THE ROLE OF WOMEN IN THE PLAY

What is the role of women in the play?

This is a common theme that is asked about in examinations.

You need to look at:

· What was the role of women in Shakespeare’s society?

· What seems to be the role of women in Much ado about Nothing?

· How is this different or similar?

· How does Hero compare to Beatrice in the play?

· Is Hero quite as placid and obedient as she seems?

· Is Beatrice really quite as free as she appears to be?

· Are there any other women of note and what seems to be their role?

· How would an audience have responded to these characters then and how is that different now?

What does the following scene show about women in the play?