'Much Ado About Nothing' context

Social expectations of Elizabethan women

-Young ladies were expected to live passive and obedient lives, doing as their superior brothers, uncles, fathers and husbands said.

-Women remained silent and submissive, taking the role of housewife and mother.

-Viewed by men as objects to be owned and controlled

-Women were seen as deceitful to men so some used the scold's bridle so the wive's head was locked in a cage; if she spoke she would be pierced with spikes.

-A man who had an unfaithful wife would be called a Cuckold and would be said to have horns growing out of his head; if a man wore a cap he may seem suspicious (by hiding his horns).

Dramatic monolgues

-A…