This document discusses themes of gender and queer theory in relation to The Tempest by Shakespeare. It addresses how gender roles were viewed in Elizabethan times when the play was written. For example, women were often absent from Shakespeare's works due to only men being allowed to act. The document also analyzes how characters like Ariel, Prospero, and Miranda either conform to or challenge gender stereotypes of the time. For instance, Prospera being portrayed as a woman in one production obliterates the stereotype of women as meek. The sole female character Miranda is shown to have value only for her beauty and virginity, implying this was the path to love and happiness for women during that era.

1. Gender Issues and Queer
Theory

2. Queer Theory
*Queer theory is basically the idea that ones
identity is not a fixed thing and therefore does
not determine who you are. Its implies that
there is no meaning in talking about a group in
general because peoples identities are made up
of many different features and so to accept that
people can be grouped as a collective because
they share one characteristic is narrow minded.
For example by saying ‘Women are good cooks’
is a sweeping statement that assumes this as
being a woman is only one part of a persons
identity.
*www.theory.org.uk

3. Gender Issues
Arabian views on females.
Un-gendered children. (guardian/independent)
Gendered words. (European languages)
Transgender? Transsexual?
Roles of women – Prospera, Ariel,
Miranda>working mother
Gender stereo types. – yorkie/jeans
Media portrayals. Using sex to sell
music/products.
Sexism- suffragettes, feminism.

4. Gender Themes, The Tempest
When this was written effects how different sexes were viewed.
In Tudor times sexuality was fairly hushed because of teachings from the
church and state.
Ariel, is this character male or female??? Female name but more often than
played by a male…this could be because in Elizabethan era actors were
all male. He is often portrayed very effeminate.
Prospero, in the Julie Taymor version Prospera was a woman…the ultimate
working mother. Was very dominating strong character but she had a
very mothering side for her daughter. This obliterates the stereotype of
women being meek and submissive.
Miranda, innocence. The ideal untouched woman, just discovering her
sexuality. Represented as the heroine/lead female. “He [Prospero]
essentially uses Miranda as sexual bait” Prospero coldly reminds his
slave…
“I have used thee,
filth as thou art humane care, and lodged thee
In mine own cell, till thou didst seek to violate
The honor of my child.” (i.ii.348-351)

5. Gender Themes, in
Shakespeare
*Given the circumstances of the time Shakespeare's lack of strong female characters
can be excused because of the time in which it was written.
Woman are noticeably absent from Shakespeare's tempest due to the Elizabethan
stage, however, logistically this does make sense as only men were legally able to
step onto a stage.
*2 “Everything in the tempest maintains the status quo and used as means of social
control”
Miranda has value because of her beauty and virginity. “oh if a virgin…I’ll make you
Queen of Naples.” (37)
The way Miranda (the sole female) is shown implies that the only way love and
happiness can be found is if you are pure and beautiful. This would be a widely
held view of women at the time.
Marriage, in the play, is assumed to be the desirable and natural state for all young
women.
Miranda is being used by her father for political purposes. This sort of coerced
marriage would be common among the higher classes in the time that this was
written.
*www.sites.duke.edu/english *2 www.sunlinepress.com.au