Patriarchal Ideologies and Traditional Gender Roles in William Shakespeare’s Play The Tempest

Abstract

The paper delves into William Shakespeare’s portrayal of patriarchy, gender inequality, and the subjugation of women in his play The Tempest which promotes patriarchal ideologies to a great extent. It attempts to highlight the traditional patriarchal norms evident through Prospero’s exertion of control over his daughter, Miranda. It also investigates why the best attributes of women of the Elizabethan period are their physical beauty, chastity and obedience. The study again examines the illustration of women as ‘the other’ and objects of male gaze and lustful desire as well as pawns for men in terms of attaining personal ambitions and objectives. It tries to explore the commodification of women, their lack of agency, their silence, vulnerability and their passive existence owing to male supremacy, societal expectations, and patriarchal views. Grounded in the theory of feminism, this qualitative research aims to achieve its intended objectives. The primary data for this study is sourced from William Shakespeare’s play The Tempest and is further supplemented by additional information obtained from reliable secondary sources.