brave in the battlefield. Men are portrayed to be strong and be masculine. Men are not to show emotions as it is a sign of weakness whereas women should have feminine appearances.
Macbeth Movie
In the Macbeth movie was adapted in 2015 and directed by Justin Kurze the different gender roles are evident. Women are seen to be witches and manipulative, unlike men who are authoritative and have power. However, contrary to the play, the movie does not feature the traditional gender roles (Katharina 12). The constant subversion of the roles is evident by women. Darkness pervades the movie and ambitions obscures the mind of the character.
Much Ado about Nothing Play
Discrimination and inequality on roles in marriages are highlighted in the play and the movie adaption. Married women are expected to play their role as wives and mothers, as well as be submissive to their husbands and fathers (Shirley 7). Men, on the other hand, are fighters as evidenced by Claudio who proves himself to be an excellent soldier. The men gain a sense of identity, and they have careers such as soldiers (Randall 67). Males work to gain public identity while women are left behind. Men are leaders, servants, and soldiers. Much Ado evidences a patriarchal society, where the conventional codes of a sense of superiority to women, honor, and friendship regulate masculine loyalties in the marriage union (Rogers 17). Beatrice champions gender equality as well as the aspect of female liberation. The marriage ploy brings the male superiority which is in the line of conventional patriarchal arrangement. Benedick comments on female sexual lightness and endows women with extraordinary power (Tassi 14). The scenes show that male-dominated the society and the role of women was defined by the patriarchal society. Women have a role in maintaining their virginity. Hero’s virginity is confirmed, and she matches the criteria of ideal women at the time (Rothwell 6). The importance of being a virgin is evident when Claudio violently reacts believing that Hero has betrayed him as she is no longer a virgin. Besides, her father disowns Hero when he thinks that she has lost her virgin status (Irvine 21).
Much Ado about Nothing Movie
Much Ado about Nothing movie was produced in 1993 and features romantic comedy based on William Shakespeare's play. Was directed by Kenneth Branagh. In the film, Beatrice defies the social stereotypes and brings out the opposition of traditional women. She advocates for gender equality. On the other hand, Hero is an ideal woman as she is quiet, obedient, respectful and polite. She also follows patriarchal views and submits to her father's demands. She remains to be submissive to Claudio even after a public shame. Beatrice is a strong female character, and she wants freedom (Rogers 6). Throughout the movie, women are seen to be untrustworthy and unfaithful while man are honored. Similar to Shakespeare's play, the film exposes the dark reality of gender inequality. The movie and the play show gender reversal and women show strong masculine traits while the men show female traits. Gender roles are challenged, and the movie does not evidence the stereotype of husband and wife.
Conclusion
Admittedly, Shakespeare presents the various gender roles played by men and women. Male superiority is tainted toward underrating the role of women in marriage. Gender and misguided notions of gender loyalty run in the play. The discrimination against women results in abusive nature of men. Notably, the traditional patterns of feminine behavior in marriage were under strain. Traditionally, women in the male-dominated society were expected to be submissive, passive and gentle. As such, the plays and their movie adaptations show that the erosion of traditional gender ideologies built anxieties concerning the subversion of the social order in marriages.
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