introduction

Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet is a tragedy that has

been interpreted in numerous ways, depending on the
perspective of the reader or the audience. One such
perspective is the African American criticism, which
deals with the representation of gender roles in literature
and its relationship to race and ethnicity. This
presentation explores the relationship between the
representation of gender roles in Romeo and Juliet and
African American criticism.
Gender Roles in Romeo and Juliet:

Romeo and Juliet, being a product of the

Renaissance, reflects the social norms
and beliefs of its time. The play has a
hierarchical society with clearly defined
gender roles. Men are expected to be
strong, courageous, and protect their
honor, while women are expected to be
submissive, obedient, and chaste. These
gender roles are evident in the characters
of Romeo and Juliet.
 African American Criticism

African American criticism is a literary

theory that focuses on the representation
of race and ethnicity in literature. This
perspective is concerned with how
literature reflects and reinforces the
power dynamics of a society. African
American critics argue that literature
should be judged not only on its artistic
merit but also on how it represents the
experiences and perspectives of
marginalized groups.
Relationship between Gender Roles and
African American Criticism

When looking at Romeo and Juliet from an African

American perspective, one can see how the
representation of gender roles intersects with race and
ethnicity. In the play, the male characters are portrayed as
strong and powerful, while the female characters are
portrayed as weak and submissive. This reinforces the
power dynamics of a patriarchal society, where men hold
more power than women. This representation of gender
roles is particularly problematic when one considers the
experiences of African American women.

African American women have historically been

oppressed and marginalized in American society. They
have had to navigate a system that privileges white men
over women and people of color. The representation of
gender roles in Romeo and Juliet reinforces this system
by portraying women as inferior to men.
Conclusion

In conclusion, the representation of gender roles in

Romeo and Juliet intersects with African American
criticism by reinforcing the power dynamics of a
patriarchal society. This is particularly problematic when
one considers the experiences of African American
women, who have historically been marginalized and
oppressed. By examining literature through an African
American lens, we can gain a better understanding of
how it reflects and reinforces the power dynamics of our
society.