In the tragedy Othello by William Shakespeare, the women are treated poorly, while the men are treated a lot better. In contrast to this message, the men in Othello are untrustworthy, while the women are more trustworthy, however, the women are unable to prove this because of the standard that society forces onto them. Shakespeare uses the message that humans, by nature, have a power imbalance accentuated through gender, as the men in Othello are given more respect and credibility, despite their obvious flaws, while the women are distrusted and marginalized, despite having many good qualities. This messages enriches the story and creates more drama, as Desdemona’s purity and Emilia’s struggle to voice the truth are ultimately stifled by the
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When Cassio is wounded by Iago, Iago accuses Bianca of, “[shaking] at that,” in order to try and pass some blame for Cassio’s injury onto her, instead of himself (Act V. Scene i. Line 118). Although this is just a plot by Iago, Iago is using the stereotype of women in order to benefit himself. Bianca is innocent, however, women are stereotyped to lie to their men, which is commonly believed by many of the people. Therefore, if Bianca is acting nervous after Cassio’s injury, then people will follow the stereotype, and consider that as a possibility. In contrast to the stereotype, Bianca points out how, “[Cassio] faints,” and starts to panic, as she loves Cassio and does not want him to die (Act V. Scene i. Line 84). Bianca is mistrusted because of her reaction to Cassio’s injury, but this mistrust comes from the stereotype, rather than from her actions. In human nature, Biancaa is being given less power, because of her gender, rather than because of who she is as a person. Bianca has very pure and nice intentions, as she cares about Cassio’s safety, however, she is still marginalized by other, for the simple reason that she is a woman. Bianca is going to be thought of to always lie to others, and anything she says will be will not be thought of as a lie. This stifles the truth, as she and other women are not given the power or the voice to say anything, because of the way the human nature that Shakespeare depicts
When Cassio is wounded by Iago, Iago accuses Bianca of, “[shaking] at that,” in order to try and pass some blame for Cassio’s injury onto her, instead of himself (Act V. Scene i. Line 118). Although this is just a plot by Iago, Iago is using the stereotype of women in order to benefit himself. Bianca is innocent, however, women are stereotyped to lie to their men, which is commonly believed by many of the people. Therefore, if Bianca is acting nervous after Cassio’s injury, then people will follow the stereotype, and consider that as a possibility. In contrast to the stereotype, Bianca points out how, “[Cassio] faints,” and starts to panic, as she loves Cassio and does not want him to die (Act V. Scene i. Line 84). Bianca is mistrusted because of her reaction to Cassio’s injury, but this mistrust comes from the stereotype, rather than from her actions. In human nature, Biancaa is being given less power, because of her gender, rather than because of who she is as a person. Bianca has very pure and nice intentions, as she cares about Cassio’s safety, however, she is still marginalized by other, for the simple reason that she is a woman. Bianca is going to be thought of to always lie to others, and anything she says will be will not be thought of as a lie. This stifles the truth, as she and other women are not given the power or the voice to say anything, because of the way the human nature that Shakespeare depicts