In Shakespeare’s Othello women are clearly portrayed as inferior to men. The character of Desdemona clearly embodies this idea. Throughout the play she routinely submits to the will of her husband Othello, and is portrayed as mentally subservient, as a sexual object, and as a possession. These 17th century societal beliefs can still be observed working against women today in the mainstream media and in the workplace.
Othello consistently dismisses everything Desdemona has to say, because he believes himself to be above the trivial thoughts of a woman. In act three scene four when Desdemona attempts to convince Othello to reinstate Cassio to his former rank as lieutenant, Othello rudely ignores her by shifting the conversation to the handkerchief she lost. Othello clearly does not consider anything his wife has to say as of being any value for every time Desdemona speaks about Cassio he screams “the handkerchief! ” (III.4.5). Even Desdemona’s own father Brabantio does …show more content…
Arranged marriages were common, and daughters were often used to advance the social status of their families.Women were expected to submit unconditionally to their husbands. While Desdemona’s marriage was not arranged she demonstrates this idea from the start of the play when she essentially transfers her servitude from her father Brabantio to her newly-wed husband, Othello (Smart English). Desdemona explains to her father that while he used to be her master, she now considers herself to be under Othello, saying “So much I challenge that I may profess Due to the Moor my lord” (I.3.8). No matter the circumstances Desdemona treats Othello almost reveringly. Even when Othello accuses her of losing his handkerchief she maintains her composure, always addressing him as either “lord” or “sir” (III.4.3-6). Desdemona’s repetition of the word these words throughout the play demonstrates her secondary role in the
Othello consistently dismisses everything Desdemona has to say, because he believes himself to be above the trivial thoughts of a woman. In act three scene four when Desdemona attempts to convince Othello to reinstate Cassio to his former rank as lieutenant, Othello rudely ignores her by shifting the conversation to the handkerchief she lost. Othello clearly does not consider anything his wife has to say as of being any value for every time Desdemona speaks about Cassio he screams “the handkerchief! ” (III.4.5). Even Desdemona’s own father Brabantio does …show more content…
Arranged marriages were common, and daughters were often used to advance the social status of their families.Women were expected to submit unconditionally to their husbands. While Desdemona’s marriage was not arranged she demonstrates this idea from the start of the play when she essentially transfers her servitude from her father Brabantio to her newly-wed husband, Othello (Smart English). Desdemona explains to her father that while he used to be her master, she now considers herself to be under Othello, saying “So much I challenge that I may profess Due to the Moor my lord” (I.3.8). No matter the circumstances Desdemona treats Othello almost reveringly. Even when Othello accuses her of losing his handkerchief she maintains her composure, always addressing him as either “lord” or “sir” (III.4.3-6). Desdemona’s repetition of the word these words throughout the play demonstrates her secondary role in the