The Significance of Gender Roles in Shakespeares The Taming of the Shr

Gender roles are undeniably a fundamental topic of critique in literature, curiously since expect gender roles have evolved in recent years. More importantly, the transcendence of these gender expectations indicates the possibility for transformation and increasing liberation in society. History explores some(prenominal) different stages for the sexes and their respective roles, from traditional anti-feminist times in which certain roles were strictly enforced, to more modern beliefs entailing free will and a lack of restrictions. In breach of this progress, there are always those who expedite the process while there are others that hinder development from occurring, even when it is necessary. Literary works in token serve as a showcase for the progression of gender roles, but nonetheless reveal that through time certain elements remain consistent. Two authors who wrote in radically different time periods, William Shakespeare and Lorraine Hansberry, wrote plays that pose a th reat to expected and traditional gender roles. The Taming of the Shrew (1623) is an example of an earlier work, which involves characters that manage to defeat their expected roles by acting out of the ordinary. A shrew, which is literally defined as either a small rodent-like animal or a woman with a harsh and nagging temperament (American Heritage Dictionary 1285), is used in reference to Katherine, the daughter of Baptista, who counters the expectation of women to act submissive by being showy and outspoken. In the end, even though Katherine seems to have submitted herself to societys expectation of women, she is really solitary(prenominal) conforming in order to benefit her social role, since she realizes that evaluate her role in society will be easier than counteri... ...ple are cruel, she still has big dreams of going to Africa with Asagai and becoming a doctor. In their plays, Shakespeare and Hansberry share a rough-cut element, which seems to say that some things, such as society and its expectations, are timeless. Society sets up expectations that are accepted and preferable to other members of society, and Katherine and Beneatha serve not only to demonstrate this ideology but also to argue against it and draw attention to the perpetual gender expectation of society.Works CitedHartwig, Joan. Horses and Women in The Taming of the Shrew. 45. 4. (1982Autumn) 285-294.Newman, Karen. The Taming of the Shrew A Modern Perspective. 229-238.Shrew. American Heritage Dictionary. 4th ed. 2002.Wilkerson, Margaret B. A Raisin in the Sun Anniversary of an American Classic. 38.2. (1986 Dec) 441-453.