Role of Women in Othello In William Shakespeare’s tragic drama Othello, the wife of the protagonist, Desdemona, is the main female character. Secondly, there is the ancient’s wife, Emilia, who is morally ambivalent. Thirdly, there is the girlfriend of Michael Cassio, Bianca, who makes her appearance later in the drama. This essay will analyze the roles of these three women. At the outset of the play Iago persuades the rejected suitor of Desdemona, Roderigo, to accompany him
The women in Othello are synonymous with Venetian societal standards. Only three women are characters in Othello: Desdemona, Emilia and Bianca but the roles these women play give the reader an idea of how women were portrayed, not only in Shakespeare's Othello but in society in general. Women were viewed merely as possessions. After the Duke allows Desdemona to accompany Othello to Cyprus, Othello says 'To my conveyance I assign my wife' (I.3.283), this statement implies that Desdemona and a possession
Discrimination Against Women in Othello The Shakespearean drama Othello renders less to the female gender than it does to the male gender. All the women characters are victims – unjustly so. Let’s talk about the obvious sexism throughout the play. Susan Snyder in “Othello: A Modern Perspective” expounds on the sexist notions typical of Venice: The pervasive notion of woman as property, prized indeed but more as object than as person, indicates one aspect of a deep-seated
Othello, one of William Shakespeare’s classics, is an intricate play written on the life of a soldier in the sixteenth century, set in the backdrop of a war between Venice and Turkey. This century, referred to as Renaissance (the era of re-birth), marks the emancipation of women. Plays in the Renaissance featured women who would break the rules and stand up for themselves, their honor. This was the era where plays portrayed women trying to come to power, overthrowing the concept of power being only
William Shakespeare’s play, The Tragedy of Othello: The Moor of Venice, is set during the Renaissance period, therefore men treat women as if they are objects. Even though men treat women badly they still stand up for their beliefs. They are obedient when their husbands tell them to do something but they are still direct even if the outcome is negative. The women in Othello are obedient but straightforward with their opinions because Desdemona married someone unsuitable, without her father’s approval
In William Shakespeare’s tragic drama Othello, Shakespeare puts emphasis on the role of the female characters and their influence on the male protagonists. Othello’s love and jealousy regarding his wife made this play a tragedy. There are only three women in the play Othello; Desdemona, Emilia, and Bianca. The way in which these women behave and present themselves strongly reflects the ideological expectations of women within Shakespeare’s imagined Venetian society as well as the Elizabethan society
Role of Women in Shakespeare’s Othello In Shakespeare’s Othello, the role of women is greatly emphasized. The important characters of the play, Othello, Iago, and Cassio, each have a women that stands behind him. These women each have an obligation to remain loyal and respect their husband's wishes, especially Desdemona and Emilia. We see Desdemona as a young beautiful white female, madly in love with a powerful black man. She is strong inside but doesn't tend to show that side of her as
William Shakespeare’s Othello reveals the disempowerment of women in the patriarchal society existing in the Elizabethan era. Though the female characters of Othello were subordinate to the men, the women pose a threat to the patriarchal society. This threat of women is that they are a weakness to the men of the play, their beliefs differ from the norm of their society and women are an unknowing source of havoc. Although modern day society is still patriarchal, women have been allowed more rights
the mouth-piece of the Venetian culture wherein women who are submissive to men throughout their life are regarded as respectful. Henceforth he disrespects Desdemona as she married against her father’s wish. He questions her character saying that she is a desperate woman who could not control her emotions. He not only distrusts his wife, but form opinions on other women as well. According to him if Desdemona has married Othello against the wish of her father, then she is not a valuable woman
Othello: the Discrimination Against Women Yes, even in Shakespeare’s tragic drama Othello there is considerable sexism. Let us root out and analyze instances of obvious sexism in this play. Even the noble general yielded to the sexist remarks and insinuations of his ancient, thus developing a reprehensible attitude toward his lovely and faithful wife. Angela Pitt in “Women in Shakespeare’s Tragedies” comments on the Moor’s sexist treatment of Desdemona: Desdemona