Theses and Dissertations

ORCID

https://orcid.org/0009-0008-3723-4165

Advisor

Vivier, Eric

Committee Member

Dodds, Lara

Committee Member

Marquardt, Meg

Date of Degree

5-10-2024

Original embargo terms

Immediate Worldwide Access

Document Type

Graduate Thesis - Open Access

Major

English

Degree Name

Master of Arts (M.A.)

College

College of Arts and Sciences

Department

Department of English

Abstract

This thesis explores prescriptive literature and conduct books, specifically The Book of Homilies, and how these prescriptions manifest in Shakespeare’s work. This text examines the depictions of marital relationships and argues that the actions of husbands in two of Shakespeare’s comedies, The Taming of the Shrew and The Merchant of Venice, deviate from prescriptive ideals that homilies deem proper for the husband-and-wife relationship. Through the combination of new historicism and gender criticism, this thesis suggests that Katherine and Portia use submission to gain agency in moments when they seem to have none while showing that the men do not fulfill their husbandly duties. This dynamic demonstrates that submission did not mean subordination, and men in these plays do not totally recognize the agency women have despite the larger scheme of patriarchal power still existing.

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