At times, Shakespeare exposes the unfair double standard that is imposed on women, where women are suspected of and mistreated for actions that men commit with no judgement.

Question

Answer

Pro: In 'Much Ado About Nothing', Shakespeare contrasts the misogynistic and immoral behaviour of the male characters with the women, who are unfairly chastised and judged.

Answer

Con: In doing so, Shakespeare often subjects the women to sexist stereotypes.

Answer

Pro: While male characters frequently engage in infidelity, it is often the women who are suspected of it and face the consequences: Othello kills his wife Desdemona for this reason.

Was Shakespeare a feminist? (guided research activity)

At times, Shakespeare exposes the unfair double standard that is imposed on women, where women are suspected of and mistreated for actions that men commit with no judgement.

Pros

Cons

In 'Much Ado About Nothing', Shakespeare contrasts the misogynistic and immoral behaviour of the male characters with the women, who are unfairly chastised and judged.

While male characters frequently engage in infidelity, it is often the women who are suspected of it and face the consequences: Othello kills his wife Desdemona for this reason.

In doing so, Shakespeare often subjects the women to sexist stereotypes.

Selected claim, supporting its parent

At times, Shakespeare exposes the unfair double standard that is imposed on women, where women are suspected of and mistreated for actions that men commit with no judgement.

Pro claim 1, children below

In 'Much Ado About Nothing', Shakespeare contrasts the misogynistic and immoral behaviour of the male characters with the women, who are unfairly chastised and judged.

Pro claim 2

While male characters frequently engage in infidelity, it is often the women who are suspected of it and face the consequences: Othello kills his wife Desdemona for this reason.

Con claim 1, children below

In doing so, Shakespeare often subjects the women to sexist stereotypes.