Where Shakespeare accepts the existence of sexism, his writing often asks the reader to pity women rather than giving them the agency to challenge it.

Question

Answer

Con: Some argue that Juliet's decision to commit suicide is an assertion of her agency against her father. It is an act where she takes full control of her own life and decides her destiny.

Answer

Pro: By asking the audience to pity characters like Ophelia and Cordelia, Shakespeare reinforces the view that women are weaker than the men of the play and, thus, that their oppression is inevitable.

Was Shakespeare a feminist? (independent research activity)

Where Shakespeare accepts the existence of sexism, his writing often asks the reader to pity women rather than giving them the agency to challenge it.

Pros

Cons

By asking the audience to pity characters like Ophelia and Cordelia, Shakespeare reinforces the view that women are weaker than the men of the play and, thus, that their oppression is inevitable.

Some argue that Juliet's decision to commit suicide is an assertion of her agency against her father. It is an act where she takes full control of her own life and decides her destiny.

Selected claim, opposing its parent

Where Shakespeare accepts the existence of sexism, his writing often asks the reader to pity women rather than giving them the agency to challenge it.

Pro claim 1

By asking the audience to pity characters like Ophelia and Cordelia, Shakespeare reinforces the view that women are weaker than the men of the play and, thus, that their oppression is inevitable.

Con claim 1

Some argue that Juliet's decision to commit suicide is an assertion of her agency against her father. It is an act where she takes full control of her own life and decides her destiny.