The Woman Hater: Analysis of Major Characters
"The Woman Hater" is a dramatic exploration of gender dynamics and societal perceptions of women through its major characters. Central to the story is Gondarino, a widower embittered by his late wife's infidelity, who develops a deep-seated contempt for all women. His disdain is challenged by Oriana, a spirited and virtuous young noblewoman who cleverly engages with Gondarino’s misogyny, ultimately earning the affection of the Duke of Milan. The Duke, intrigued by both Oriana's beauty and her resilience against Gondarino's slanderous claims, seeks to validate her character in a public test. Supporting Oriana is her brother, Count Valore, who is both protective and cunning, aiding in dispelling Gondarino's false accusations. Other notable characters include Lazarillo, a gourmet with a simple desire, and Julia, a prostitute whose marriage to Lazarillo brings both complexity and humor to the narrative. Through these interconnected relationships, "The Woman Hater" delves into themes of love, betrayal, and the often contentious nature of male-female interactions in society.
The Woman Hater: Analysis of Major Characters
Authors: John Fletcher and Francis Beaumont
First published: 1607
Genre: Drama
Locale: Milan
Plot: Comedy
Time: Early seventeenth century
Gondarino (gohn-dah-REE-noh), a widower, so disillusioned by his late wife's infidelity that he despises all women. Plagued by Oriana's teasing, he retaliates by accusing her of wantonness. When his lies are discovered, he is ordered to kiss a dozen ladies in waiting, a fate worse than death in his eyes.
Oriana (oh-ree-AH-nah), a merry, virtuous young noble-woman who makes a game of Gondarino's well-known misogyny, succeeding only in strengthening his prejudices while she wins the love and admiration of the duke.
Count Valore (vah-LOH-reh), her brother. Bored with court life, he finds amusement in Lazarillo's search for a feast and in tricking the intelligencers who prey on those around them. He remains loyal to Oriana and helps to prove Gondarino's accusations false.
The Duke of Milan, a young ruler who is attracted by Oriana's beauty. He plans a test to prove or disprove Gondarino's slander and rejoices at the vehemence with which Oriana refuses Arrigo's staged advances. He claims her for his bride.
Lazarillo (lah-zah-REEL-loh), a gourmet who yearns only to feast on the head of the fish umbrana.
Julia, a prostitute whom he marries to achieve his wish.
Francissina (frahn-CHEES-see-nah), her colleague. She is married, through the wiles of the pander, to a well-to-do mercer.
A mercer, her naïve husband-to-be, who longs to be a scholar. Deceived when he takes the pander's black robes as a mark of the academic profession, he accepts his irregular marriage philosophically.
A pander, a clever opportunist who sees two of his clients wed at considerable profit to himself.
Lucio (LEW-chee-oh) and Arrigo (ahr-REE-goh), ambitious and rather corrupt officials of the duke's court.