Shakespeare’s play Othello is famous for not only the major acts of betrayal, but also for the rash decisions the characters make while in love. Most of these decisions was not well thought out and Shakespeare makes an effort to include dialogue that contradicts the expected gender inequality. In a patriarchal society men have complete control over women so much so that women are thought of as products made for exchange. While these things were conventional for this time period, these actions would be strongly frowned upon and even punishable by long jail sentences in this current decade. Throughout the play Othello Shakespeare uses character to show the dominance Othello and Iago have over their wives; however, the dialogue has an under tone
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It may not be acceptable to hit a woman in this current decade, but it should be in that generation. Which makes it confusing that Shakespeare would include dialogue that shows the town criticizing Othello’s actions. After being constantly instigated by Iago, Othello builds up so much anger that he strikes Desdemona in front of the Venetian city officials. Lodovico says, “My lord, this would not be believed in Venice,”(4.1.230). Not only are the officials shocked but this quote hints that he entire city would be. After Lodovico says this, he then states that Desdemona is a very obedient woman which would be something the audience should expect from this play. Furthermore, it would make sense that Othello did not think twice before hitting his Wife. Correspondingly, in another scene Othello has already killed Desdemona and Emily announces to the crowd what has happened. All the men say, “O heavens forend!” (5.2.193). These men are not trying to put Othello in jail, instead they are in disbelief and grieve for Desdemona. In any other circumstance this would be an easy jail sentence. However, the fact that the characters are even upset for something that should be normal for this time is …show more content…
After Othello drops Desdemona’s handkerchief Emilia takes the opportunity to steal it for her husband. Emilia says, “Why, that the Moor first gave to Desdemona; That which so often you bid me steal” (3.3.325-26).Emilia steals the handkerchief knowing that her husband might be using it for something vile but she does it anyways to please her husband. Stealing in this time period is not acceptable but her breaking the law for her husband should expected. Not only is this scene appalling for her stealing but Iago’s expression towards his wife is what catches the audience’s attention. Instead of being thankful, he snatches the handkerchief, and sends his wife away all while being a complete monster. In another scene, Iago threatens Emilia with a sword for speaking out and after the town knows the truth, he kills her (Lewis). Gratiano says, “Your sword upon a woman?” (5.2.231 ). Again, the town being surprised over Iago punishing his wife for not obeying him is the opposite of reality. Even after Emilia gives up her life so that everyone could know the truth of Iago’s plot, Iago walks away with being
It may not be acceptable to hit a woman in this current decade, but it should be in that generation. Which makes it confusing that Shakespeare would include dialogue that shows the town criticizing Othello’s actions. After being constantly instigated by Iago, Othello builds up so much anger that he strikes Desdemona in front of the Venetian city officials. Lodovico says, “My lord, this would not be believed in Venice,”(4.1.230). Not only are the officials shocked but this quote hints that he entire city would be. After Lodovico says this, he then states that Desdemona is a very obedient woman which would be something the audience should expect from this play. Furthermore, it would make sense that Othello did not think twice before hitting his Wife. Correspondingly, in another scene Othello has already killed Desdemona and Emily announces to the crowd what has happened. All the men say, “O heavens forend!” (5.2.193). These men are not trying to put Othello in jail, instead they are in disbelief and grieve for Desdemona. In any other circumstance this would be an easy jail sentence. However, the fact that the characters are even upset for something that should be normal for this time is …show more content…
After Othello drops Desdemona’s handkerchief Emilia takes the opportunity to steal it for her husband. Emilia says, “Why, that the Moor first gave to Desdemona; That which so often you bid me steal” (3.3.325-26).Emilia steals the handkerchief knowing that her husband might be using it for something vile but she does it anyways to please her husband. Stealing in this time period is not acceptable but her breaking the law for her husband should expected. Not only is this scene appalling for her stealing but Iago’s expression towards his wife is what catches the audience’s attention. Instead of being thankful, he snatches the handkerchief, and sends his wife away all while being a complete monster. In another scene, Iago threatens Emilia with a sword for speaking out and after the town knows the truth, he kills her (Lewis). Gratiano says, “Your sword upon a woman?” (5.2.231 ). Again, the town being surprised over Iago punishing his wife for not obeying him is the opposite of reality. Even after Emilia gives up her life so that everyone could know the truth of Iago’s plot, Iago walks away with being