Feminist Criticism of Shakespeares Hamlet Essay -- Shakespeare And Fe

Many literary critics have presented theories on the meaning of William Shakespeares critical point, ranging from claims of Oedipal Complexes to insinuations of homosexuality. Though most such interpretations squirt be considered true at just about level, there seems to be some basic theme - some driving force - that underlies all other interpretations. While most criticisms focus on individual characters, a more(prenominal) insightful criticism of the true temperament of Hamlet can be drawn simply by analyzing the key relationships in play. These relationships - especially those dealings with women or issues of femininity - allow a level of interpretation that examines non merely the events of the play, but the true underlying significance of gender some(prenominal) to Shakespeare and to the characters he presents. In order to interpret the significance of the maidenly inwardly the relationships in the play, angiotensin-converting enzyme must first understand precisely t he nature of effeminate. Though this term is typically associated only with women, Hamlet in some regards breaks down these barriers. While women are almost always feminine in some respect, the male characters in Hamlet are often embodiments of feminine virtues, such as female sexuality, motherhood, or sisterly love. As one author states, thanks to feminist criticism, gender is not indissolvably fixed in Shakespeare. Male characters can profitably incorporate female characteristics, and women characters can deal masculine ones (Kolin 5). While the women of Hamlet are the bearers of individual and unique feminine qualities, a feminist interpretation of the work also reveals the broader ideals of femininity inside many of the male characters. The first of the truly significant women in Hamlet is Gertrude, Hamlets mother. ... ...nd Feminist disapproval An Annotated Bibliography and Commentary. New York Garland Publishing, Inc., 1991. Erickson, Peter. Patriarchal Structures in Shak espeares Drama. Paraphrased in Philip Kolin, Shakespeare and Feminist Criticism An Annotated Bibliography and Commentary. New York Garland Publishing, Inc., 1991. Klein, Joan Larsen. Angels and Ministers of Grace Hamlet, IV, v-vii. Paraphrased in Philip Kolin, Shakespeare and Feminist Criticism An Annotated Bibliography and Commentary. New York Garland Publishing, Inc., 1991. Kolin, Philip C. Shakespeare And Feminist Criticism An annotated Bibliography and Commentary. New York Garland Publishing. 1991. Web. 26 May 2015.http//www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/0895769X.1995.10545153Watts, Cedric. Twaynes New Critical Introductions to Shakespeare. Boston Twayne Publishers. 1991.