Matrimonial devotion doesn't seem to suit her notion

Matrimonial devotion doesn't seem to suit her notion

In the world of W.S. Gilbert, matrimonial devotion doesn't always seem to suit the notions of his female characters. Gilbert, a renowned playwright and librettist, is best known for his collaborations with composer Arthur Sullivan, creating some of the most beloved operettas in the English language. In many of Gilbert's works, the female characters are strong-willed, independent, and often resistant to the idea of traditional marriage and domesticity.

One of Gilbert's most famous works, "The Mikado," features a female character named Yum-Yum who is engaged to the leading male character, Nanki-Poo. However, Yum-Yum is not content with the idea of being tied down in marriage and expresses her desire for freedom and independence. This sentiment is echoed in many of Gilbert's other works, where female characters often challenge societal norms and expectations surrounding marriage.

In "The Pirates of Penzance," another one of Gilbert and Sullivan's popular operettas, the character Mabel is engaged to the hero, Frederic. However, Mabel is not content with simply being a dutiful wife and expresses her desire for adventure and excitement. She even goes so far as to declare that she would rather die than live a life of domesticity.

Gilbert's female characters are often portrayed as intelligent, witty, and fiercely independent. They are not content to simply be passive objects of desire, but instead actively challenge the status quo and assert their own agency. This defiance of traditional gender roles was revolutionary for its time and continues to resonate with audiences today.