Exploring the Representation of Female Characters in Shakespearean Plays and Classical Sanskrit Dramas: A Comparative Analysis

Abstract

This research study conducts a comparative assessment of the representation of female characters in two unique theatrical traditions: Shakespearean plays from the Western canon and Classical Sanskrit tragedies from ancient Indian literature. Both theatre traditions are distinct from one another. This study aims to investigate topics such as agency, power dynamics, gender roles, and social expectations by analyzing a selection of female characters. The analysis will be used to identify parallels and discrepancies in the depictions of these characters. This article intends to give insights into the various viewpoints on femininity and womanhood in Elizabethan England and ancient India by contextualizing these representations within their unique cultural, social, and historical milieus. Specifically, the study will focus on the differences between the two countries.