Elvira Meoto
Response-to-question-5
Women from time immemorial have always had to live under the yoke of societal dictates propagated by men who held all power, and English women in the Sixteenth Century were not exempt from this.Although she could beconsidered less restricted when compared to other European women, they nevertheless had to submit to rules and those who derailed were punished. Women were placed in the-same category as children and even-animals--all property--to be dispensed with as the need arose. In this hierarchical society the man therefore occupied the pride of place with all power and authority and Stephen Greenblatt in his introduction to the Norton Shakespeare quotes Sir Thomas Smith who says the home is and should be the sole domain of the woman, but makes an allowance for a few like the queen whose ascension and stay in power is still a mystery.
From the time of birth, an aristocratic womans place was defined and certain privileges were reserved for the male child. Even if she were a first born, her younger brother will have favor from parents and society due to primogeniture which allowed the title of nobility to be passed on to the oldest legitimate son. This totally disregarded the child who always ended up marrying into a wealthy family. Africa even in the twentieth century due to patriarchal nature of the society still implemeted this rule.The education a male child received prepared him for his state in life while that of a girl child was limited to needlework, knitting, dancing, playing the piano, a little reading and writing. The books made available to her related to this because these are the types of books that the few women who could write and publish did. All wl the good criteria for a good wife was be a good housekeeper, a breeder, and a willing sexual partner. She worked with her husband under the lords to increase their wealth which meant that while the lifestyle of the aristocrats improved, that of the commoners either stayed in the same level- gardeners children also became gardener or stablehands or maids-or degenerated.
The great question at this point then is how did a woman successfully rule England for so long in the face of the belief which was held by men that that women could not use their intellect that is why they were relegated to the home. When Elizabeth became queen in 1559 at the age of 25 there was general reservation not only in England but all over Europe because for men a woman was not supposed to rule over them being that she is inferior in every way imaginable. This is one of the main reasons why she went out and beyond to reach all in her kingdom. She went out on a meet the people tour which was not the done thing and the people took her to heart and she became not only their queen but a figure for national pride, and love. However she knew that in order to succeed she needed to hold the complete attention of important peers and the closest amongst them all was William Cecil who was also the most influential.
With these, those who wanted her out couldn't do anything they lacked a strong army, a national police force, efficient system of communication and anextensive bureaucracy. The court was filled with an atmosphere of music, dance, plays, and of course romance. Suitors came from all over Europe for her hand and the possibility of becoming king. She toyed with them all but never got married so died without a direct heir to the throne.
What should be taken note of is the fact that Elizabeth had to succeed had to adopt traditional masculine roles and when she is compared to a twentieth century prime minister of the same country -Margaret Thatcher- the same qualities can be found. This points to the fact that for many women to succeed in a position of authority, feminine qualities have to be discarded in order to competent with men. This is still true today all over the world. Elizabeth said, I know I have the body of a weak and feeble woman & but I have the heart and stomach of a king, and England too.
With the coming of the later sixteenth century, women started advocating for basic rights and wives, widows, and even spinsters gained a few privileges. Women are always secondary and their roles in plays that came up portrayed this same role. Shakespeares female characters although at times queens and members of the aristocracy are always under the yoke of the man. They couldn't even take part in these plays and their roles had to be acted by boys. With the advent of emancipation and feminist struggles the English woman slowly but surely gained a place for herself.