The Significance of Gender Roles in Shakespeares The...

Gender roles are undeniably a fundamental topic of critique in literature, particularly since expected 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 many 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 spite 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 particular serve as a showcase†¦show more content†¦In fact, in a crucial commentary Margaret Wilkerson notes that â€Å"the timelessness of the play has not diminished† (Wilkerson 442) due to the way in which it addresses certain key issues of humanity. In this pla y, the young woman, Beneatha, is relentless in her efforts to attend medical school and become a successful doctor. Not only is she crossing preconceived gender boundaries by desiring a respectable occupation, but Beneatha is also rising above expectations of her race by her insistence on acquiring a higher education even during a time of unequal rights. With special regards to the expected compliance and obedience from the women in these plays, gender roles are less predictable since the plays involve characters that rise above social gender boundaries. This is achieved by acting out of the ordinary and ultimately revealing the truth that there are always those who are ahead of their time and that exceptions exist even within the frame of gender roles. In specific regards to obedience, Katherine’s forthright nature and defiance of her father clearly put her ahead of her time in The Taming of the Shrew. Since women were supposed to act subservient and dutiful to their mal e counterparts such as their fathers and husbands, Katherine undermines this belief by simply being unpleasant. Not only is Katherine referred to as â€Å"curst Katherine†(1.2.185), but she is also the