The Women in Othello Essay - 1080 Words

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 Shakespeares 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 to be transported and guarded. The first Senators phrase use Desdemona well (I.3.288) may suggest he hopes Othello will look after Desdemona, but is more likely to support the the expectations Venetian women had in the 1600s. They were†¦show more content†¦Undoubtedly a stronger character, Emilia has also accepted her role in society. At the end of the play while revealing Iagos plan she states Tis proper I obey him, but not now (V.2.195). Although she has just betrayed Iago,she still feels the need to explains her reasoning for not obeying him. Bianca is also a victim of the role society has set for women. She feels obligated by the standards of society to be circumstanced or to put up with. It was natural for women to be feminine and to obey the men of the so ciety and it was unnatural for them to do anything of the contrary. this concept was widely believed and understood by Shakespeares audience. Modern feminist disagree and say it is not natural for a woman to be feminine, however the women in Othello are pre-feminism and only seem to compound the ideologies of feminism through their actions and behavior. One should not assume that the women of Othello do not question the authority of men at all. Emilia, at the end of Act IV as shes talking to Desdemona explains that women are no different physically than men: Let husbands know, Their wives have sense like them; they see and smell, And have their palates both for sweet and sour As husbands have (IV.9.92-5) She continues on to explain that men and women also share the same desires and affections, but the only difference is men are weaker mentally. This conversation takes place privately and Emilia does notShow MoreRelatedWomen In Othello1691 Words   |  7 PagesWomen of Othello: Lepers or Ladies? Throughout history, there have been social hierarchies imposed upon society. Perhaps one of the most influential was the imposition upon women during the Renaissance era. Women during the Renaissance patriarchy were expected to be proper, pure, and above all else, mindful of the men in their life. 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The women in Othello are obedient but straightforward with their opinions because Desdemona married someone unsuitable, without her father’s approvalRead MoreEssay on Role of Women in Othello1742 Words   |  7 PagesRole of Women in Othello  Ã‚        Ã‚  Ã‚   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