Humanistic ideas in W.Shakespeare’s Portrayal of Female Characters Class :English 0905 Student number :20091411172 Name :冯潇霆

William Shakespeare (1564—1616), who is regarded as the greatest writer and dramatist in England even in the world, lived in the period of the Renaissance when the key-note of literature was humanism. Under the guide of humanism, Shakespeare created tremendous typical characters in his writing, especially female characters.

Firstly, female characters are heroines of his comedies, who are the main parts. Shakespeare gives female a new demonstration, which is a far cry from female’s traditional images–no freedom, no basic human rights and no respect from society .These heroines are witty, bold, loving, optimistic and faithful. They do their best to fight against feudal ideology and value. He affirmed their pursuing to freedom and he eulogizes their moralities, which expresses his general humanistic ideas profoundly.

Secondly, love, as a main content, penetrates most of Shakespeare’s plays. In A Midsummer Night’s Dream, Hermia fled Athena to elope with her lover in order to combat her parents’ intervene in her love. In The Merchant of Venice, Portia put character, appearance and ability into consideration when choosing husband, not status and wealth. And in the sake of her happiness, she fighted against her father’s will. And Violin in Twelfth Night, Rosalind in As You Like it -they all used bravery, enthusiasm to strive for love freedom. By using love this basic theme, Shakespeare show his respect towards human’s vigor, initiative and loyalty.

Thirdly, female portrayed by Shakespeare possess lofty virtues. In A Midsummer Night’s Dream, Hermia refused Lysande’s suggestion that she and he can sleep together before they get married with affirmation. She honored individual regularity that to keep a proper distance is good for unmarried people. In，As You Like It Rosaland regard friendship as her life ,and she could abandon all her owns for the sake of friendship. With them, Shakespeare finds the ultimate expression of praise human’s noble characters.

Fourthly, heroines are witty and bold. In Twelfth Night, Viola dressed herself up as a boy and worked as a page in order to get her love .In The Merchant of Venice,

when Antonio was confronted with danger, Portia disguised as a young doctor of law and she used knowledge and strategies to help Antonio get out of danger. In A Midsummer Night's Dream, Hermia ventured to against her father's will and Athens's law for her love. Shakespeare describes them with culture, bravery and wisdom to an emergency, which is a reflection of human’s courage and intelligence.

To sum up, Shakespeare shows us a comprehensive description of these female by demonstrating their life, affection and other aspects. All reflects Shakespeare’s humanistic ideas—pursuing individual freedom and equal status; criticizing feudal ideology; advocating using human’s wisdom to change the world and praising human’s ability.