Who claimed that Shakespeare’s comedies feature only heroines and no heroes ?
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Answer: B. John Ruskin
Explanation
John Ruskin firmly believed that Shakespeare constructed his comedic plots entirely around exceptionally wise and resolute heroines. He argued that the male characters in these plays frequently lack true heroic stature and practical wisdom. This perspective highlights Ruskin's Victorian literary criticism regarding gender roles and moral strength within classic drama. John Ruskin was a prominent Victorian art critic, polymath, and social thinker who wrote extensively on literature. His critical essays often explored ethical dimensions in Victorian culture, painting, and canonical English theatrical works. Shakespearean comedies traditionally resolve conflicts through the ingenuity and intelligence of female protagonists disguised or active.
Ben Jonson was a contemporary Renaissance playwright famous for his satirical comedies rather than this specific Victorian criticism. Thomas Carlyle was a Scottish historian known for his Great Man theory rather than focusing on Shakespearean heroines. William Hazlitt wrote insightful character analyses of Shakespeare, but did not originate this particular observation about heroes.
- Subject
- English
- Category
- English Literature
- Topic
- —
- Difficulty
- medium
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