Ecofeminism in Shakespeare Andrew Couch College

According to Simon Estok, ecofeminism is defined as the paternalistic society driving a wedge between society and culture. In addition, it consists of the connection between the dominating of nature and the exploitation of women. Estok, as well as many others, have taken the time to look at the work of Shakespeare through an eco-critical lens in order to create new perspectives on the works. While Shakespeare is considered to be one of the most progressive and pro feminist writers during his time, his approach to portraying is not always obvious and direct. Readers often find Shakespeare using irony, sarcasm, comedy, and satire on patriarchal society.

In his comedy A Midsummer Night’s Dream, Shakespeare goes to extreme lengths throughout the play to show how ridiculous men in society often act towards women and how it is only right and fair for a woman to rebel. In 1.1, Theseus and Hermia go through an exchange that, while comical, points heavily towards the issues during the time frame concerning the patriarchal society. The scene begins with Hermia’s father, Egeus, coming to Theseus, the duke of Athens, with complaints about his daughter’s rebellion concerning her marriage. Theseus begins his speech with a couple of threats: