Shakespeare and Similarity of Gender Roles :: essays research papers fc

Shakespe are and comparison of Gender Roles 2Shakespeare, although historically gender biased, can be aerated with giving both males and females similar characteristic traits within his plays. This can high hat be proven using the comparison of Portia from the Merchant of Venice to King henry from Henry V. These two characters, barring gender, show common traits throughout both of these plays. They are also set into similar situations, such as marital issues, prank playing, and the use of disguises.As audiences are introduced to each of these characters, they are shown both their wealth and perception. In Henry V, the audience is cursorily given King Henrys free-spirited background, but then is told of his heaven-sent change in demeanor after his fathers death. The Bishop of Canterbury explains it as But that his wildness, mortified in him,/Seemed to die too yea, at that in truth moment/ Consideration like an angel came/ And whipped thoffending ex out of him,/ Leaving his body as a paradise/never was such a sudden scholar made (1.1 27-33). Portias intelligence is explained best by the literary critic Mrs. Anna Brownell Jameson when she states that Portia is distinguished by her psychological superiority. In Portia intellect is kindled into romance by a poetical imaginativeness (38-39). Portias sense of humor and spiritedness makes itself known almost presently when she is first introduced in The Merchant of Venice with her waiting woman, Nerissa. In this speech, which concerns the terms of her forthcoming marriage according to her deceased fathers will, Portia artfully and impertinently describes the suitors who have vied for her upset thus far (1.2). Forced marriage is a common stick with that Portia shares with King Henry. According to her deceased fathers wishes, Portia must marry the man who chooses the check casket from a choice of three. She has no say in the matter. Henry, also, has no say in whom he must marry. As King, he must cement Engl ands bonds with France, and thus make his marriage to Katharine a check out of Frances surrender. Portia, happily, ends up marrying the gentleman that she wishes. Henry decides to woo the Lady Katharine, supposedly travel in love with her. According to Desmond Seward, The Kingwas enchanted by the girl. He regarded her as the only possible bride for him, if contemporaries are to be believed (130-131).A strong parallel that Shakespeare creates between these two characters is their use of disguises.