Name:
Course:
Lecturer:
Date:
Merry Wives of Windsor
1. The play centers on a man who is willing to do anything to seduce two rich married women in order to benefit from their wealth. The women are offended by this and they find ways of punishing the man for his actions. In the end, the women prove that they are faithful to their husbands and the man realizes his error.
2. The performance revealed a different side of women’s power and authority. Mistress Ford and Page control their husband’s wealth, thus Falstaff’s decision to pursue them. This gives them the freedom to do what they want. The women also demonstrate the power they have over Falstaff in the way they choose to treat him. The women manage to trick him more than once and he is under their control. Despite their power, the women are under their husband’s authority. They are faithful to their husbands and they do not even consider cheating on them. The performance showed the level of authority that parents can have on their children. Parents made the decision on who their children should marry although they did not always achieve what they wanted. Both Mr. and Mrs. Page had arranged suitors for their daughter Anne, and they expected her to abide by their wishes.
3. Shakespearean plays highlight different themes that affect people of different ages, status, and class. They are a reflection of the human experience. They show how people relate to each other, the experiences they have, and the consequences of their action. By seeing different plays, the audience gets a chance to see how class differences are downplayed and how gender stereotypes are rectified. The women in this play showed that they could be crafty and cunning. They also showed that they are trustworthy and honest despite their level of wealth and power. The play also reflected that love and marriage could overcome or build a bridge between class differences.