Shakespeare's Feminine Evil

Paper Summary:

This paper discusses two of Shakespeare's plays that portray evil female characters, "King Lear" and "Macbeth". The paper describes the daughters in "King Lear", Goneril and Regan, as ungracious and self-centered and capable of great evil. The paper contends that this notion of the independent, aspiring woman is further emphasized in the calculating, power-hungry character of Lady Macbeth in "Macbeth". The paper claims that, with these strong characters, Shakespeare is expanding the role of women by recognizing them as capable of the same desires and motivations that inspire men. These images of women not only contrast the traditional image of the medieval damsel in distress, but they mortify and embarrass their male counterparts.

From the Paper:

"That King Lear could have two daughters so dissimilar from Cordelia is an issue that Shakespeare explores within this family dynamic. The contrast between their affection for their father only intensifies King Lear's awful mistake. It is important to note that all of his daughters violate traditional expectations in one way or another. Clearly, Cordelia's recalcitrant answer is the least offensive of these violations--but it is the action that moves the entire plot of the play. We know that she loves her father, which makes Goneril and Regan's speeches so hard to swallow. The most despicable aspect of Goneril and Regan's evil is the fact that they seem to have no love or respect for King Lear as a father, a man, or a king. Clearly, they have no interest in him as soon as they acquire their inheritance."

More papers on Shakespeare's Feminine Evil:

• Book Review # 114037 : "Macbeth - A Human Drama"
• Analytical Essay # 65803 : "Evil in the Plays of William Shakespeare"
• Analytical Essay # 4887 : "The Effect of Evil in Shakespeare's "Macbeth"

APA Citation:

MLA Citation: