Radiant Femininity in Shakespeare’s Early Comedies: Insights from <i>Twelfth Night, or What You Will</i> and <i>The Merry Wives of Windsor</i>

Before the Renaissance, Europe was in the Middle Ages and the Christian Church practiced asceticism. There was a highly unequal status of women and men. Not only was economic treatment unfair, but also women's political rights were extremely low. With the movement of the Renaissance, the status of the bourgeoisie was elevated and it was happening anti-feudalism and anti-churchism again. Women's individuality emancipation, human dignity, and value were emphasized. This paper explores how Shakespeare's early comedies exemplify the humanist values of the Renaissance by depicting intelligent and independent female characters who challenge societal norms. Women's dignity and intelligence are demonstrated in comedies. The male character was used to set off the female character's intelligence as well. This paper aims to analyze the portrayal of women and to understand the spirit of humanism better from Twelfth Night, or What You Will and The Merry Wives of Windsor.