Presentation of women in Othello
Shakespeare’s presentation of women in Othello reflects stereotypical attitudes towards women in
the Elizabethan era, drawing upon the virgin-whore dichotomy. Through the treatment of his female
characters, Shakespeare highlights the expectations that were placed on women to be obedient and
subject to their husbands. However, arguably Shakespeare also communicates frustration towards
the patriarchy through the character of Emilia, who he presents as a more assertive and forthright
figure.
Othello explores tragical possibilities for married women trapped within a patriarchal system that
condones their subjection. Male attitudes throughout the play reinforce the misogynistic view of
women as possessions and that the ideal wife is one who submits to her husband. Marilyn French
notes that Desdemona ‘accepts her culture’s dictum that she must be obedient to males’. Indeed,
Desdemona embodies the ‘obedient’ and loyal wife, as she remains faithful to Othello regardless of
his callous treatment towards her and rejection of her as a ‘whore’. Even when Othello strikes her,
Desdemona continues to submit to his authority, stating ‘I will not stay to offend you’. Here,
Shakespeare highlights the culture of female obedience in the Elizabethan era, which some critics
identify as instrumental in creating the play’s tragic outcome. However, arguably Shakespeare
contradicts…
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Shakespeare’s presentation of women in Othello reflects stereotypical attitudes towards women in
the Elizabethan era, drawing upon the virgin-whore dichotomy. Through the treatment of his female
characters, Shakespeare highlights the expectations that were placed on women to be obedient and
subject to their husbands. However, arguably Shakespeare also communicates frustration towards
the patriarchy through the character of Emilia, who he presents as a more assertive and forthright
figure.
Othello explores tragical possibilities for married women trapped within a patriarchal system that
condones their subjection. Male attitudes throughout the play reinforce the misogynistic view of
women as possessions and that the ideal wife is one who submits to her husband. Marilyn French
notes that Desdemona ‘accepts her culture’s dictum that she must be obedient to males’. Indeed,
Desdemona embodies the ‘obedient’ and loyal wife, as she remains faithful to Othello regardless of
his callous treatment towards her and rejection of her as a ‘whore’. Even when Othello strikes her,
Desdemona continues to submit to his authority, stating ‘I will not stay to offend you’. Here,
Shakespeare highlights the culture of female obedience in the Elizabethan era, which some critics
identify as instrumental in creating the play’s tragic outcome. However, arguably Shakespeare
contradicts…
Preview ends…buy to see the whole essay (which includes 4 paragraphs and a conclusion)
