The Author's Attitude Towards Women In Othello

In William Shakespeare’s tragic play, Othello, the author’s attitudes and observations toward women become apparent through the words and actions of female characters. This tragedy touches on different aspects such as jealousy, revenge, and manipulation. The author also reflects on different social and moral values of the female characters within the play. Othello, a historical fiction sets in Venice amidst the Elizabethan time period. Act One Scene One opens with dialogue between “honest” Iago and Roderigo. Iago, Othello’s ensign and a military veteran, becomes angered because Othello passed Iago for a promotion as lieutenant. Instead, Othello administered the position to Michael Cassio, a highly educated man, but inexperienced in battle. …show more content…
The author describes Desdemona as a fair, beautiful woman of high moral standards. The Venetian woman is the daughter of Brabantio, the senator of Venice, and wife to the Moor, Othello. The author often describes the General’s wife as property throughout the play. When Iago informs Brabantio of the marriage, the man yells,Iago suggests Desdemona as Brabantio’s stolen property. After learning of the marriage between his daughter and the Moor, the Venetian Senator becomes furious. The Moor’s submissive wife obeyed his orders. Brabantio’s daughter remains true and obedient to her husband, even as the man prepared to kill his …show more content…
The audience can infer the author views women as hypocritical. Iago also describes women as stupid and dishonest. In act two scene one, Iago says, In a conversation with Roderigo, Iago describes Desdemona as immoral due to her love for the Moor. Iago remains distrustful of women and the author may have similar views. Iago also points out to Othello that Desdemona deceived her father to marry the Moor. This suggests the belief of a woman who deceives her father will deceive her husband. The author implies women are not always as they