Shakespeare’s 1603 play “Othello” is a brilliant construction that thoroughly explores the conventions of a Shakespearean tragedy. To claim that the central theme is a man’s murderous jealousy would be an oversimplification, as the play also reconnoitres the themes of reputation, manipulation and misogyny in the 17th century Venice. As a result of Iago’s narcissistic jealousy, he attempts to earn a superior reputation and deceives others for the benefit of himself. Iago’s manipulative talents are also a reflection of his jealousy however the convention of patriarchy and its implications on female characters are highlighted and explored in the text.
Othello’s plot is mainly driven by Iago’s tyrannical desire for a superior reputation, which …show more content…
This idea mainly revolves around Desdemona, and is first introduced when Brabantio exclaims, “O, thou foul thief, where hast thou stowed my/ daughter?” utilizing jargon to indicate that Desdemona was once his possession, also describing her as “stolen”. This action is reflective of the patriarchal Venetian society as Desdemona is restricted to who possesses her-nevertheless; she defies this double standard by marrying off with the “Moor”, rebelling against her father’s objection towards miscegenation. This courageous act is juxtaposed when she declines into submissiveness against Othello, lying for his benefit: "Nobody; I myself. Farewell". This is further reiterated by Desdemona’s stage weeping as a response to Othello’s abusive actions, where the stage directions “weeps” places emphasis on her deterioration and vulnerability as a subject to Othello’s jealous actions. Emilia, however, contrasts with Desdemona’s compliancy as she refuses to be supressed by Iago when he commands, “charm your tongue”, to which she rebuts, "I will not charm my tongue; I am bound to speak"- a controversial act from a woman. Her resilient comeback emphasizes her strong morality and ability to break free from the restrictions that are imposed upon women. The double standards which are originally suppressive has been challenged by both Desdemona and Emilia however through the consequences of Iago’s jealous actions Desdemona eventually falls submissive to
Othello’s plot is mainly driven by Iago’s tyrannical desire for a superior reputation, which …show more content…
This idea mainly revolves around Desdemona, and is first introduced when Brabantio exclaims, “O, thou foul thief, where hast thou stowed my/ daughter?” utilizing jargon to indicate that Desdemona was once his possession, also describing her as “stolen”. This action is reflective of the patriarchal Venetian society as Desdemona is restricted to who possesses her-nevertheless; she defies this double standard by marrying off with the “Moor”, rebelling against her father’s objection towards miscegenation. This courageous act is juxtaposed when she declines into submissiveness against Othello, lying for his benefit: "Nobody; I myself. Farewell". This is further reiterated by Desdemona’s stage weeping as a response to Othello’s abusive actions, where the stage directions “weeps” places emphasis on her deterioration and vulnerability as a subject to Othello’s jealous actions. Emilia, however, contrasts with Desdemona’s compliancy as she refuses to be supressed by Iago when he commands, “charm your tongue”, to which she rebuts, "I will not charm my tongue; I am bound to speak"- a controversial act from a woman. Her resilient comeback emphasizes her strong morality and ability to break free from the restrictions that are imposed upon women. The double standards which are originally suppressive has been challenged by both Desdemona and Emilia however through the consequences of Iago’s jealous actions Desdemona eventually falls submissive to