Woman

Shakespeare was writing a very patriarchal and misogynistic society and it is important to remember that he was very much a man of his time. Whilst issues like the Divine Right of Kings and the role of Religion were being questioned by the Renaissance the inferiority of women wasn't on the most part. Critics often argue that Goneril, Regan and Cordelia, the only female characters are used to question gender roles in the first half of play but after the blinding scene their characters become more identifiable as fulfilling Jacobean ideas. 

Sexuality - Purity was a very important idea in Jacobean society, particularly because of Christian doctrines on adultery. Shakespeare's characters seem to agree with this. Both Goneril and Regan are noted for their open sexuality and ultimately, it is their sexuality which leads to their downfall. Whilst it is not a dominating feature of their character's in the first half of the play, their relationships with Edmund seem to bring out the worse in them. They fall into a stereotype as the power which they have carefully achieved for themselves becomes a moot point as they attempt to oust the other sister from Edmund's affections. It is perhaps sad that the sisters fall into this negative stereotype when their earlier quest for power set them up as strong and independent women who did not conform to societies ideas. In contrast to this, as far as sexuality is concerned, Cordelia abides by the ideals of Jacobean society as she not only recognises the importance of loving her husband but remains unmotivated by male romantic affection throughout.

Power - There was also a strong sense in Jacobean times that women could not be trusted with power. Again Goneril and Regan met this negative stereotype as their achievement of power is through dishonesty and then…