Date of Award
Spring 5-2-2025
Document Type
Thesis
Degree Name
Master of Arts (MA)
Department
English
First Advisor
Cristina León Alfar
Second Advisor
Gavin Hollis
Academic Program Adviser
Janet Neary
Abstract
"False Virtues and Fragile Honor: The Weight of Reputation in Shakespeare’s Works" analyzes the intersection between honor and social standing in William Shakespeare's Othello and Much Ado About Nothing, specifically in regards to the gender roles prevalent in the plays' societies. In both plays, women who are perceived as a threat to the prevailing norms of society are ostracized, ridiculed, and may even face violence at the hands of their male love interests. The innocence of Desdemona and Hero, however, calls into question the validity of this cruel treatment. These negative reactions reflect the pressure that men have to preserve their cultural credit, which shifts depending on the perception of the women they are connected to.
Recommended Citation
Sheps, Amanda, "False Virtues and Fragile Honor: The Weight of Reputation in Shakespeare’s Works" (2025). CUNY Academic Works.
https://academicworks.cuny.edu/hc_sas_etds/1322
