Representation of Women in Othello: Desdemona, Emilia, and Bianca

Background: William Shakespeare’s Othello takes place during the 15th century in Venice and Cyprus. Othello is an honorable black warrior in the Venetian army and has secretly eloped with Desdemona, the daughter of Brabantio. When Brabantio comes to know of their secret marriage he is furious and claims that Othello has done some witchcraft on Desdemona. He disowns Desdemona. Meanwhile, Iago is upset that he did not get the job of lieutenant from Othello and plans a devious comeback. He tries to plant suspicions into Othello’s mind that Desdemona is having an affair with Cassio, his trusted friend and lieutenant. Othello begins to go mad with rage believing Iago’s web of lies. He demands for Cassio to be killed and strangles Desdemona. Afterwards, Desdemona’s innocence is revealed and Iago’s treachery is exposed. Othello kills himself due to his grief and Iago is taken into custody. Thesis statement: In the text Shakespeare portrays the women as breaking the standards of being timid, obedient and chaste. Shakespeare was ahead of his time in regard to stereotypes by portraying the women as inquisitive, strong, and opinionated.

Topic sentence: Emilia displays traits that are different than the typical norm of women when she calls out society and the inequality between men and women. Evidence & citing: Emilia states, “Let husbands know their wives have sense like them. They see, and smell, and have their palates both for sweet and sour, as husbands have. What is it they do when they change us for others? Is it sport? I think it is. And doth affection breed it? I think it doth. Is ‘t frailty that thus errors” ? Commentary: Emilia questions why women are treated differently despite the fact that women have sexual desires just like men. Emilia realizes there is a double standard when it comes to men and women and the subject of infidelity. Emilia recognizes men are treated with a little less chaste and she objects this idea. Shakespeare proves to be well ahead of his time as he portrays how Emilia recognizes this and is defying what most women thought they should behave in this time. Emilia describes how men are regarded differently in society. Emilia also knows that men are “all but stomachs, and… they eat us hungerly and when they are full they belch us.” Emilia asserts that men are simplistic and only care of themselves and when they are done with women they will toss them aside as if women don’t matter. Men cannot control their desires with women and because society at the time allowed men to treat women poorly, Emilia acknowledges that. Shakespeare depicts Emilia as a women who is not timid but bold and a women who will fight for the justice of others. Shakespeare is well ahead of his time when he represents Emilia as someone deciding against society’s norms of women.

Topic sentence: Moreover, in many parts of the play Desdemona stands up for herself proving to possess the character traits of a bold and forthcoming woman. When Desdemona elopes with Othello she chooses her loyalty to be with Othello. Evidence & citing: Desdemona announces, “My noble father I do perceive here a divided duty. To you I am bound for life and education. My life and education both do learn me how to respect you. You are the lord of duty. I am hitherto to your daughter. But here’s my husband”. Desdemona clarifies to her father that she still has the utmost respect for him but she now must take the place that her mother had taken and be Othello’s faithful wife. She states she must love her new husband Othello just as her mother loved Brabantio. Commentary: Desdemona is now seen as a bold and spirited woman because she stands up for herself. She stands by her choice of choosing Othello despite what many people think and has an independent trait which shows how she does not want to be treated as an object by her father and that she has grown out of his power. Shakespeare displayed how Desdemona did not conform to the standard of being obedient and instead revealed her to be brave and confident. Evidence & citing: Later on, Iago gives his opinion on women and says that they are not as pleasant as they seem to be. Desdemona states, “O fie upon thee, slanderer”. Desdemona accuses Iago of blatantly tainting the image of what women are like. Desdemona stands up for herself and instead of being compliant to Iago’s words, she shows an assertive side in opposing his opinion and proving him wrong. The character traits Desdemona displays shows her powerful side and ultimately proves that Shakespeare was ahead of his time on his views of women.

Topic sentence: Although, some might say Shakespeare was not ahead of his time when regarding Bianca and how she was portrayed as a timid when it comes to love, she proves to be bold and strong. Bianca shows her fierceness and jealousy which asserts her into the plot. Evidence & citing: When Bianca finds out that the handkerchief Cassio gave her was another woman’s she demands, “If you’ll come to supper tonight you may. If you will not, come when you are next prepared for”. After finding out that the handkerchief was another woman’s, Bianca tells Cassio to come for supper or she will separate from him. Commentary: Bianca objects to being treated like an object and decides to give him an ultimatum which proves she is extremely decisive and confident. Shakespeare presents Bianca as a woman who plays by her own rules and is one who possesses character traits to be strong and independent. Additionally, after Cassio is stabbed by Iago he then tries to accuse Bianca of foul play. Emilia also chimes in calling her a whore and strumpet. Evidence & citing: Bianca states, “I am no strumpet, but of life as honest as you thus abuse me”. Bianca defends herself to Emilia saying she is as moral as Emilia. Commentary: Bianca is even strong and powerful against other woman and demonstrates her ability to be independent and protect herself when someone tries to disgrace her. This is completely opposite to what readers expect and proves to the readers that Shakespeare’s female characters are portrayed as strong and independent.

Conclusion

Conclusion paragraph: In conclusion, Shakespeare has shown the women of this play to be bold, forthcoming, and strong which has paved the way for females to be regarded as powerful characters in many pieces of literature. Throughout Shakespeare’s tragedy, he has managed to portray most of the female characters in a way that was well ahead of his time with regard to his views of gender roles and stereotypes. Women are strong and throughout society, they have fought for justice and equal rights as well as overcoming stereotypes that have been displayed in many works of literature. Women can choose to be defined as however they want to be instead of allowing for others to decide their image.

References

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