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Degree

Master of Arts (M.A.), Xavier University, English, 1995.

Abstract

The traditional Machiavelli of literature, one who gains political power by manipulation of others, has been a male seeking greater political power. Little critical information is available on the female Machiavel, however. Shakespeare creates an inversion of the cultural norm in his time when he combines Machiavellian techniques with motherhood in Margaret of the Henry VI and Richard III tetralogy and Tamara of Titus Andronicus. This inversion represents part of the overall understanding and progressive view that Shakespeare had of the social and political structures facing the women of his time. With Machiavellian techniques Margaret and Tamara are able to combine their womanly wiles-their sexuality-and manipulate themselves into positions of greater power. Shakespeare adds the motherhood factor to further complicate their identities and demonstrate how far these women are willing to go to revenge the wrongs done to them and/or their children. Their schemes for revenge prove to be their downfall. Shakespeare's perceptiveness of the social and political climate of his time gave his audience the opportunity to see what could happen if current social norms were not allowed to continue their natural advancement. By placing the burden of the Machiavellian nature on the women­ the mothers – he gave his audience a taste for moving away from traditional patriarchs.

Subject Headings

Literature

Keywords

Machiavellianism (Psychology) in literature; Shakespeare, William, -- 1564-1616 -- Criticism and interpretation; Titus Andronicus; Women in literature

Committee / Advisors

Geraldo de Sousa, Ph.D (Advisor)
Norman Finkelstein, Ph.D (Committee Member)

Pages

53p.

Document number: xavier1352478936
Permalink: http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=xavier1352478936

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