Cross-dressing

Definition

Cross-dressing refers to the practice of wearing clothes typically associated with the opposite gender. This act often challenges traditional gender norms and allows characters to explore identity and societal roles in a fluid manner. In the context of Shakespearean comedies, cross-dressing plays a pivotal role in creating comedic situations and facilitating character development, particularly in questioning and subverting established gender roles and identities.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. In 'Twelfth Night,' Viola disguises herself as a man named Cesario, which drives the plot and creates romantic tension between her, Orsino, and Olivia.
2. The comedic effect of cross-dressing arises from misunderstandings and mistaken identities, contributing to the revelry and chaotic atmosphere typical in Shakespearean comedies.
3. Cross-dressing allows characters to transcend rigid gender roles, presenting an opportunity for self-exploration and critique of societal norms regarding masculinity and femininity.
4. The theme of cross-dressing is closely tied to the concept of the carnivalesque, where social hierarchies are temporarily overturned, and characters can express their true selves without societal constraints.
5. Shakespeare’s use of cross-dressing not only entertains but also provokes deeper questions about identity, love, and the performance of gender within societal frameworks.

Review Questions

• How does cross-dressing in 'Twelfth Night' challenge traditional gender roles and identities?
  • In 'Twelfth Night,' Viola's decision to cross-dress as Cesario enables her to navigate a male-dominated society while exploring themes of identity and desire. By presenting herself as a man, she gains agency and enters spaces typically restricted to women. This act of cross-dressing allows for fluidity in her interactions with other characters, ultimately challenging the fixed notions of gender roles that dictate behavior and relationships in the play.
• Discuss the role of cross-dressing in creating comedic situations in Shakespearean comedies.
  • Cross-dressing serves as a critical mechanism for humor in Shakespearean comedies by generating misunderstandings and mistaken identities. Characters often find themselves in absurd situations due to their disguises, leading to comedic conflict. In 'Twelfth Night,' for example, Viola's disguise complicates her interactions with Orsino and Olivia, creating tension that is both humorous and thought-provoking. This use of disguise not only entertains but also highlights the absurdity of rigid gender classifications.
• Evaluate how cross-dressing relates to themes of identity and societal norms in Shakespeare's work.
  • Cross-dressing in Shakespeare's plays invites a nuanced evaluation of identity as it blurs the lines between genders. It highlights how societal norms dictate behavior while also allowing characters to question these conventions. Through characters like Viola, who adopt male identities to achieve their goals, Shakespeare critiques the rigidity of gender roles and suggests that identity can be performative rather than fixed. This exploration encourages audiences to reconsider their own understanding of gender and identity within a broader social context.

Related terms

Gender Bending: The act of challenging or violating traditional gender expectations through behavior, clothing, or presentation.

Disguise: The use of costumes or appearances to conceal one's true identity, often leading to mistaken identities and comedic situations.

Queer Theory: An academic field that examines the social and cultural constructions of gender and sexuality, often focusing on the fluidity of identity.