Gender Roles In Shakespeare's Othello

There are many instances in the play Othello where gender roles become significant. During Shakespeare’s time, men hold the power and women are perceived as weak and powerless. Also, women are expected to be submissive to their man by doing whatever he asks of her and this is very apparent in the play Othello. The role of women in the play, determines the plot and the fate of some of the character’s involved. The way Shakespeare creates these roles in the play, shows his culture’s beliefs of gender and equality during this time period. During this time, men are respected and powerful. Shakespeare shows this idea of powerful men in the play when he makes the men characters hold the political positions. Othello is the lieutenant and respected among his peers. Iago is also a respected figure who felt he deserved the position Othello holds. People respect Desdemona because of her social class but she’s looked at to be lower than Othello because of her gender. Whenever Desdemona speaks to Othello, she rarely uses his name. Most of the time she calls him “lord” furthering …show more content…
The creation of the relationships between husband and wife or a mistress and a man show how a man and sex can give a woman more power. Also, Shakespeare stresses the significance of a man’s reputation. Iff their reputation can be questioned, the man feels defeated and does drastic things to prevent embarrassment. This is evident in the play when Othello believes his reputation is shattered because he gets cheated on, and he feels he needs to give up his position as a soldier and kill his wife for betraying him. Also, during this time, men believe their woman should do whatever they ask of them, and submit to them, and women believe it is their duty to do so. The use of gender roles in the play mirror how men and women acted towards each other during Shakespeare’s