Abstract
In the comedies of Lope de Vega the sexualization of both women and men is evident. Most significantly is the sexual identity being explored by women during a period where they did not have a sexual identity. In this thesis, I will be analyzing Lope de Vega’s comedy La viuda valenciana, and its secretive and discreet form of allowing women to discover their sexuality through erotic and taboo actions. Using Sigmund Freud and Michel Foucault's theories of sexualization I will analyze the different sexual needs and desires of Leonarda within Lope’s comedy while allowing room for other plays. Lope de Vega is a playwriter who writes comedies out of his time creating an almost feminist view with his plays allowing women to have an identity and independent life.