The Shakespearean Gender Identity and How It Has Altered Over Time

Contemporary understandings of gender differ significantly from those in Shakespeare's time. In Elizabethan England, gender roles were often clearly defined, with distinct categories for male, female, and neuter identities. However, Shakespeare's works, particularly "As You Like It," challenge these rigid definitions and invite a reevaluation of gender identity. Through an examination of the play's characters and relationships, we can uncover complexities that question our modern notions of gender. This essay will explore how Shakespearean gender identity has evolved over time, using textual evidence and critical interpretations to highlight these shifts.

Homoeroticism in Shakespeare's Characters

Shakespeare's exploration of homoerotic possibilities is evident in the relationships portrayed within "As You Like It." A prime example is the bond between Rosalind and Celia. When Duke Frederick labels Rosalind a traitor (Greenblatt, ed., p. 1610), Celia's immediate support for her friend suggests a deeper emotional connection. Celia's assertion, "If she be a traitor, why, so am I," indicates a profound loyalty that hints at an intimate friendship (Greenblatt, ed., p. 1610, lines 66-70). Juliet Dusinberre, in her analysis, argues that the play rewrites female desire in a way that allows women to claim their narratives. This suggests that the friendship between Rosalind and Celia transcends mere companionship, reflecting a more complex understanding of female relationships.

The Male-Dominated Forest Retreat

Gender perceptions are further challenged in the setting of Duke Senior's forest retreat, where the absence of women creates an all-male environment devoid of heterosexual desire (Greenblatt, ed., pp. 1612-1613). Duke Senior's declaration, "Here we feel not the penalty of Adam," underscores the men’s contentment in their male-only lifestyle (Greenblatt, ed., p. 1612, line 5). This environment invites speculation about the dynamics of male relationships, suggesting that bonds between men can be just as intimate as those between men and women.

Rosalind's Disguise and Its Implications

Rosalind's transformation into Ganymede adds another layer to the exploration of gender identity. The name Ganymede carries rich social and literary connotations, suggesting male-to-male desire. In mythology, Ganymede was a beautiful youth whom Jove favored, replacing his wife with the young boy. In Shakespeare's era, the term was also associated with male prostitution, further complicating the dynamics of Rosalind's disguise. Orlando's attraction to Ganymede, characterized by his compliments, reflects a fluidity in sexual orientation that challenges contemporary perceptions of gender roles.

Jealousy and Female Desire

The relationship between Rosalind and Celia continues to reveal insights into female desire. When discussing Orlando, Rosalind extols his virtues, while Celia's sarcastic remarks about Orlando's appearance suggest jealousy (Greenblatt, ed., pp. 1634-1635). This dynamic illustrates that female friendships can encompass rivalry and romantic feelings, complicating our understanding of gender interactions.

Phoebe's Attraction to Ganymede

Another significant relationship is between Phoebe and Rosalind, as Ganymede. Phoebe's infatuation with Ganymede highlights the fluidity of attraction, as she admires Ganymede's physical attributes (Greenblatt, ed., p. 1638, lines 120-125). Rosalind's response to Phoebe's affection indicates her awareness of this attraction, suggesting a level of comfort with her own femininity and the complexities of female desire.

Shakespeare's Commentary on Gender Identity

Shakespeare deliberately weaves homoerotic potential throughout "As You Like It." The interactions among characters, such as Duke Senior and his companions, reveal a subtext of male intimacy that challenges traditional notions of masculinity. Additionally, the relationships between Rosalind, Orlando, and Phoebe indicate an exploration of female sexuality and desire. However, the play concludes with all characters in heterosexual unions, suggesting a return to conventional gender norms.

Social Context and Changing Perceptions

Understanding the social context of Shakespeare's time is crucial to analyzing the evolution of gender identity. The Enlightenment period marked significant shifts in attitudes towards gender and sexuality. In a patriarchal society, women were often viewed as lesser versions of men due to their lack of male organs. Ann Thompson (Stanley Wells, ed., p. 4) posits that Shakespeare's own sexual identity may have influenced his portrayal of gender fluidity. The prevalence of cross-dressing and transvestism during the Renaissance reflects a societal fascination with gender ambiguity.

Critical Perspectives on Gender Identity

Victor L. Cahn offers a romantic perspective on "As You Like It," highlighting the duality of Rosalind's character as both masculine and feminine, which makes her appealing to Orlando (Cahn, p. 651). Meanwhile, Mario DiGangi draws connections between the play's themes and the myth of Orpheus, suggesting that the desire to avoid female seduction parallels Duke Senior's male-centric community (Greenblatt, ed., p. 1602, lines 102-103). These varied interpretations showcase the complexity of gender identity in Shakespeare's work.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Shakespeare's portrayal of gender identity in "As You Like It" invites readers to reconsider their own perceptions. The interplay of homoerotic themes, female desire, and the fluidity of gender roles challenges contemporary understandings of identity. While the societal norms of Shakespeare's time may have viewed women as lesser, his work suggests a more nuanced and inclusive perspective. As we reflect on these themes, it becomes evident that Shakespeare's insights into gender identity continue to resonate today, prompting ongoing discussions about the nature of gender and sexuality.

References:

Greenblatt, Stephen, ed. "As You Like It." In The Norton Shakespeare. New York: W.W. Norton & Company, 1997.

Cahn, Victor L. "Shakespeare the Romantic." The Shakespearean Gender Identity and How It Has Altered Over Time.

Thompson, Ann. "Gender and Sexuality in Shakespeare." In Stanley Wells, ed. Shakespeare: An Oxford Guide. Oxford: Oxford University Press, 2003.

Dusinberre, Juliet. "As WHO Liked It: Feminine Desire in Shakespeare." In Feminism and Renaissance Studies. New York: Palgrave Macmillan, 2006.

DiGangi, Mario. "Gender and Sexuality in the Renaissance." In The Oxford Handbook of Shakespeare. Oxford: Oxford University Press, 2016.