Feminist Criticism of Shakespeares Hamlet Essay -- Shakespeare And Fe

Many literary critics have presented theories on the meaning of William Shakespeares settlement, ranging from claims of Oedipal Complexes to insinuations of homosexuality. Though most such interpretations can be considered true at nigh 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 insightful criticism of the true character of Hamlet can be drawn simply by analyzing the key relationships in play. These relationships - especially those dealing with women or issues of femininity - allow a level of interpretation that examines not merely the events of the play, but the true underlying significance of gender both to Shakespeare and to the characters he presents. In order to interpret the significance of the feminine within the relationships in the play, one must first understand precisely the nature of feminine. Though this term is typically associated only with wom en, Hamlet in many 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, thank to feminist criticism, gender is not indissolvably fixed in Shakespeare. Male characters can profitably incorporate female characteristics, and women characters can assume 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 within many of the male characters. The first of the actually significant women in Hamlet is Gertrude, Hamlets mother. ... ...nd Feminist Criticism An Annotated Bibliography and Commentary. New York Garland Publishing, Inc., 1991. Erickson, Peter. Patriarchal Structures in Shakespeares 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.