The representation of women in William Shakespeare’s tragedies and comedies has long been a subject of intense critical debate, particularly from a feminist perspective. This research paper serves as a preamble to the discussion of misogyny within Shakespeare’s literary canon. The study investigates whether the mistreatment and verbal abuse directed at female characters—such as Gertrude and Ophelia in 'Hamlet' or Desdemona in 'Othello'—reflect the personal biases of the playwright or are merely mirrors of the Elizabethan patriarchal society. The author analyzes the "frailty, thy name is woman" archetype and deconstructs the psychological motivations behind the male characters' distrust and hatred of women. Furthermore, the paper examines the duality of Shakespeare’s female portrayals, contrasting passive victims with assertive, cross-dressing heroines in his comedies. Through a critical lens, the research evaluates the systemic silencing of women and the tragic consequences of male insecurity. The findings suggest that while Shakespeare often portrays women as objects of suspicion, he also provides them with moments of profound eloquence and resilience that challenge the misogynistic status quo. This preamble concludes that understanding Shakespearean misogyny requires a balanced view of historical context and the inherent complexity of his dramatic characterizations, setting a foundation for deeper gender-based literary analysis.

Keywords: Shakespeare, Misogyny, Feminism, Elizabethan Drama, Gender Roles, Literary Criticism, Patriarchal Society.