Frailty, Thy Name is Woman Thadani Deepa Vice Principal, St. Stephen's Senior Secondary School, Ajmer, Rajasthan, India, Email id: thadani.d@ststephensajmer.com Online published on 18 July, 2017. Abstract Hamlet, in his first soliloquy in the Shakespearean play Hamlet, makes a sexist remark that frailty is a characteristic of all women. Although Portia, Cordelia and Lady Macbeth are known for their indomitable will, even lesser recognisedcharacters such as Desdemona, Ophelia and Gertrude are irreplaceable and affect the plot significantly. Shakespeare's genius has awarded them different roles, and this variety makes them even more memorable. Portia's wit, humour and legal acumen helps her trap Shylock and save Antonio in The Merchant of Venice. Lady Macbeth's ambition and powerful words persuade Macbeth to commit the murder and become the king. Desdemona is accused of infidelity but her unconditional love towards Othello and graceful acceptance of death prove her strength rather than frailty. Similarly, Gertrude, blamed of shallowness and incest, has redeeming qualities and evokes our sympathy towards the end of the play. Top Keywords Frailty, Strength, Redeeming, Misogyny, Powerful, Humour, Patriarchal, Women, Elizabethan Era. Top |