Andy Tripathy
D. Lobb
ART140
Nov 18th
Topic: Changing Marital Expectations in 'The Changeling': A 400-Year Perspective
Thesis Statement: My study aims to analyze how women's expectations in marriage, as depicted in 'The
Changeling,' have evolved over 400 years and to understand these changes in relation to broader societal
shifts in norms and values.
Annotated Bibliography
Malcolmson, Cristina. “As Tame as the Ladies”: Politics and Gender in "The Changeling". English
Literary Renaissance, vol. 20, no. 2, Spring 1990, pp. 320-339. In this insightful article, Cristina
Malcolmson critically examines the intersection of politics and gender in Thomas Middleton’s
play "The Changeling". Malcolmson's analysis is centered on the portrayal of marriage and the
oppression of women within patriarchal structures, a topic that she approaches with a clear and
objective lens. The article successfully highlights how the play serves as a critique of patriarchal
institutions, particularly focusing on the constraints imposed upon women through marriage and
male guardianship. Malcolmson effectively situates the play within its historical context, linking
it to contemporary debates about women's roles and rights in the early 17th century. However, the
article does occasionally exhibit a narrow focus, primarily concentrating on gender politics
without extensively exploring other potential themes in the play such as class or race dynamics.
This focus, while providing depth in the area of gender studies, may limit the article's
applicability in broader interdisciplinary contexts. Malcolmson's article helped me understand the
historical perspective on women's autonomy and marriage as it is portrayed in "The Changeling,"
which was very helpful for my project. It offered a critical lens through which to view the play’s
portrayal of women's struggles and their fight against patriarchal norms. This perspective was
crucial in evaluating how the societal expectations of women, especially in marital contexts, have
evolved over the past 400 years. Malcolmson's work thus significantly contributed to the
development of my thesis, particularly in framing the historical backdrop against which modern
perceptions of marriage and female autonomy can be contrasted.
Sherrin, Paula Starr. "Bewhored" and "Broken": Gendered Experiences of Trauma in "Titus Andronicus"
and "The Changeling". Fall 2019. Paula Starr Sherrin's thesis presents a comprehensive analysis
of the changing dynamics of marital expectations over a span of 400 years, using "The
Changeling," a play co-written by Thomas Middleton and William Rowley, as a primary source.
Her work provides a deep dive into the societal norms and values of the early modern period,
especially concerning women's roles and expectations within the institution of marriage. Sherrin's
central thesis revolves around the evolution of marital expectations and how these have been
influenced and shaped by broader societal changes. She argues that the play "The Changeling"
offers a window into early-modern social mores, particularly regarding the practice of arranged
marriages versus the ideal of companionate marriages. Sherrin discusses how, in the context of
"The Changeling," a woman's chastity is commodified. This commodification is utilized to secure
marriages that are advantageous, either politically or economically, for the woman's family. She
explains that this reduces women to mere assets, whose primary value lies in their purity and the
benefits it can bring to their family. The thesis highlights the stark contrast between the
proclaimed merits of companionate marriage and the enduring practice of arranged marriages.
Sherrin uses the characters Beatrice-Joanna and Isabella to illustrate the repercussions of denying
women agency in choosing their life partners. She argues that such denial often plants seeds of
resistance and rebellion. Sherrin's thesis is not just a historical analysis; it also resonates with
contemporary issues. By examining the evolution of these norms over 400 years, she invites the
reader to consider the lasting impact of these archaic views on modern perceptions of marriage,
women's autonomy, and gender roles. In her comprehensive and thought-provoking thesis, Paula
Starr Sherrin offers significant insights into the societal and personal ramifications of marital
expectations as depicted in "The Changeling." Her analysis serves as a crucial contribution to
understanding the historical context of these expectations and their enduring influence on societal
norms and gender dynamics. The work stands as a testament to the evolving nature of marital
roles and the ongoing struggle for women's autonomy and agency in the face of longstanding
societal constraints.
Dolan, Frances E. "Re-reading Rape in 'The Changeling'." Journal for Early Modern Cultural Studies, vol.
11, no. 1, Spring/Summer 2011, pp. 4-29. Frances E. Dolan's essay, "Re-reading Rape in 'The
Changeling'," presents a critical analysis of Thomas Middleton and William Rowley's play, "The
Changeling." The essay explores the complex dynamics of coercion, consent, and power in the
play, particularly focusing on the character Beatrice-Joanna and her interactions with De Flores.
Dolan's approach to "The Changeling" challenges traditional readings of the play as a
straightforward depiction of rape. She argues that such interpretations oversimplify the complex
social and moral dynamics at play, particularly concerning the character of Beatrice-Joanna, who
is sometimes coercive or strategic in her own right​​. Dolan's critique is particularly insightful in its
examination of how the language of marriage is used to manage contradictions and power
dynamics within the play, illustrating how mutual guilt and bloodlust are intertwined in the
relationship between Beatrice-Joanna and De Flores​​. However, Dolan's analysis may have certain
biases. By focusing heavily on the nuances of coercion and consent, she potentially downplays
the severity and impact of rape as depicted in the play. This perspective, while offering a more
complex reading of the characters and their motivations, could be seen as detracting from the
play's potential commentary on the violent and oppressive nature of patriarchal society. This
essay is particularly useful for scholars and students of early modern literature, gender studies,
and those interested in the societal perceptions of rape and female agency during this period. It
provides a nuanced understanding of "The Changeling" that challenges simplistic interpretations
and encourages readers to consider the interplay of power, coercion, and consent in a historical
context. Dolan's essay is instrumental in understanding the evolution of marital expectations and
perceptions of female agency in "The Changeling." Her analysis assists in highlighting the
historical complexities surrounding the concepts of rape and consent, which are crucial for
analyzing how women's expectations in marriage have evolved over 400 years. The essay
supports the thesis that changes in societal norms and values have significantly influenced the
portrayal of women and marriage in literature. Dolan’s discussion of the legal and societal views
on rape during the early modern period, where it was seen more as a property crime against men
than a crime against the woman’s person, provides critical context for understanding how these
views have shifted over time​​. In conclusion, Dolan's essay offers a significant contribution to the
study of "The Changeling," providing a critical re-examination of the play's themes and
characters that challenges traditional readings. Her analysis of the complex dynamics of power
and consent within the play is a valuable resource for understanding the historical context of
marital expectations and female agency, though it may be viewed as controversial for its potential
to downplay the impact of rape​​.