The World of Cymbeline: A Cultural Context

By Jackie Bustamante

In our adaptation we confronted queerness, homophobia, and gender roles. Accordingly, there wasn’t even a term for homosexuality during the Renaissance Era. Hence, I felt it appropriate to delve into the politics of femininity and gender roles, during this era. Many of these issues surrounding femininity and gender roles, still remain in place under a transformed form. This proves the necessity for further deconstruction of these social issues in our 21st Century.

Idealized Renaissance Femininity

“The fictional world of Cymbeline reflects the world of Renaissance England and, as a result, the heroine of the play is placed not only in the center of the plot, but also in the center of the contemporary debate on the nature of womankind” (Williams 2-3). Imogen is left to live up to the expectations of the “ideal” Renaissance woman. Yet her questioned fidelity promotes the “reality” of the Renaissance woman within the Renaissance patriarchy. Imogen remains humble and patient during her accusations of adultery, thus, portraying “ideal” Renaissance femininity. Imogen is portrayed as weaker in body and spirit than Posthumous. Consequently highlighting, the politics of marriage/ gender roles.(Williams 3)

Renaissance Gender Roles

In 17th century England, there was a believed gender hierarchy in which men were at the top and considered the most superior beings. This gender social order, was believed to be a design of God. With this patriarchy set in place, men had authority both in and out of the household. Family was considered a secure foundation of society, by aligning itself to the order set in by God and the ruling king. Implications of women’s worth lying in their virginity, brought forth a need to preserve proper reputations (“Gender, Family, Household- 17th Century Norms and Controversies: Overview”). Hence, Imogen’s tainted reputation due to accusations of infidelity. Women had to maintain silence, while their fathers or husbands made decisions for them. Shakespeare plays often open up the discussion of these gender roles in works, such as, King Lear and Cymbeline.(“Gender, Family, Household- 17th Century Norms and Controversies: Overview”)

Gender Roles within Renaissance Texts

Book of Common Prayer (1559) and in The Law’s Resolutions of Women’s Rights (1632), both begin by referencing the Genesis story of Adam in Eve, proceeding a dictation of gender and marriage roles. The forever contract of marriage, gave women’s role in marriage, a direct significance to their identity. Yet text like, Hic Mulier and Haec Vir(1620), challenged these gender roles. These subversive texts portrayed women in men’s attire which was a controversy in the years 1615-20. The most famous gender role rebel, being Mary Frith (pictured below). This was caused by a previous pamphlet war on women’s worth. The discussions proper femininity is a social issue still being confronted to this day (“Gender, Family, Household- 17th Century Norms and Controversies: Overview”).