Women’s Dowries and Marriages in Shakespeare’s Plays

Abstract

This paper explores the intricate relationship between women’s dowries and marriages as depicted in Shakespeare’s plays, situating the discussion within the context of the Elizabethan Age. It examines the role of fathers in securing dowries, the implications for prospective husbands, and the agency of brides themselves. While their views on dowries may differ, dowries do bring different outcomes (whether or not they can secure a successful and happy marriage) to different people, and these reflect the dependent social and economic status of the women in that period. While some characters like Cordelia and Helena manage to assert their value beyond material possessions, many others remain trapped in the socio-economic constraints of their time. As such, Shakespeare’s plays serve as both reflections and critiques of the social structures that governed women's lives during his time, which can be used to supplement historical data.