1. Obedience: Daughters were expected to be obedient and subservient to their fathers, guardians, and husbands. This obedience extended to all aspects of their lives, including their choices in marriage, education, and career.
2. Household Management: Daughters were often expected to take on household responsibilities from a young age. This included tasks such as cooking, cleaning, sewing, and childcare. They were expected to be skilled in domestic duties to become suitable wives and household managers in the future.
3. Marriage: Marriage was considered the ultimate goal for daughters, ensuring financial security and social status. Daughters were often married off at young ages, sometimes even in their early teens, to men chosen by their families. Arrangements were often made without their consent or input.
4. Modesty and Chastity: Daughters were expected to maintain strict moral standards, especially in terms of sexual behavior. Modesty, chastity, and virginity were highly valued, as women's reputations were closely linked to their family's honor.
5. Limited Education: While some daughters from noble or wealthy families received education in reading, writing, and other subjects, the majority had limited access to formal education. It was not considered essential for women to receive a high level of education, as their roles were primarily confined to domestic duties and marriage.
6. Subordinate to Men: Daughters were considered subordinate to men, both legally and socially. They had limited rights, could not own property in their own name, and were under the legal control of their fathers or husbands.
7. Arranged Marriages: Daughters often had little say in choosing their husbands. Marriages were frequently arranged by families based on social status, alliances, or financial considerations, rather than love or compatibility.
8. Roles of Motherhood: Once married, daughters were expected to fulfill their roles as mothers and raise their children. Childbearing was seen as a primary duty and a source of fulfillment for women.
9. Lack of Independence: Daughters were expected to be financially dependent on their fathers or husbands and lacked legal and financial autonomy. They had limited opportunities for personal fulfillment or career pursuits beyond their domestic responsibilities.
10. Social Expectations: Daughters were expected to conform to the societal norms and expectations for women, including their expected roles in marriage, household management, and maintaining their families' reputations.
It's important to note that not all daughters experienced the same treatment, and there were variations in expectations and opportunities based on social class, wealth, and individual circumstances. However, the overall societal norms during Shakespeare's time placed significant constraints and limitations on the lives of daughters.