Shakespeare Lecture Series: Power, Passion and Patriarchy

Shakespeare’s female characters range from cunning queens to tragic heroines, yet they all navigate a world shaped by rigid gender roles. This lecture explores the complexities of women in Shakespeare’s plays—how they challenge, conform to, and subvert societal expectations. We’ll examine iconic figures like Lady Macbeth, Portia, and Ophelia, discussing their agency, struggles, and the ways in which Shakespeare gives voice to women in a male-dominated world. Through historical context and modern interpretations, we’ll uncover the enduring relevance of these characters and what they reveal about gender, power, and identity.