King Lear - How Are The Women Presented In Act Iv? Who Would Disagree With How They Are Presented?
Over time critics have shown interest in the ways in which Shakespeare has represented women in his plays. Shakespeare was seen by some to show woman as more than flat stereotype characters, however, feminist criticism has demonstrated the misogynistic tendencies in Shakespearian plays. Act IV of King Lear is significant in this respect as Shakespeare, in his characterisation of women, has partly moved on from contemporary tendencies but also shows how he was restricted in some respects. In Act IV Goneril and Regan are depicted as fickle and malicious in their quest for power. Feminist critics have challenged these Shakespearean stereotypes and it is possible to see the character of Cordelia as transcending the traditional female characterisation.
In Act IV, Goneril is presented as a power hungry woman: "I must change names at home, and give the distaff/ Into my husband's hands." (4.2.16-17). By stating this, Goneril asserts herself as "man". As soon as women become powerful,......
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