Let still the woman take An elder than herself; so wears she to him, so sways she level in her husband's heart

Let still the woman take An elder than herself; so wears she to him, so sways she level in her husband's heart

In William Shakespeare's works, particularly in his comedies and tragedies, the dynamics of relationships between men and women are often explored in depth. One recurring theme is the idea of a woman marrying an older man, and the implications this has on their relationship. The quote "Let still the woman take An elder than herself; so wears she to him, so sways she level in her husband's heart" speaks to the idea that when a woman marries an older man, she is able to gain influence and power over him, ultimately creating a more balanced and harmonious relationship.

In Shakespeare's time, it was common for women to marry men who were older than them, as age was often seen as a sign of wisdom and stability. By marrying an older man, a woman could benefit from his experience and guidance, and in turn, she could bring youth and vitality to the relationship. This dynamic is often portrayed in Shakespeare's plays, where we see younger women marrying older men and using their influence to shape the course of events.

One example of this dynamic can be seen in the play "The Taming of the Shrew", where the character of Petruchio marries the fiery and independent Kate, who is younger than him. Through his clever manipulation and wit, Petruchio is able to "tame" Kate and bring her under his control. However, it is ultimately Kate who holds the power in their relationship, as she is able to sway Petruchio's heart and bring about a transformation in him.