Here is the synopsis of our sample research paper on Shakespeare’s “Merry War”: Gender Roles in “Twelfth Night” and “Much Ado about Nothing”
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Essay / Research Paper Abstract
This 4 page paper considers the gender roles in “Twelfth Night” and “Much Ado About Nothing,” and argues that the non-traditional couples seem to be much happier and better suited than the couples who followed the “rules” of society. Bibliography lists 5 sources.
Page Count:
4 pages (~225 words per page)
File: D0_HV12much.rtf
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Unformatted sample text from the term paper:
it. The male culture in these plays is represented by a soldierly society of masculinity: a world of drinking, male competition, and an attitude towards sexual relations that is all
about "trophy-collecting." In this world, marriage is approached hesitantly, and only if there is apparent economic or social gain to be had. On the other hand, feminine culture is symbolized
by an ethic of subservience and appeasement; a reciprocally sympathetic, caring female community; and a sexual mindset that depends on preserving ones virginity until, essentially, someone good enough comes along
and offers marriage. Because most of the characters in these plays behave in what we have come to think of as "appropriate" ways for their gender, characters who break
the mold, either by thinking independently (Beatrice) or by bending the idea of masculine/feminine completely (Cesario/Viola) stand out vividly. This paper considers four pairs of lovers: Beatrice/Benedick, Hero/Claudio, Olivia/Orsino and
Cesario/Orsino, and argues that in each play, one pair is traditional and the other very much non-traditional, and that in observing the differences among them we can learn a great
deal about the society of Shakespeares day. Discussion Turning first to Much Ado, we immediately come to Beatrice and Benedick, two of Shakespeares most famous lovers. The "merry war" referred
to in the title is that which is waged by this pair; as Leonato says, "There is a kind of merry war betwixt Signior Benedick and her; they never meet
but theres a skirmish of wit between them" (I.i.62-63). There are several possible interpretations of Leonatos meaning here; he may mean exactly what he says; or he may be conveying
his amusement at the two; or he may be exasperated by them; or he may even be slightly melancholy, tired of the endless squabbling and trying to convince himself its
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