Masculinity In Othello Essay

Gender discourse constitutes the basis of society, as varying degrees of conformity affect masculinity. The expectations of gender roles transcend time, and are visible throughout all cultures in many ways. Gender plays an integral role in dictating the assertion of men over women. Masculinity is so affected by adherence to gender standards, that even implied confrontation can alter ones perception of their patriarchal relevance. Shakespeare’s play, Othello, demonstrates how masculinity is shaped according to the actions of others. Affirmation of positive attributes is an accepted practice usually relating to the female gender. However, Shakespeare uses positive language in “Honest Iago”, to demonstrate that this societal construct can extend to men to affirm their masculinity. This …show more content…
Give it to me” to show women as little more than slaves to satisfying man’s ego. The emotive, “O curse of marriage!” further elucidates how union between man and woman can be seen as a penalty that suspends freedom. Subsequently, supposed infidelity can be detrimental to a married man’s image, as the repetition of “Reputation, reputation, reputation!” demonstrates that image constitutes what it is to be a man. However, men alone can affect the masculinity of others, as portrayed through the use of animalistic imagery in “Old black ram”. In the practice of seeing black men below white men, the masculinity of the former is threated on account of racial bigotry. Similarly, insubordination towards gender discourse on a whole results in threatened masculinity as see through the anagnorisis of “I obey him, but not now”. This demonstrates defiance of the Great Chain of Being, in which men overrule women. This action leaves man exposed for all his is, thus posing a threat to masculine power over women. Shakespeare illuminates how adhering to gender discourse affects masculinity positively, whilst defiance threatens