Romeo & Juliet Lesson 25: Women in Elizabethan England - PowerPoint

In a lesson exploring the social context of Shakespeare's "Romeo and Juliet," students delve into the treatment of women in Elizabethan England. The lesson's objective is to build knowledge and understanding of the societal norms and expectations that shaped the lives of women during this period. A particular focus is given to the character of Lord Capulet and his treatment of his daughter Juliet in Act 3 of the play. Students are asked to consider Capulet's language and actions, identifying words and phrases that indicate violence and anger, and to reflect on what these interactions reveal about parent-child relationships and attitudes towards women in the 16th century.

Elizabethan England was a patriarchal society where women faced significant restrictions and had very limited rights. They could not divorce their husbands, were expected to obey the male figures in their lives, had no access to education, and lacked a voice in society. Women had no control over money and were denied careers and opportunities. The lesson prompts students to find examples in Act Three of "Romeo and Juliet" that illustrate these attitudes towards women. By examining Capulet's harsh words to Juliet, students gain insight into the harsh realities faced by women of the time, including the expectation to marry according to their father's wishes or face the threat of disownment by their family.