Essay On Women's Role In Othello

Othello The way women were treated during the 1600’s, when Othello was written, is extremely different than the way they are treated in today’s society. During that time period, status also played a big role in their everyday lives. Status can still be recognized in the real world today as we speak. In Othello, the women were treated as possessions, something like properties which helps give the overall understanding throughout this play its structure and characterization. They were expected to be obedient and respectful to the men at all times. Another important role in this play was the fact that African Americans were not in the greatest favor either. Just like in history around that time Africans were frowned upon greatly. The African American people were given zero too little “respect”. Not only by a male figure with status but an individual period. There were three main women in Othello: …show more content…
She is in a relationship with Iago who is supposed to be a good friend to Othella but they had a little bit of a fall out because Othella passed him over for the lieutenant positioning. Iago also seems to be a little bit of what I would call a “shit stirring person”. Although Emilia longs for his affection, Iago shows her none. He mocks and disrespect Emilia most of the time. Emilia stole Desdemona’s handkerchief in hope that Iago will be proud of her. After she took it to Iago, he snatched it from her and told her to go away. Just like Othello treats Desdemona, Iago treats Emilia terribly as well. For example, Iago says, “Nay, it is true, or else I am a Turk; you rise to play, and go to bed to work.” (II. i. 114-115). When Iago says this, he basically is saying that women are hussies, they mess around throughout the day but when it comes time for them to go to bed, that is when they actually make themselves useful and put in work. I’m glad some men have learned the respectful way of talking and acting towards a