Several of Shakespeare's female characters have extended, emotive speeches that provide both fellow characters and the audience with insight into their thoughts and motivations.

Question

Answer

Pro: By placing vocal, emotive women alongside men in his plays, Shakespeare appears to contradict the patriarchal idea that women are silent and submissive.

Answer

Pro: At the end of 'Love Labour's Lost', the Princess makes a powerful speech instructing her and her companions' male suitors to prove their love (V, ii).

Was Shakespeare a feminist? (guided research activity)

Several of Shakespeare's female characters have extended, emotive speeches that provide both fellow characters and the audience with insight into their thoughts and motivations.

Pros

Cons

By placing vocal, emotive women alongside men in his plays, Shakespeare appears to contradict the patriarchal idea that women are silent and submissive.

At the end of 'Love Labour's Lost', the Princess makes a powerful speech instructing her and her companions' male suitors to prove their love (V, ii).

Selected claim, supporting its parent

Several of Shakespeare's female characters have extended, emotive speeches that provide both fellow characters and the audience with insight into their thoughts and motivations.

Pro claim 1

By placing vocal, emotive women alongside men in his plays, Shakespeare appears to contradict the patriarchal idea that women are silent and submissive.

Pro claim 2

At the end of 'Love Labour's Lost', the Princess makes a powerful speech instructing her and her companions' male suitors to prove their love (V, ii).