The Tempest by William Shakespeare offers a dialogue that describes the social expectations and stereotypes imposed on women in the Elizabethan era. Although the play only has one main female character, Miranda, the play also includes another woman; Sycorax, although it does not play as important a role. During many scenes, the play illustrates the characteristics that represent the ideal woman within Elizabethan society. These characteristics support the fact that men viewed women as mere objects that they had the luxury of owning and were far from equal to them. Feminists may interpret the play as a depiction of sexist treatment of women and would disagree with many of the characteristics and expectations that make Miranda the ideal woman. From this perspective, The Tempest can be used to objectify the common expectations and treatment of women in the 16th and 17th centuries and compare and contrast with those of today. This play depicts women as fragile and pathetic beings. When Miranda talks to Ferdinand, she allows him to see her as very vulnerable, which will allow him to see here exactly like that. “Thinking of indignity, who dares not offer/What I desire to give, much less take” (3.2.77-78). She goes on to say, “Otherwise I will die, your servant. To be your companion/You may deny me, but I will be your servant/Whether you like it or not” (3.2.83-86). This play depicts Miranda as a pathetic woman who prefers to be the servant of a man who does not want to marry her; she prefers to be his servant rather than live without him. The character of Miranda in the play represents the ideal woman of the Elizabethan era. She is represented as a goddess among men. “Of course the goddess/Oh whom these tunes attend!” » (1.2.425-426). Fer...... middle of paper...... and his mind is more important than his words. This is an example of the patriarchal society they live in; although he is her father and has parental power over her, he probably would not speak to a son in such a humiliating tone. He makes her feel slow, like she can't hold a conversation or listen to him, which is quite humiliating. The Tempest depicts women as beings who accept the ideal role they are expected to assume at the behest of men. . The way Miranda is portrayed; as a goddess, servant or virgin, that is what she makes herself to be. The play doesn't give women the voice they deserve, it turns them into valuable possessions for men to brag about and share. From a feminist perspective, The Tempest depicts an Elizabethan society that does not give women a voice, but rather means to be the ideal woman that men can possess..