Women’s Roles in As You Like It

“There is nothing that becommeth a maid better than soberness, silence, shamefastness, and chastity, both of body & mind.” This line, from Thomas Bentley ‘s The Monument of Matrons published in 1582, typifies the way women were viewed during the Elizabethan period. To begin an examination of women’s roles in Shakespeare’s plays, class members first consider a series of passages about women that were written during this time period. With these restrictions and expectations in mind, the class then focuses on how Rosalind is portrayed in As You Like It. The packet includes complete directions for numerous activities, discussion questions, and writing prompts.