...Shakespeare’s Othello, men treat women like they are mere tools. The women’s reply to their men’s actions is complete submissiveness to their men. Emilia and Bianca follow the orders that their men gave them, have a one sided relationship with their men, and Desdemona shows utmost obedience to Othello. One of the main things that shows the submissiveness of women in Othello is how they follow their men’s orders. This is shown with Emilia and Bianca. Emilia talks about Iago wanting her to get the handkerchief for him. She is really excited when she finds it and says, “ I am glad to have found this napkin … I nothing but to please his (Iago) fantasy” (Shakespeare, III iii, 292-391). This shows that she just wants to please him, which reflects how her role is to follow his orders. Bianca is also a good example to show that women follow orders of men because she is not married. She has feelings for Cassio. When he asks her to copy the handkerchief for him, she does not want to do it at first because she thinks he got it from another woman. However, she still ends up doing it. This action of hers is an excellent example of how a woman’s role is to follow the orders of a man. She is not in a major relationship with Cassio, but still follows his orders. Through these two women, it is shown that women are very submissive to their husbands and men in general. In addition to these two women following the orders of their men, they are also in a one-way relationship. Othello contains a lot...
Words: 724 - Pages: 3
...Shakespeare: The Non-Feminist Author William Shakespeare, born roughly around 1550, was a well-known author of the Renaissance era. While some were more popular than others one thing remained the same, his view on women. In three of Shakespeare’s most popular plays, Macbeth, Romeo and Juliet, and Othello, he portrays women as weak, desperate, and pretentious, revealing similar views to the rest of society: negative. During the Renaissance era women were the housewives. As said in the Introduction to The Woman’s Part, ...women were said to be weaker than men in reason and physical strength, prone to fears, and subject to the vagaries of their imaginations. The second account of the creation of Genesis even...
Words: 1310 - Pages: 6
...In William Shakespeare’s plays Macbeth and Othello, the roles of women during the time period are examined. During the Shakespearian age, women are expected to be subservient and loyal to their husbands. However, in Macbeth, Lady Macbeth is a complete foil to the ideology of how women should behave. On the other hand, Desdemona represents the perfect concept of how females are to act. Through William Shakespeare’s plays, Macbeth and Othello, the contrasting viewpoints of how women are supposed to appear is exemplified through the foil characters of Lady Macbeth and Desdemona. Through soliloquies and interactions with her husband, the abnormal and domineering personality of Lady Macbeth is revealed. Lady Macbeth’s strong-willed and domineering characteristics causes her to “speak to [her] husband” (Shakespeare 15) and convince Macbeth to “kill [King Duncan]” (13). Moreover, Lady Macbeth desires to “be [her] own self” (38) and to make her own “decisions” (42) in life. Lady Macbeth wishes to “unsex [herself]” (11) in order to carry out what she believes Macbeth is incapable of doing. In the drama, Lady Macbeth uses her “brain” (24) to make her choices and strives to “control”...
Words: 413 - Pages: 2
...Shakespeare's Attitude Toward Women in "Othello" A quick summary of the play can be found here. Shakespeare was always wary of women and careful to give them respect, which is obvious when reading Othello. The society of Othello is strongly dominated by men who are the political and military leaders of their homeland. These men are expected to stay loyal to their reputations and to uphold the strong sense of character that earned them their positions in the first place. Women on the other hand, are thought of as weak second-class citizens or even defective males, who are in place for nothing more than to serve their men. The captivating thing about Othello is Shakespeare’s upheaval of these expectations, demonstrating his malaise over the way gender relationships were so often represented. The monstrous actions and subsequent downfall of the men in Othello show how no one is above being corrupted and how men are not nearly as powerful as they seem. The resolve of the female characters demonstrates their capacities to do much more than simply serve. Furthermore, by the end of the play, I believe the men of Othello are not the ones who represent strength; instead, this title goes to the women. From the way the play begins, women seem like nothing more than affectionate wives and pawns in Iago’s evil scheme. Emilia claims, “I nothing, but to please his fantasy,” (Norton Ed., 2157) referring to Iago, as she snatches up Desdemona’s handkerchief in order...
Words: 2006 - Pages: 9
...the same civil rights and liberties and can be intellectual equals regardless of gender, was a foreign concept. Women were commonly treated as nothing more than property of their husbands and fathers, incapable of free and intelligent thought. It was not understood that women were just as capable as their male counterparts, and had ambitions beyond living only to please men. Indeed, even the most liberated of Shakespeare’s female characters were often motivated solely by the influence of their husbands, fathers, or other male companions. In Shakespeare's Othello, Desdemona, wife of the title man, is a prime example of one such woman. Many authors and critics...
Words: 1555 - Pages: 7
...Shakespearean Women (Analysis on the treatment of women by Shakespeare) The role of women in society has changed drastically over time. The expectations and responsibilities varied depending upon the culture and area you lived. An analysis of the majority of women's roles globally around the time of Shakespeare was that similar to a slave. A woman belonged to her husband, and most times she was actually bought from her father by her newly betrothed. A woman's job was to do as her husband bid her and fill the house with children. Women had different duties depending on which class they were in, but overall women had little to no rights no matter what class they were in. Educating women on matters outside the home was a frightening idea, and...
Words: 1456 - Pages: 6
...The play Othello gives the three women some freedom. As Desdemona said “The heavens forbid but that our loves and comforts should increase, even as our days do grow.” (2.1. 196-198). This translates to ‘God willing, our love and our happiness will only increase as we get older.’ It gives the women hope. Even though the women are the most sensible characters in the play, the women are not able to be themselves because each women gets defined by their male partner and each stands for an aspect of womanhood, as defined by society and Desdemona, Emilia, and Bianca are presented according to men’s interpretations. We learn from the beginning that the women are the most sensible characters in the paly. The first girl that comes into play is Desdemona. Desdemona states the line “To put my father in impatient thoughts by being in his eye.” (1.3. 242-243). She is being reasonable toward her father while having a conversation with Duke. Now Cassio is speaking with Desdemona and he is basically being sensible and thoughtful toward her by saying “The riches of the ship is come on shore!” (2.1. 89) He refers to Desdemona as being precious, after thanking Cassio she thinks of her Othello and asks “What tidings can you tell me of my lord?” (2.1. 95). She is being thoughtful for being concerned about her husband....
Words: 824 - Pages: 4
...Analytical Essay Othello is a tragedy by William Shakespeare, he wrote this masterpiece in 1603. The play mainly revolves around four central characters: Othello, the Moorish general in the Venetian army; his wife, Desdemona; his lieutenant, Cassio and his ancient, Iago. In this play, by not showing Othello at the beginning of the first scene, Shakespeare creates an uncomfortable feeling to the story. Furthermore, he foreshadows the conflicts to come later in the plot. One of the conflicts is Iago becoming the archetypal evil villain who ruins Othello and Desdemona’s relationship. Iago manipulates Othello’s weakness his jealousy; Iago hates and does not respect women which is one of the main reason of his plan for revenge against Othello. Firstly, Iago knows how to observe people and uses human psychology to manipulate people’s minds. Iago manipulates Othello’s weaknesses which make Othello feels insecure. For example, after Cassio looks for help with Desdemona, Iago gets a golden chance to talk to Othello in private. Iago starts to plant the seed of jealousy in Othello concerning Desdemona and Cassio. Iago tells Othello to “beware …of jealousy” (III/III/l.195) which makes Othello nervous and start to suspect that Desdemona is cheating on him. Moreover, Iago warns Othello to “observe her well with Cassio.” (III/III/l.228) which causes Othello believes from the bottom of his heart that Desdemona is being unfaithful to him. Furthermore, he tricks Othello into believing that...
Words: 1432 - Pages: 6
...Shakespeare’s plays appear to focus mainly around a male dominant character and his conflicts which tend to deal with a woman in some plays. He is criticized for the portrayal of his novel. There are only three women in the play Othello. They are Desdemona, Emilia and Bianca. The behaviour of the women tends to present them strongly to reflect their ideological expectations within the Venetian society as well as the Elizabethan society. The women are expected to unselfishly devote their lives to their husbands. Desdemona, Emila and Bianca’s relationship with the male characters and their status is shown by Shakespeare and that all three women have different roles no matter at the end they all belong to one role.. The main emotion and the force behind the play is love. Everyone acts upon the force of love. Othello speaks this line before he kills himself. “…. Of one that loved wisely but not too well”, (5.2.396).at the end the love itself ripped them off. The strongest and who has unwavering love is Desdemona. Desdemona is a fine and fair woman and a sweet woman that is driven by fear and love. Form the beginning of the play she is shown to be quick wit. Her unconditional love for Othello is shown in her words and actions. Desdemona only did what she thought was to be right. At the end Desdemona had her ‘last laugh’. Her ability of not to lay blame ultimately makes her the hero and higher quality person in the play. While the roles of the play always seem to be the once that...
Words: 952 - Pages: 4
...The True Hero, Emilia In Shakespeare’s Othello, Emilia evolves from a vulnerable wife desperately seeking her husband’s attention into a woman of strength. After learning about Iago’s lies, Emilia defies Iago in order to save the reputation of her friend Desdemona. It is Emilia’s choice not to remain silent and side with Iago’s deceitful ways but to follow her morality and defend Desdemona, who is accused of cheating on Othello. Emilia’s actions show her heroism, as she verbally stands up to Iago and refuses to silence herself when she is asked. Emilia changes from a being manipulated and meek into a confident woman capable of being strong willed, proving that women can step beyond their traditional stereotype if they possess courage and...
Words: 938 - Pages: 4
...Culture Critical Lens, by looking through this lens we look at the race and culture of the characters in Othello as well as the author, Shakespeare. We learn how Othello's race makes him different and a outsider from the rest of society. We look at the beliefs of the characters, which in Othello they believe strongly in Christianity, this is where they get their beliefs and opinions of the world. The cultural lens also looks at how their culture shaped who they are and how they act/treat others in particular women. Cultural Criticism is seen all throughout Othello. From how Iago and Roderigo refereed to Othello as a animals like the "old Black ram"(Shakespeare 13 ll. 97-98) because of his race he is looked down on by the common "white man". Through out the play you can see how men where superior to women in their culture and the limited freedom they had. How Othello takes the words of a man over his own wife, believing lies and condemning truth. Finally you see how big of a role their religion played in the story as they use religious phrases and symbols throughout the...
Words: 675 - Pages: 3
...How is the concept of the outsider represented in Othello? An outsider is someone that is not fully accepted by society. They tend to be shunned and excluded, deemed different and a threat. Outsiders don’t conform to society’s values and beliefs and the concept of this is represented in Shakespeare’s ‘Othello’. In this tragedy, the Outsider alienates themselves by going against sixteenth century attitudes about sex, gender, and race. Shakespeare comments on how a society excludes and mistreats someone different from the paradigm that defines the Venetian society. The tragic figure, Desdemona, is an example of this concept and her actions, and the actions of people around her ultimately doom her. Desdemona is portrayed as a beautiful, young, Venetian woman. She is first set as an outsider when she chooses to marry an old, black man, Othello over young, wealthy, white Venetians. Interracial marriage was highly uncommon and looked down upon. This is clearly shown when Iago makes racial comments about Othello, “Even now, now, very now an old black ram is tupping your white ewe”. Iago’s use of black and white imagery degrades Othello and gives the impression that he has defiled the pure ‘white ewe’, Desdemona. Iago clearly doesn’t approve and sees the union of black and white as a bestial one. Shakespeare uses repetition (now, now, very now) to emphasise the particular idea that what is happening is shocking. Shakespeare is deliberately startling and troubling the audience, using...
Words: 1080 - Pages: 5
...does Shakespeare present aspects of love within the passage’ 4.3 beginning to L04’ The play Othello is was set in a rather patriarchal society and the traditional woman was known to obey her husband regardless, it was simple principle as men are known to be superior within the relationship while women are inferior, within the passage we can see both female protagonist abiding by this principle, ‘And hath commanded me to go bed and dismiss you’, the noun ‘command’ is an authority. Othello is ordering Desdemona and she lawfully obeys even thou its rather perplexing to dismiss a lady’s maid hence as to why ‘dismiss me’ is repeated twice to exaggerate the confusion and to build up suspense within the audience, in addition to the dramatic irony is being portrayed here as well as the audience understands as to why Othello is making such drastic orders. On the other hand, the language that Othello use’s starts to become disrespectful; we can see within the play how infuriated the character actually is, for instance the character refers to Emilia as Desdemona’s ‘attendant’ Emilia does not even get the respect of being called by her name which portrays that she’s only Desdemona’s help and it devalues the relationship between the woman. Moreover even though Desdemona is petrified, as it’s abnormal for her to be sent to bed and even her maid dismissed; she still abides obediently by Othello ‘We must now not displease him’, ‘we’ is a personal pronoun and Desdemona’s relationship is so...
Words: 1070 - Pages: 5
...by gender. As seen in the 16th century play, Othello, women have lower social status than men causing them to be treated with less respect. Today, even though the world has made progress, women face similar problems to women 400 years ago, as women still suffer the wrath of being inferior to men. William Shakespeare play, Othello reveals that in in Venetian society men are superior to women guiding the interactions of characters. However, Shakespeare argues men are no different than women as he questions the legitimacy of gender inequality that guides interaction between people can be extended and applied...
Words: 1238 - Pages: 5
...relationship with the characters. Shakespeare makes his readers feel sympathy for certain characters by the way the antagonist treats them. In Othello, Iago used Roderigo, tricked Othello, and mistreated the female characters in the play. Iago helps develop the theme of jealousy throughout the play by exploiting some of the major characters. The truths about some characters are shown clearly to the audience which helps them establish their opinions and feelings about them. Shakespeare uses pathos to get his reader’s point of view of a character. In the beginning of the play, the audience was able to discover that Iago was misusing Roderigo for his own benefit. He was taking his money and lying about loyalty. Iago could care less about Roderigo; all he could think was to get back at Othello and release his jealousy towards him and Cassio. At this point, the audience feels sympathy for Roderigo and somehow relate to his pain. Having to live without someone you love dearly can lead to dramatic conclusions, like the one Roderigo was thinking of. “It is silliness to live, when to live is torment.” (I, iii, 305) Even though Iago acts like a loyal friend to Roderigo and promises him he will get Desdemona for him, the audience knows he is only taking advantage of him. Because of Iago, Roderigo is feeding off of his jealousy towards Othello, and doing everything Iago tells him to do for a woman he will never have. In contrast, tricking people into thinking that false statements are...
Words: 685 - Pages: 3
