Their activities were for the most part to be limited to the private sphere of the home. Men, on the other hand, were encouraged to control the public realm, while simultaneously being the supreme head of the home as well. Men were to master the art of rhetoric, become skillful at arms and the hunt, take charge of financial matters, and rule women and children. However, in an era when the supreme head of church and state was Elizabeth Tudor, a woman, many began to explore the potential involved in performing gender, irrespective of sex. The women's wit catches men out while simultaneously upholding ideals of marital fidelity.
Women are at the center of public activity and interest.
Mistress Quickly considers it her job to know everyone's business, both making and spreading her observations in the most vocal of manners. Moreover, we learn that Mistress Ford was the focus of admiration when the court was in residence at Windsor. We should explore the motives behind his preoccupation. Clearly she is not content with the status quo, which encourages men to assume ascendancy in sexual prowess. Mistress Page also takes the initiative in orchestrating revenge for what she sees as an insult.