Women's Roles In Much Ado About Nothing

Women roles in society have changed drastically in the last four centuries. During the renaissance, men believed that women were “formed from a bent rib” and thus imperfect and inferior (Kramer 2). Women were denied all political rights and considered legally subject to their husbands. They couldn’t speak out against their husbands in public and if they ever did they were not believed. Because of this, some women desired to remain single to escape the control of an oppressive husband. However, they were heavily mocked for this and were forced into marriage. Their major role was to be a housewife and spend their day cleaning the house and taking care of the children.
Two hundred years later the role of women was expanded. Women were still controlled and had little freedoms. They were still regarded as the weaker sex and as such always needed
At the party, Hero is easily wooed by Don Pedro posing as Claudio (II. i. 84-93). Don Pedro asks Hero to “[dance] a bout” and she instantly accepts without hesitation (II. i. 84). Hero even falls subject to the antagonist of the play, Don John. Don John concocts a plan to disrupt the marriage of Claudio and Hero: one of his henchman will convince Claudio that Hero is unfaithful by staging a meeting with Margaret, Hero’s maid. Margaret will be dressed in Hero’s clothes, and Claudio will think that Borachio is Hero’s lover (II. ii.). Don John then tells Don Pedro and Claudio that “the lady is unfaithful” (III. ii. 97). At first, Don Pedro and Claudio are hesitant to believe Don John, but are quickly convinced and follow Don John to see for themselves (III. ii. 112-120). Hero tries to defend herself and denies the accusation. But, as such in a patriarchal society, the men are faster to believe the vengeful villain Don John than innocent