Shakespeare and Sexuality: How Women Use Sex as the Ultimate Tool in the Art of Manipulation

Abstract

At the crux of most great literature lies a passionate desire between two lust-filled characters. The archetypal romance follows a predictable pattern: boy meets girl, boy woos girl, girl falls madly in love, and after overcoming some unforeseen obstacle, they both live happily ever after. Throughout history, wars have been waged over a woman’s virtue, love has conquered evil, and sex has created new life. While love and the act of love may seem similar, a few key elements separate these distinct ideas. Sex and love are two entirely different entities and the former habitually exists without the latter. Love is the elusive and rarely achieved ideal whereas sex is an instrument often used in matters of manipulation. The women in Shakespeare’s works however, often explore this use of sex as a tool to achieve ulterior goals. Through characters such as Venus and Tamora, Shakespeare suggests that the most effective way for a woman to exercise power is to use sex and carnal desire as implements of influence.