WHITENESS IN SHAKESPERE’S SONNETS

Abstract

Now a day the racial theorem is being used to study Shakespeare's works. The problem of whiteness is explored in his sonnets. He cherishes whiteness more than blackness. Elizabethan policies included the idea that being white was a sign of supremacy, and the sonnets served as a cover for contemporary racial views. Racism and racial injustice are inextricably linked to whiteness. Though invisible, it is a universal phenomenon. Whiteness allows people with fair skin to economically and culturally oppress people of color. According to Hall, an important aspect of early modern writings that contributes to the creation of the white subject is the "Africanist" presence. Whiteness is a potent, covertly hegemonic discourse that oppresses people of color. Whiteness and blackness are in binary antagonism. This African-American presence ultimately fosters a sense of white superiority. This conflicting mindset rekindles the debate over whiteness. The research demonstrates how Shakespeare's portrayals of a young man and a dark lady privilege whiteness and shape white identity. The young guy has been presented in charming terms, whereas Dark Lady has been regarded negatively in terms of culture, morality, and sexuality. The black lady is condemned for acting immorally. She is not considered one of the chaste women. Shakespeare creates a triple-turned-whore character for her. The young, fair, and intelligent person is glorified, and his generational continuation is taken into consideration. The study helps to dismantle the stereotype that exempts Shakespeare from racism.