Tamed Shrews and Twelfth Nights: The Role of Women In Shakespeare It is curious to note the role of women in Shakespearean literature. Many critics have lambasted the female characters in his plays as two-dimensional and unrealistic portrayals of subservient women. Others have asserted that the roles of women in his plays were prominent for the time and culture that he lived in. That such contrasting views could be held in regards to the same …showed first 75 words of 1113 total…

…showed last 75 words of 1113 total…roles if it serves their needs and wants. The entire concept of choice and free-will, of which Shakespeare was so fond of, applies as equally to his feminine characters as to his masculine. It is this very important point which establishes the conclusion that Shakespeare did indeed create realistic and meaningful female characters. <b>Sources Cited </b> <li>Peralta, T. "The Taming of the Shrew." English 28: Shakespeare’s Plays. Cerritos College. Norwalk, CA, Fall semester 1996.