What are some notable traits of Shakespeare's female characters?
William Shakespeare included distinctive, individualized female characters in most of his plays. Although some correspond to conventional types, part of what makes many of them memorable is that they do not conform strictly to a type.
Because so much has been written about the female characters, an effective essay will likely examine an unusual aspect of a single character, a relationship between two female characters in a single play, or similar characters in two or more plays.
For example, Ophelia is often considered weak, unstable, and broken-hearted. Looking at her strengths and questioning her suicide would be a different direction. Examining other "weak" characters such as Desdemona might yield insightful comparisons.
These and many of the Bard's female characters have no mother. In the absence of maternal guidance, what are their primary relationships? King Lear 's daughters do not get along, but many friends and cousins are featured, and they...
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do not always compete over men.Taming of the Shrew and A Midsummer Night's Dream offer good, contrasting examples.
Also, in looking at the more obvious examples of strong women, such as Lady Macbeth, it may be useful to examine their weaknesses as well. To what extent does the playwright portray their flaws as female? Or does he emphasize them as human flaws not pegged to gender?
There is a lot of great material to work with, so narrowing the theme is an important first step.