Fuenteovejuna by Lope De Vega portrays timeless themes such as love, honor, the role of men as brave and masculine figures existing to protect the honor of women, and the role of women as fragile objects of love and lust. Although the idea of feminism as a movement didn't exist in the Spanish Golden Age as it does today, Lope De Vega's portrayal of this actual historical incident that took place in Castille in 1476 clearly illuminates issues that modern day feminists face. The play also deals with issues relating to the entrapment of societal gender roles, including the expectation imposed by both men and women for men to protect women as a natural duty. .
The first time we see gender roles manifest themselves as a key module of society is in act one, scene four. In this scene, we see Frondoso eagerly confessing his undying love for Laurencia, who replies, indifferently, "although I feel no passion yet, I sense a spark " (1112). Yet once she is put in danger, she immediately cries for Frondoso, "Heavens, help a girl in need " (1114). Once Frondoso "bravely " saves her by simply lifting the crossbow of the man who is attempting to assault her, she "realize[s] he's not like the rest. How valiant Frondoso [is] " (1122). This depiction of a helpless woman being relieved of danger by a man who does very little, but just enough to protect her, followed by her falling in love with him for his bravery and honor, is an image we are shown repeatedly in many different areas of history. This classic image of masculine heroism in the name of love and female honor renders a vast spectrum of misogynistic ideals that the feminist movement (which does not begin until three centuries later) fights to bring awareness to, and diminish.
Another moment in the play when feminist issues and gender roles are illuminated is in act three, scene one, when, after being beaten and escaping her attackers, Laurencia enters with a very powerful line: "You let me pass, for I've a right to enter where the men confer.
