Feminist Stereotypes In Hamlet

A quote from Megan Wray states, “Patriarchy has infiltrated our society so deeply that if women don’t follow a strict set of ‘proper’ behaviours, they’re immediately deemed wicked. That’s default-evil until proven good” (Wray, 2021). This quote relates to Shakespeare’s misogynistic depiction of women as evil if they are not subservient to their husbands, quiet, and naive. Consequently, when analyzing Hamlet written by Shakespeare from a feminist perspective it is evident that women are portrayed as wicked, impulsive, and superficial. These sexist stereotypes are greatly depicted in Act 1 Scene 5 of the play. For instance, in this scene the Ghost states, “Upon a wretch whose natural gifts were poor / To those of mine! / But virtue, as it never will be moved, /

Thus, the Ghost portrays the Queen as evil, easily manipulated by desire, and superficial for remarrying only for lust. Furthermore, Hamlet states, “O most pernicious woman! / O villain, villain, smiling, damned villain” (I.v.ll.105-106). Hence, in this quote Hamlet portrays his mother as evil and a villain, as he disapproves of her choice to remarry after his father’s death. Regardless of the fact that women in the Elizabethan era did not have as many rights as men and were looked down upon if unmarried. Thus, the Queen would not have been allowed to be the ruler of the Kingdom and would have been forced to remarry regardless. Furthermore, he ignores the fact that his mother may be a victim of this situation as well. This pertains to society, as women are often called evil and heartless for their actions regardless of their reasoning, similar to how Megan Wray states that women are “Evil until proven good.” This is because society will automatically assume the worst of women and women must fight to prove