%0 Journal Article
%T "Of all creatures women be best, / Cuius contrarium verum est": Gendered Power in Selected Late Medieval and Early Modern Texts
%A Joanna Kazik
%J Text Matters - A Journal of Literature, Theory and Culture
%@ 2084-574X
%D 2011
%I 
%R 10.2478/v10231-011-0006-7
%X The aim of this paper is to examine images of the relationship between men and women in selected late medieval and early modern English texts. I will identify prevalent ideology of representation of women as well as typical imagery associated with them. I will in particular argue that men whose homosocial laughter performs a solidifying function of their community seek to reiterate their superiority over women through seemingly playful and inclusive humour. I will attempt to show that what appears to be good-natured entertainment is actually a weapon used against women who, often accused of no sense of humour, are ridiculed and commanded to succumb to male authority. I will also discuss the triumphant tone of both poems and dramatic writings whose cheerful tone functions to marginalize women and to reinforce the misogynistic foundations of public life.
%U http://versita.metapress.com/content/2u4l7gu82566x573/?p=d61e4565c21349cbb4b741d41e79286e&pi=5