Chastity in The Rape of Lucrece and A Woman Killed with...

Chastity in The Rape of Lucrece and A Woman Killed with Kindness Renaissance England has been labeled a culture of shame - a society in which an individuals identity was primarily constructed by the way in which his or her reputation or honor was perceived by others. A womans public reputation was always based on her virginity or chastity. Just as women were considered the property of their fathers or husbands, a womans chastity was an asset owned by and exchanged between the men who possessed her. (Gutierrez, 272) A mans public reputation was therefore determined not only by his own qualities, but also by his wifes reputation for chastity. Conversely, a womans unchastity was a liability to her husband. Rape and†¦show more content†¦8-18) Collatine values Lucreces chastity in very mercantile terms, making her the object of Tarquins admiration, thereby endangering her: †¦why is Collatine the publisher Of that rich jewel he should keep unknown From thievish ears because it is his own? (Ln. 33-35) This is a paradox arising from the commodification of female chastity. In order for a husbands reputation to profit from the chastity of his wife, the value of that chastity must be publicized. Yet, this very publication endangers it. (Breitenberg, 100) In this case, Collatines praise of his wifes chastity leads Tarquin to covet her and destroy her chastity, the source of her value. After she is raped, Lucrece is only unchaste in body; her mind is still chaste because she has not betrayed her husband by desiring another man: Though my gross blood be staind with this abuse, Immaculate and spotless is my mind; That was not forcd, that never was inclind To accessary yieldings, but still pure Doth in her poisond closet yet endure. (Ln. 1655-1659) Unfortunately, her physical unchastity cannot be repaired. Lucrece