Over several centuries, the treatment of women has been demonstrated in various forms of literature. British literature is one of the more prominent types of literature because British literature describes the evolution of Western civilization and its beliefs, values, thoughts, and experiences, especially towards women. Studying British literature provides readers with more knowledge of the circumstances and principle codes of behavior surrounding the treatment of women in western culture and how it varies from their male counterparts, especially during the Elizabethan period. One of the most renowned examples is William Shakespeare’s Othello.
Othello is a tragic play written by playwright William Shakespeare in the year 1603 during the Elizabethan …show more content…
Othello, feeling betrayed, confronts Desdemona and smothers her, most likely with a pillow. Up until her death, Desdemona claims her innocence. One of Desdemona’s final lines is, “A guiltless death I die” (Othello 5.2.125). Emilia enters the room, discovers what has occurred, and realizes her husband Iago is at fault. Othello learns of Desdemona’s innocence, and upon realizing that he has murdered his innocent wife, Othello stabs Iago and then commits suicide.
Othello embodies many examples of the treatment of women in the British culture throughout the Elizabethan period and how it varies from men. During the Elizabethan era, women were treated as property by being used for child bearing, alliances, and to watch over the home. The British society viewed the ideal woman as weaker than men in all forms, and Shakespeare incorporates the society’s views in his work, especially with his character …show more content…
British literature is one of the more prominent types of literature because British literature describes the evolution of Western civilization and its beliefs, values, thoughts, and experiences, especially towards women. Studying British literature provides readers with more knowledge of the circumstances and principle codes of behavior surrounding the treatment of women in western culture and how it varies from their male counterparts. Due to William Shakespeare’s contributions to Elizabethan literature, people today now have a broader understanding of the British society’s views towards the treatment women at the
Othello is a tragic play written by playwright William Shakespeare in the year 1603 during the Elizabethan …show more content…
Othello, feeling betrayed, confronts Desdemona and smothers her, most likely with a pillow. Up until her death, Desdemona claims her innocence. One of Desdemona’s final lines is, “A guiltless death I die” (Othello 5.2.125). Emilia enters the room, discovers what has occurred, and realizes her husband Iago is at fault. Othello learns of Desdemona’s innocence, and upon realizing that he has murdered his innocent wife, Othello stabs Iago and then commits suicide.
Othello embodies many examples of the treatment of women in the British culture throughout the Elizabethan period and how it varies from men. During the Elizabethan era, women were treated as property by being used for child bearing, alliances, and to watch over the home. The British society viewed the ideal woman as weaker than men in all forms, and Shakespeare incorporates the society’s views in his work, especially with his character …show more content…
British literature is one of the more prominent types of literature because British literature describes the evolution of Western civilization and its beliefs, values, thoughts, and experiences, especially towards women. Studying British literature provides readers with more knowledge of the circumstances and principle codes of behavior surrounding the treatment of women in western culture and how it varies from their male counterparts. Due to William Shakespeare’s contributions to Elizabethan literature, people today now have a broader understanding of the British society’s views towards the treatment women at the