Othello-Mistreatment of Women
Shakespeare's Othello is commonly regarded as a work depicting man's ability to use his reason towards evil intentions. A lowly ancient in a general's army is able to destroy him through manipulation and deceit. But although Iago's deceit of Othello is undoubtedly a central theme in the play, another theme regarding the nature of the man towards woman is apparent. Shakespeare's Othello suggests that men mistreat women because women, as a sex, allow themselves to be mistreated. The mistreatment of women by their men occurs throughout the play. The main characters view their wives or significant others as inferiors and usually merely as objects of lust and physical desire. This misogynistic view is reflected in some form or other by all of the main characters. Iago is the most misogynistic of the men. He considers love to be "merely a lust of the blood and a permission of the will." (1.3.377-378) He also believes all women are whores who "rise to play, and go to bed to work." (2.1.127) Iago's misogyny is manifested in the treatment of his wife. He seems to have only unkind words for his wife, and even kills her when she exposes his double-dealing plot at the end of the pl
Thus, through his play, Shakespeare comments on a generally accepted societal view of his day. Through the interactions of his characters, Shakespeare brings to light the mistreatment of women by men and also shows how women did not resist this mistreatment. Shakespeare's extremely progressive view on women in society is another testament to his genius and talent as a playwright. But though the men regard the women as inferiors, the women never confront or resist their mistreatment. On the contrary, they remain subserviently loyal to their spouses. One such example from the play is Emilia's stealing of Desdemona's handkerchief. Although Iago mistreats Emilia and detests her, Emilia remains more loyal to him than to gentle and caring Desdemona. She gives the handkerchief even after Iago calls her "a foolish wife" and "a good wench." Another female character, Bianca, also allows herself to be mistreated. Bianca believes that she is in love with Cassio and will therefore do anything for him. But Cassio does not reciprocate Bianca's feelings. He states to Iago "Alas, poor rogue, I think i' faith she loves me." (4.1.128) Cassio essentially uses Bianca's love to his own m
Some common words found in the essay are:
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Approximate Word count = 799
Approximate Pages = 3 (250 words per page double spaced)
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