Here are some key points to consider:
* Ambiguity: Shakespeare's plays often portray women in complex and contradictory ways. Some are strong and independent, like Lady Macbeth, while others are submissive and powerless, like Ophelia. He presents both sides of the coin, challenging simplistic views of female agency.
* Patriarchal Structures: Shakespeare's plays are set within a clearly defined patriarchal system. Men hold positions of power, and women are expected to be submissive and subservient. This is evident in the legal, social, and familial structures of his plays.
* Feminist Themes: Although Shakespeare lived in a patriarchal society, his plays often contain themes that resonate with feminist thought. He explores the limitations placed on women due to their gender, the power dynamics between men and women, and the consequences of societal expectations.
* Subversive Elements: Some scholars argue that Shakespeare subtly subverts patriarchal norms through his female characters. For example, Viola in "Twelfth Night" disguises herself as a man to gain agency and power.
Instead of trying to pinpoint a single "thought" on patriarchy, we can see that Shakespeare:
* Reflected his social context: His plays mirror the patriarchal reality of his time.
* Presented multifaceted perspectives: He explored the complexities of gender roles, challenging the simplistic view of women as purely passive or purely defiant.
* Left room for interpretation: His plays leave space for audiences to draw their own conclusions about the power dynamics between men and women.
It's crucial to remember that:
* Shakespeare's works are products of their time and should be analyzed within their historical context.
* We should avoid imposing modern-day feminist interpretations on his plays without considering the social norms of his era.
Ultimately, understanding Shakespeare's perspective on patriarchy requires careful analysis of his plays and an appreciation of the nuanced and often contradictory ways he portrays female characters and societal structures. He didn't offer a clear-cut opinion, but rather presented a complex and multifaceted exploration of gender roles in Elizabethan England.