Abstract
In my presentation I would like to focus on the Discourses of Alliance and Gender, showcasing their function on the political rhetoric of the plays of William Shakespeare's First Tetralogy. The Discourse of Alliance is derived from Foucault's Strategic Relationships between individuals and structures of power and describes both the discourse of elementary family and that of a wider group of people connected by blood relations or other formal ties, making it closely connected to the Discourse of Sovereignty. The Discourse of Gender and Sexuality focuses largely on gender norms and sexual relations and is at the heart of the Discourse of Alliance.
Shakespeare's First Tetralogy depicts times of huge political turmoil. The Discourse of Alliance and the symbolism of family are used throughout the four plays to highlight the political conflict and its consequences, but also to give context and depth to character motivations. A specific point of interest, in my opinion, are the figures of fathers and sons which appear as the perfect illustration of the decay of the kingdom.
The backdrop of unrest gives rise to multiple prominent female characters who often defy gender norms. Gender norms are used by and against both male and female characters in situations with great political importance and tension. The First Tetralogy is especially interesting in its usage of the Discourse of Gender and Sexuality due to the prominent female characters like Joan la Pucelle and Queen Margaret