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Question: “Shakespeare’s presentation of female characters in Macbeth and Richard III reflects the Renaissance gender stereotyping.” How far do you agree?
Edxecel AS Level Literature- Grade A
Answer: Renaissance gender stereotyping was based on a misogynic perception of women, ingrained in society from the times of medieval theology, and endorsed by the concept of The Great Chain of Being , which ordained a marginalized position for women in the “Universal Hierarchy’, rendering them subservient, in the patriarchal world of Shakespeare. That this attitude was persistent in Renaissance England is bewildering in view of the fact that the supreme power of the state was the Queen. However, the possibility of the Queen herself being subject to stereotyping due to patriarchy and mistrust is evidenced by Knox’s theory, “that a female ruler is monstrous.” , which though an attack on Mary Queen of Scot, “, since the attack (was) against female rulers, fits Elizabeth (1st)” as well. A stereotypical portrayal of a woman is Lady Anne of Richard III, who “…belongs with such cha...(short extract)
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- Subject: English Literature
- Course: English Literature
- Level: A-Level
- Year: Not applicable
- Mark: 70%
- Words: 3001
- Date submitted: March 19, 2018
- Date written: Not available
- References: Yes
- Document type: Essay*
- Essay ID: 8333
