Representation of Women in Othello
Feminism is defined as the theory of the political, economic, and social equality of the sexes. In the Elizabethan era, women were viewed as inferiors and faced sexist problems. Women were only seen as property for men to dominate and critique. Shakespeare presents an overview of women’s social conditions in the short story, “Othello.” The short story explores issues for women in society such as confidential marriages, adultery, and the social status of the women. The three main characters Desdemona, Emilia, and Bianca undergo predicaments that justify sexism in Othello. Desdemona is subservient and Emilia is ambivalent of the story. Desdemona is the devoted wife of Othello, despite the fact that he is …show more content…
Desdemona is portrayed as the angelic, loyal beauty that is the daughter of the Senator of Venice, Brabantio. She goes against her country’s customs and marries Othello, a black man saying she saw Othello’s “visage in his mind” (Ronk 57). Desdemona’s relationship was seen as “the perfect marriage.” Othello and his wife supported each other and wanted the best for them. Her perfect qualities turn against her as the conniving Iago jeopardizes their marriage forcing false accusations on her. Desdemona’s naive demeanor and love allows her to not only see Othello’s jealousy, but foresee her own death approaching. Her trust in Othello does not allow her to see the monster he has become. Ronk states, “For Othello, Desdemona is no longer the semi-divine creature she appears to be, and therefore he believes he is justified in destroying her… Moreover, although the men in the play see Desdemona as an emblematic virgin or whore, Desdemona chooses an emblem of nature" (58, 63). Although Desdemona is objectified as a whore, she knows than within her she is pure. Emilia is depicted as a middle class maid of Desdemona who is outspoken and opinionated. She is married to Iago, who is jealous and envious. The two’s relationship is based off of taking advantage of each other. Iago uses Emilia for his schemes and sparks the death of Desdemona. Emilia steps out of her domestication and speaks freely about her husband’s flaw act. Emilia expresses she will not stop doing what is her divine will, she is “bound to speak” 5.2.196). Solomon Iyasere recognizes Emilia for speaking out of term and saving Desdemona’s good name: “By choosing to speak and act as she thinks and feels, she attains psychological freedom, liberating herself from societal domination and from her own self-imposed restraints. From a contemporary point of view, Emilia’s decision to ‘speak out’ is a unique existential event” (71). Emilia heroic
Feminism is defined as the theory of the political, economic, and social equality of the sexes. In the Elizabethan era, women were viewed as inferiors and faced sexist problems. Women were only seen as property for men to dominate and critique. Shakespeare presents an overview of women’s social conditions in the short story, “Othello.” The short story explores issues for women in society such as confidential marriages, adultery, and the social status of the women. The three main characters Desdemona, Emilia, and Bianca undergo predicaments that justify sexism in Othello. Desdemona is subservient and Emilia is ambivalent of the story. Desdemona is the devoted wife of Othello, despite the fact that he is …show more content…
Desdemona is portrayed as the angelic, loyal beauty that is the daughter of the Senator of Venice, Brabantio. She goes against her country’s customs and marries Othello, a black man saying she saw Othello’s “visage in his mind” (Ronk 57). Desdemona’s relationship was seen as “the perfect marriage.” Othello and his wife supported each other and wanted the best for them. Her perfect qualities turn against her as the conniving Iago jeopardizes their marriage forcing false accusations on her. Desdemona’s naive demeanor and love allows her to not only see Othello’s jealousy, but foresee her own death approaching. Her trust in Othello does not allow her to see the monster he has become. Ronk states, “For Othello, Desdemona is no longer the semi-divine creature she appears to be, and therefore he believes he is justified in destroying her… Moreover, although the men in the play see Desdemona as an emblematic virgin or whore, Desdemona chooses an emblem of nature" (58, 63). Although Desdemona is objectified as a whore, she knows than within her she is pure. Emilia is depicted as a middle class maid of Desdemona who is outspoken and opinionated. She is married to Iago, who is jealous and envious. The two’s relationship is based off of taking advantage of each other. Iago uses Emilia for his schemes and sparks the death of Desdemona. Emilia steps out of her domestication and speaks freely about her husband’s flaw act. Emilia expresses she will not stop doing what is her divine will, she is “bound to speak” 5.2.196). Solomon Iyasere recognizes Emilia for speaking out of term and saving Desdemona’s good name: “By choosing to speak and act as she thinks and feels, she attains psychological freedom, liberating herself from societal domination and from her own self-imposed restraints. From a contemporary point of view, Emilia’s decision to ‘speak out’ is a unique existential event” (71). Emilia heroic