Gender Roles in Much Ado About Nothing Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Gender Roles in Much Ado About Nothing - Essay ExampleIn the play the majority of characters including wiz, Leonato, Claudio and benedick are characters who adhere to Renaissance ideals. In contrast, Beatrice stands out as the only character that does non align to the ideals of the Renaissance period. During the Renaissance, man was superior to woman in any aspects. Wowork force were seen as inferior to men. They were subservient to the men in the family and were anticipate to obey the men in all aspects of their lives. Men made all decisions and the women were expected to obey them. Women represented virtues such as obedience, piety, chastity, humility and patience. Renaissance society was a hoary society. At every point on the social scale, a man was the head of the household. A woman was controlled by her parents throughout her childhood, then, handed over to her husband who would exercise control over her until death. This patriarchal attitude hindquarters be seen in the characters of Antonio and Leonato. Antonio advises Hero, Well niece, I trust you will be ruled by your puzzle (Act 2 Sc i). A miss is supposed to obey her father even when it comes to choosing a husband. Leonato reminds Hero how to behave when the prince comes to woo her. Then, when it becomes clear that the prince was on behalf of Claudio and not himself, Leonato accepts the sudden change of son-in-law with no consideration for his daughters feelings. He demands that his daughter agree to a marriage whether she approves of it or not. Beatrice suggests that Hero agree with her father only if it pleases her to do so. She says, Yes, faith, it is my cousins duty to make cursy and say, Father, as it please you. But for all that, cousin, let him be a handsome fellow, or make another cursy, and say, Father, as it please me (Act 2, Sc i. 52 -56). To this, Leonato says Well, niece, I hope to see you one day fitted with a husband (Act 2, Sc i. 53 -54). In fact, Leonato is reminding Beatric e that she is a maid, an old unmarried maid, something that is looked upon unfavorably by the Renaissance patriarchal society. In the patriarchal society, a womans ultimate goal is to marry and be an gentle wife. Similarly, Leonato displays his adherence to the conventional male role in other sections of the play. Later in the play, following Claudios denunciation of Hero, Leonato does not heed to his daughters claims that she is innocent and wishes her death rather than live with a tarnished re baffleation. Do not live, Hero, do not ope thine eyes, / For, did I think thou wouldst not quickly die, / Thought I that thy hard drink were stronger than thy shames, / Myself would on the rearward of reproaches / Strike at thy life. (Act 4, Sc I 123 127). Even when the rest of the household believes in Heros innocence and takes her side in the conflict, he is convinced of Heros corrupted reputation. It is only after Benedick and the friar swear they believe in Heros innocence, does he relent. Leonatos love for his daughter only lasts as she protects his name and honor. Once it appears that she has brought shame, he wants her to die and put an end to the dishonor she has brought. Not only does Hero willingly submit to her father as his obedient daughter, she is also willing to submit to her husband as his wife. She is performing her roles as an obedient daughter and