Introduction
The reign of James 1, was characterized by a growing ideological conflict regarding the personality and social role of women. For years, scholars were engaged in tense debates concerning the true nature of women. And the question that has constantly been asked was that, are women naturally good or evil. In the preceding years (seventeenth century) the debate was intensified. This era was reputed for an explosion of cultural text in the form of plays and books on conduct, relating to women, and the increasing involvement of women in the performance of the materials.
Main body
From the write-ups in the plays and books at the time, it can be inferred that thoughts concerning the nature of women at that time were shifting or better say they were a challenge of the old order.
By the year 1611 women were increasingly seen dressing like men in the streets of London. For some women, if at all they succeeded in getting the attention they preferred working on the jobs that were more like men-oriented jobs. From the statements of Mary Firths, it is indicative that one of the places that women were commonly seen dressing in male attire was in the theater. Thus, the Roaring Girl, life, public disagreement connects this vividly: it was a play that was staged at the peak of gender controversy regarding true-life situations, which from every indication was watched by women, who were adorned in male apparel
Any report written on the play the Roaring Girl must necessarily be based on the main character, an amazing creation that gives to the reader one of the era’s most significant remarks on the economic pressure imposed on the women, basically those on the women of the lower and middle classes. Moll in the play uniquely displays herself as not conforming to the status quo, by flaunting dressing regulations and forbidden female behaviors. Her arraignment in male attire is a symbol of identity. Unlike the dressing in male attire by other women in Shakespeare and other comedies, her case was not in an attempt to achieve romantic desires; her dressing in most cases signified her job as a cutpurse, even though it is very difficult to find within the text where her seemingly macho look is portrayed rather than in her dressing, though strong, and could combat a someone in a seamster shop.
Notwithstanding her personality as a woman cannot be doubted, though often she repels advances towards her by men. The issue, most important to her was that of justice, in male and female relationships. And in most cases, relationships had to do with social classes and little or no attention to her personal life. In her relationships with others, she displays her degree of loyalty and cares to all she termed friends. One of her most remarkable personalities was the fact that she constantly maintained her identity of dressing in male attires, unlike other women in the era who were at other times seen in their usual female apparel. Her role never ended as it was typical of most women in the era that ended up getting married. This was clearly demonstrated in her relationship with Sebastian.
Moll dated Sebastian, but it will be observed that right at the beginning of the friendship she clearly that she will have nothing to do with marriage. Her objective in the relationship was to help Sebastian and his love, as it is stated in the play, but Sebastian “must looke for nothing but thankes of me” (3.1.34-35). She loves “to lye aboth sides ath bed my selfe; and againe ath’other side” (2.2.35-36). This speech by Moll is suggesting two things, one could be that she love sleeping by herself or alone or that even if in bed, her role is not that which is common with every woman found in bed with a man. It is also seen that while she accepts the role of marriage, she is too adamant to be submissive, ‘in any relationship where “a wife. ought to be obedient” (36- 37). Moll seems to cherish her relationship with Sebastian to the extent that she cannot afford to make him stranded. Besides, “mar-riage is but a chopping and changing, where a maiden looses one head, and has a worse ith place” (2.2.41-43).
Moll also feigned dating Laxton, who was deceiving Mistress Gallipot, who all through thought she was in a relationship and gave generously to him, in secrete Laxton will say of women as been “apple eaters all, deceivers still” (3.2.249). When Moll came in contact with him in a get together she referred to him as one “that thinkes each woman thy fond flexable whore, if she but cast a liberall eye on thee” (3.1. 69-70), she dammed Laxton for having played on women
How many of our sex, by such as thou
Have their good thoughts paid with a blasted name
That never deserved loosly or did trip
In path of whooredom, beyond cup and lip. (3.1.77-80)
She also spoke of the women who fell to his antics as a consequence of the un neccesaary greed of wanting to belong to a particular class.
In thee I defye all men, their worst hates,
and their best flatteries, all their golden witchcrafts,
with which they entangle the poore spirits of fooles,
Distressed needlewomen and trade-fallne wives.
Fish that must needs bite, or themselves be bitten,
such hungry things as these may soone be tooke
With a worme fastned on a golden hooke. (3.1.88-94)
Molls’ dressing in male attires is a representation of the faulting of tradition and rule in which case the homoerotic content is dubiously removed. Her admiration by men cannot be said to be as a result of her beauty, but this can be related to her unconventionality.
Moll cannot be restricted or relegated to the confine of the erotic. Though she refused to change her appearance, which would have made her acceptable, she was a solution to the problems of others, empowering them when opportunity presented itself.
Other issues, which were found to be a disadvantageous to the women during the time of the Elizabethan was that, women were been restricted from taking decisions by themselves. One of such limitations was that, the women were not permitted or allowed to decide who to marry. One could ask him or herself that, how is it possible to decide for an individual on whom to marry. Since marriage is an institution that is psychological centered; this implies that, it has to do with someone’s emotions and inner feelings. But this was the case that was practiced during the time of the Elizabethan, in which the females were the pronounced victims of the circumstance. These restrictions were not placed on the men, since they were considered as been superior beings. As a result of this, marriages for the females were now based on arrangement and negotiations. This was based on the fact that, it is either the women were been permitted to marry or not, this decision was taken based on the outcome of the negotiations reached between the parties involved. The practice was in place before and after the 16th century (Strong 97). The protest to this is observed in the roaring girl. Middleton and Dekker in the play tried to make complex the politics of sexuality. For example in the play roaring girl Mary Frith is referred to as codpiece daughter. Other evidence of women humiliation is observed from the extract below and the protest to it by Cutpurse.
‘Sir Alexander: It is a thing
One knows not how to name; her birth began
Ere she was all made. ‘Tis woman more than man,
Man more than woman, and – which to none can hap –
The sun gives her two shadows to one shape
Sir Davy: A monster. ‘Tis some monster” (I. ii. 129-136)
In the other way round, the character of Frith which attempt is made at hiding by the writer, is fully been depicted in some of her socially deviant behaviors. For Cutpurse, in the play, she is constantly been questioned on the grounds of depicting certain corrupt tendencies, and in most of those instances been accused wrongly.
On the stage the dramatists play her role as that of been romantic, which is a sort of deviation from the picture in the play. Cutpurse, on the other hand presents herself as not considering any of the sexes most important, more like not having any special desire to utilize a dildo. The way she carried herself, together with the kind of attires she adorned herself with were in no way a ploy to marry into aristocracy.
‘I have no humor to marry. I love
To lie o’both sides o’th’bed myself; and again, o’th’other
Side, a wife, you know, ought to be obedient, but I fear me
I am too headstrong to obey; therefore, I will ne’er go about it
Marriage is but a chopping
And changing, where a maiden loses one head and has a
Worse i’th’place’. (II. ii. 37-46)
It is obvious from the play that she is fully aware and does not want wifely subordination; she does not comply with the burdens of sexuality. Irrespective of the fact, that her protest in most cases made no impact.
Another important issue which was prominent during the period of the Elizabethan was also centered on women subordination. There was a constraint placed on the women that have attained the age of marriage, at the time, for a woman to be married, it was ensured that she must be a virgin. This was a very serious issue as it made life very difficult for women at the time (Wilson 78). As a result of this, most of the women were not married, since they failed to meet up with the requirements as was expected of them. As a result of this, women that were unable to meet up with the requirements were been regarded as brave women, simply because they went against the status quo. Since this situation was not favorable to the women, there had been several suggestions raised by different writers and philosophers that could help if not in completely eradicating the menace but at least minimizing it to the barest minimum, Some of such suggestions made were that, the women have to be in unity, they have to be decent in their ways of living, they had to strive to maintain their virginity, they also had to develop the habit of not been easily excited or entice easily. At the commencement of the play roaring girl, the three most important acts were seriously involved in a tensed conversation. Each seems to be protecting her estate and speaking proudly of it. But as the play draws to a conclusion, when Widow and Maid are finally joined together as husband and wife, Wife can now maintain a de facto triumph for her situation: Yet mine is now approu would the happiest life, since each of you hath chang would to be a wife.
(V. ii. 300-301)
It is observed that this statement provokes a contradiction. Because at the beginning of their conversation, both Widow and Maid were in defense of the merits of freedom:
Nay, all the freedome that a virgin hath is much to be preferr would. Who would endure The humours of so insolent a Thing As is a husband.
(I. i. 22-25)
Thus Maid’s home truth regarding having undeserving men as husbands. Widow, on the other hand, is quite sincere regarding the merits of virginity:
Why should the best of you thinke yee inioy the rest and rule, that a free widow doth. I am mine owne commander.
(I. i. 38-40)
From all the women above it can be deducted from the extract that they are proud of their estates on the grounds of rule and command at their disposal via staying unmarried. The extraction tends to add weight their ideologies, though some lines down it there is a portrayer of the likely penalties. In an attempt at discussing the issue of freedom and at a certain point countering it explains the degree to which women are thought of as having no voice when it comes to marriage and as an extension their lower nature as compared to the men. The play speaks loudly about two contending issues regarding women.
The paradoxes, relating to the struggle for gender liberation, as contained in the figure of unmarried women. Like those who performed roles rhetorically to condemn patriarchy. For example Molls role in the roaring girl is that of defending the social rights of women. The fact that she was not married made it easier for her to carry out her roles effectively, but that did not go unquestioned as at several times she was referred to as a whore in the play.
In thee I defy all men, their worst hates
And their best flatteries, all their golden witchcrafts
With which they entangle the poor spirits of fools:
Distressed needlewomen and trade-fallen wives –
Fish that must needs bite, or themselves be bitten –
Such hungry things as these may soon be took
With a worm fastened on a golden hook
Those are the lecher’s food, his prey. He watches
For quarrelling wedlocks and poor shifting sisters:
Tis the best fish he takes. (III. i. 81-101)
The women Moll spoke on behalf in the speech, certainly must have been referred to as whores often time involved in misogynous conversations
Some writers who were interested in this research, in an attempt at finding lasting solutions, demonstrated or showed their contributions in form of writing. One of such great writers was Shakespeare; who also contributed his quota in writing a play which contributed greatly in changing the mindset towards women. The qualities been portrayed by some of the characters in the play, had greatly contributed emotionally in enticing and encouraging women towards enhancing changes in their way of living and behavior. One of such characters who portrayed this behavior was Beatrice. Beatrice as a character in the play portrayed the quality of not been subjected to the norms and traditions, in essence, she was trying to be modest in her way of life (Halliday 25).
Right from the onset, and during the time of the Elizabethan and the Jacobean reinstallation, Virtually all the roles which were supposed to be performed by women were taking up by men who had female traits, some of the features considered were skin complexion and physical appearance, basically in terms of facial outlook and any other thing that was a characteristic of women. As time went on, and as a result of the discovery of the importance of women been featured in roles that were meant for them, they were subsequently allowed to be featured in the plays; this latest and welcoming development and advancement, took place during the time of the Elizabethan and the Jacobean reinstallation. Despite the fact that women were now permitted to be partaking in most of the roles before now they were deprived of, their appearances were restricted, and this can be justified in the above examination and discussion by Jonson’s Volpone.
It is observed that the aforementioned writer wrote about just a few of the female participants as compared to that of the males, this is because they were very few in the acts. This was as a result of the women been placed under some restrictions as regards performance in the plays. By observing the above situations critically, it can be inferred that, the roles played by women in the society were totally based on the dictates of the men. That is to say, the women were solely dependent on the men. Moreover, the factors responsible for the variation in the total of the women participants as contained in the various acts, is as a result of the diversified contributions and suggestions raised by various people concerning or relating to the vitality of females in the community, they revealed that, this vitality is becoming pronounced as time is progressively passing by and as a result of this discovery, they were been featured to be partake in most of the main characters.
The initial roles that were allocated to women had no substance in them since they were not completely liberated; certain restrictions were still in place, some of which included their talking less. Although, in as much as restrictions were placed, it was not affecting the entire women at the time, even among the women, there were distinctions grouping them. As a result of this, the superior were permitted to talk but not more than the men. Some participants in the plays were only permitted to talk only for the period of time allocated to them. Others include the female traders which were involved in buying and selling of things in: The Female-commander or captain that surfaced only on the podium. This signifies that, the roles they played were not as vital as compared to that of their male counterparts.
It can be observed that the most valuable female participants were normally those of the knights, an example of such a participants is Beautiful -Lady-would -Be been featured in Volpone, and this clearly indicates that, there was a hierarchy existing even among the female participants. This also clearly showed that, the segregation was not only among the male participants, but was also found among the women. The most highly placed participants among the women performed most of the roles in each acts, usually showcased many times on the podium. This is due to the value people had placed on material influence at that time (Franck 78).
In most cases, it was observed that, participants were been featured in more than one role in a particular play. This is prominently analyzed in Volpone. In the same vein, the female participants which were considered to poses little societal influence were seen having discussions in view of finding solutions to their problems. Their discussions were basically centered on affection, and issues relating to their treatment at home (Kenneth 89).
Nature of Conversation in the volpone
Lady-Would-Be, was always exercising her superiority over her servants. She was a knight participant that usually employs a variety of words or diction pertaining to that of the great people or writers whose works were highly recognized. Dante, which was one of these recognized philosophers, have written some works which described the women as belonging to the high class of intellectuals.
Celia’ piece of writing was also that of a dependent type, she completely adhered to her husband’s decisions; this was justified and made possible in her complete sacrifice for her husband.
The two women, their length of speech or piece of writing was also that of the totally dependent type but in this case they were answerable to Lady-Would-Be.
The total appearances of every female participant in the play
Lady-Would-Be: sixty -Four appearances
Celia: Twenty-Seven appearances
Two Female: Nine appearances
Function of the Participant
Lady-Would-Be: wife of a high ranked soldier.
Celia: wife of the commercial leader.
The two Female: servants of the Lady-Would-Be.
After a critical examination of the number of appearances by every women in the play, one can finally state categorically that, the most vital and important roles in the pay were performed by the knight during the times of the Elizabethan and the Jacobean taken into account the number of times they appeared on the podium. It can also be inferred that, as the time reinstallation surfaced, females that belong to the lower class in the society were subsequently gaining recognition, this can be deducted from the fact that, the high principled participants had at least a good number of appearances on the podium taking into cognizance the roles they played (Digby 23 ).
It’s imperative to note that, most of the participants were featured in more than one role in the play. One would wonder why participants were allowed to partake in more than one role. And the simple reason behind this was that, the roles which were to be performed by the participants were restricted mostly to men and as a result of their limited number, they had no option than to allocate more than one role to a participant. It was earlier explained in the play that, under the normal settings of the play, a participant was assigned to perform in only part, but as a result of the fact that, some of the roles which were supposed to be played by women were taking up by men and not even allowing the women to appear on the podium, some had to perform multiple characters.
As a result of the nagging situation, it then became very important to establish some routines that would constantly take care of all issues relating to women. Various researches carried out revealed that, right from the onset, the functions of female in our communities had not been encouraging as was depicted in the plays. These discouraging occurrences were as a result of the limitations placed on the women which made them to under exercise their real potentials, which would had in no small measure, contributed positively to the development of the theater and the society at large. This laws enforced on the women deprived them of the opportunity of achieving their life dreams and at the same time made them look as if they were less human as compared to their male counterparts
This fact can be justified by the clear indications of how the women were been treated in the society, in the various ramifications of life. By considering the home for instance, women were completely subjected to the wish and directives of their husbands, that is, the total dependence of women on their husbands. This can also be seen in their non participation in public functions. This total dependence of the women on their husbands is demonstrated in various perspectives in the Volpone.
Reviews
A lot of reviews have been written concerning the role of women during the Jacobean era. One of such reviewers was Theodora A. Jankowski, his review was centered on the regulations been set aside by the authorities at that time which was based on the featuring of women in the various plays and acts (Yates 56). He revealed that, even until 1660, women were not allowed to be featured in plays especially their performances on the podium, in the same vein, they were also not allowed to be partakers of neither public speech delivering nor observant of such. Research also revealed that the women, who were permitted to act before 1660, were women which were considered to come from the wealthy and noble families. Despite the fact that they allowed to be featured, they only surface in the Islamic courts. This situation which was practiced in reality which nobody was not in doubt of, is been portrayed now as a display on the platform of play right from the time of the Middle Ages to the time of reinstallation (Hutton 79).
According to other reviewers and editors like Pamela Allen Brown and Peter Parolin between 1500-1660; they contributed greatly not only in trying to modernize the ancient perspectives of the early people but they were at the same time bringing up new ideas that could be of help to this nagging issue, and also creating avenues for the other intending writers that would develop the interest of improving on this menace. After undergoing a critical research into the functions been allocated to women, they decided to rename women by now referring to them as players rather than potential participants been featured in plays. They stated that, women can only be seen or gotten by searching beyond the public places since they were been placed on some levels of restrictions. Other reviewers like James Stokes, Gweno Williams and others, revealed that, women were only allowed to be featured in the remembrance days of the consecrated clergies in the worship centers, and been members of the virgin Mary society if allowed to partake in public places (Ashelford 67).
Reviewer Natasha Korda et al. revealed that, women who were considered to belong to the least hierarchy in the society were usually associated in trades like the buying and selling of clothes that have been already used by other persons, selling of items on the streets, and singing (Gurr 46 ). Despite the fact that, these businesses are been considered to be less involving in terms of participation, they tried to prove to their customers that, these businesses are very lucrative and that they are doing fine in them. The Italian female participants which were found mostly in native works were observed to be out of phase with those women who came from the rich and noble backgrounds.
The functions of the female were further reviewed by Stokes who clearly stated that, women were been highly involved in the decisions making up to level that they brought initiatives which were almost same as compared to that of the male. He also stated that, limitations of functions been imposed on women, were as a result of the advancement in the negative tackles or criticism about the administration of the Catholics (Arnold, 34). Since women were restricted from partaking in most of the functions, they were been held responsible whenever they were found in any act. In situations where there are no proves to back up accusations laid against the women, one among the writers now assumed that, will it be possible for men to take up the responsibilities been imposed on the virgin Mary that had taken in already. , this circumstance was viewed to be socially unacceptable. This issue came up as a result of the constant limitations been placed on the women in terms of responsibilities.
As a result of the restrictions been imposed on the women in carrying out their duties, they decided to form an association that was basically centered on business, which also constituted a vital component in the black financial system since they had no option than to be involved in this (Gurr,45). This kind of task under normal circumstance is considered to be involving since they had to be physically present in the labor market. This is necessary because their presence is desperately needed so that, they can be constantly motivating their customers to patronize them better. But failure to do this, would contribute negatively on their economy thereby preventing them from achieving their aims. Since this association formed by the women required a lot of members, they employed some means of getting people through entertainment which were organized by them. This decision has brought the memory of the picture contained in the work of Volpone where Celia had to fling her hankie to the ground in order to buy Volpone’s solution. This move by Celia was walked against by other women since they clearly indicated the money they were willing to pay (Yates 7).
Conclusion
The roaring girl and Volpone exposes the utilization of the cross dressing which are presented in a different light to that which is commonly utilized in shakespeares comedies. Dekkers presentation of Moll as a woman who’s dressing in male clothing indicates that she cannot be forced to operate as every other woman of her time. She operated freely among the most influential people of her time and not just the influential; she was often seen with the locals or the common people on the street. Though the woman in her is clearly shown in the attraction of men to her, and the love she expressed for Sebastian Though she rejected ever wanting to have anything to do with marriage. The man in her can also be seen in her dress sense and her ability to fight men. In the fullness of it all, she presented herself as an advocate of women rights.
It can finally be inferred that, the roles of the women were more vital during the time of reinstallation than that during the time of the Elizabethan. This is as result of the diversified opinions been raised by various groups. They permitted civilization to interfere with their daily life and as a result, they started discovering the importance of women in the society, this was justified by the fact that, women were now allowed to be partaking in the staging of the plays. Their profile was increased but still they were under some limitations. This increased their appearances on the stage but still their suggestions were considered to be of no significance (Digby 47).
Reading through the play roaring girls they are instances in which Moll spoke negatively of her sex, most of her speeches questioned the wrong treatment of women by men. Middleton and Dekker succeeded in depicting the character of Moll in such a way that many a spectator would approve of her role as a women rights crusader. The writers of the play also left room, for the reader to be the final judge in such a way that they themselves will not be criticized for breaking or writing against the patriarchal ideologies of women humiliation. The marginalization of Molls character in the play in order to succeed at presenting her as a mere curiosity, while outwardly the play seems to celebrate her. The prologue of the play refers to her as a paragon, comparing her with the roaring girls.
By taking a critical observation into the subject matter, it can be inferred that, the plays been discussed above have been greatly seen their desires improvingly come to pass. This can be justified by the fact that, females who were considered in those days to be nothing are making waves into the pipeline of development (Edmund 78). They are been allowed to undergo some research works in view of bringing out useful suggestions and important ideas that could help transform the universe positively. Through the discovery of this important factor, it was shown that, women and other people in the society were beginning to understand the importance of giving opportunities to people to exercise their franchise. Also by permitting women to partake in the various functions, have greatly reduced the stress jobs been allocated to a single person which would have overworked the participant.
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