Unconventional Depictions of Sexuality in Shakespeare's Works

Table of Contents

1. Introduction

2. Conventional and Unconventional Depictions of Sexuality in Shakespeare's Time

3. As You Like It – Cross-Dressing and the Question of Homosexuality

3.1 Homosexuals: Celia & Rosalind

3.2 Pseudo-Homosexuals: Ganymede & Orlando

3.3 Four Marriages: Heteronormativity Restored

4. Troilus and Cressida – Cuckolds and Whores

4.1 The Imagery of Helen

4.2 Troilus and Cressida's Pre-Marital Relationship

4.3 Cressida's Infidelity

5. Hamlet – Uncles, Maids and Mothers

5.1 Marrying Your Sister-In-Law

5.2 Hamlet's Desires Part I: Ophelia

5.3 Hamlet's Desires Part II: Gertrude

6. Today's Depictions of Sexuality – Shakespeare Reviews From 1995 Up to Now

6.1 As You Like It

6.2 Troilus and Cressida

6.3 Hamlet

7. Conclusion

Research Objectives and Themes

The thesis aims to analyze how Shakespeare addresses and subverts conventional depictions of sexuality—specifically homosexuality, infidelity, and incest—within the Elizabethan era, while also assessing the continued relevance and reception of these depictions in modern theatrical productions.

• The theoretical exploration of Elizabethan gender norms and heteronormativity.
• An in-depth analysis of homoerotic and pseudo-homosexual dynamics in As You Like It.
• The characterization of infidelity and the "cuckold/whore" trope in Troilus and Cressida.
• A study of incestuous desires and family constructs in Hamlet.
• A comparative outlook on modern theatre reviews from 1995 to 2018 regarding these sexual themes.

Excerpt from the Master's Thesis

Summary of Chapters

1. Introduction: Introduces the research topic, the theoretical framework, and the key questions regarding Shakespeare's subversion of sexual norms.

2. Conventional and Unconventional Depictions of Sexuality in Shakespeare's Time: Outlines the theoretical foundation, focusing on gender norms, heteronormativity, and the "one-sex-model" of the Elizabethan era.

3. As You Like It – Cross-Dressing and the Question of Homosexuality: Examines homoerotic and pseudo-homosexual relationships, focusing on the dynamic between Rosalind, Celia, and Orlando.

4. Troilus and Cressida – Cuckolds and Whores: Analyzes the depiction of female infidelity and the "fallen woman" trope through the characters of Helen and Cressida.

5. Hamlet – Uncles, Maids and Mothers: Explores the psychoanalytic elements, specifically focusing on incestuous overtones within the relationships between Hamlet, Gertrude, and Ophelia.

6. Today's Depictions of Sexuality – Shakespeare Reviews From 1995 Up to Now: Provides an analytical outlook by examining contemporary theatrical reviews and how modern directors handle Shakespearean sexuality.

7. Conclusion: Synthesizes the findings and answers the research questions regarding how Shakespeare challenges his era's conventional sexual depictions.

Keywords

Shakespeare, Sexuality, Homosexuality, Infidelity, Incest, Heteronormativity, Gender roles, Early Modern England, As You Like It, Troilus and Cressida, Hamlet, Psychoanalysis, Theatre reviews, Gender studies, Unconventionality

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the core focus of this research paper?

The work examines Shakespeare’s depictions of sexual themes—specifically homosexuality, adultery, and incest—that existed on the periphery of early modern social norms to determine how he subverted the conventional moral standards of his time.

What are the primary fields of study explored?

The paper covers Elizabethan gender studies, the socio-legal perception of marriage and sexuality in the 17th century, early modern literary criticism, and psychoanalytic approaches to dramatic texts.

What is the primary research objective?

The goal is to understand how Shakespeare broke with conventional portrayals of sexuality in specific plays and to assess the long-term impact and evolving reception of these depictions in modern times.

Which scientific methodology is utilized?

The analysis follows a literary-analytical approach, utilizing contemporary historical texts, Elizabethan conduct books, and modern queer and psychoanalytic research to interpret the plays and their recent production reviews.

What does the main part of the thesis encompass?

The main section investigates three plays: it analyzes the homoerotic tension in As You Like It, the performative infidelity in Troilus and Cressida, and the complex incestuous dynamics in Hamlet.

Which keywords characterize the work?

Key terms include Shakespearean sexuality, heteronormativity, gender performance (cross-dressing), psychoanalysis (Oedipus complex), and the cultural evolution of moral norms in theatrical reception.

How does the author interpret the relationship between Celia and Rosalind in As You Like It?

The author argues that Shakespeare suggests a homoerotic bond of significant depth, which is presented as equal in value to heterosexual romantic love, even if the plot ultimately bends towards an traditional end.

What role does the "cuckold" archetype play in the analysis of Troilus and Cressida?

The author uses the cuckold archetype to highlight the misogynistic world view of the era, where female infidelity is treated as a severe moral failure that permanently taints the male partner's social status.

How is the concept of incest handled in the analysis of Hamlet?

The paper argues that incest is not merely a subplot, but the central conflict driving Hamlet's psychological distress, particularly in his confrontation with his mother regarding her marriage to his uncle.