Othello
Othello: A Feminist Reading
Using ideas from feminine stereotypes, explore ways in which Othello might be regarded as a product of its time.
The representation of women in literature was felt to be one of the most important forms of socialisation. It provided role models which shown to both genders what is “acceptable” of females. Feminist Criticism examines the ways in which literature has been shaped according to the issues of gender. The feminist challenges the idea of women being submissive. When looking at “Othello” from this perspective, it is important that we grasp how women are stereotyped by patriarchal society displayed in the play. Othello reveals the expected behaviour of females in Elizabethan society, which we can see hasn’t changed much in the many years since it was written. Women were expected to be compliant to every whim this becoming the “natural order” because women were seen as inferior to men in every aspect of their being. A feminist reading gives light to Desdemona and Emilia the plays most important two female characters that seem to be ruined from the very moment they said “I do”. These women are a vital part to Othello because they display many traits that the stereotyped women in society “should” possess.
One of the most commonly known stereotypes of women is “the woman as submissive”. Desdemona is the epitome of the oppressed woman .Even when Othello hits her she leaves “I will not stay to offend” displaying her submissive qualities. When Desdemona is “given” to her husband Othello by her father she says “To you I am bound for life and education” It seems as though she sees her womanly obligations are required of her that she is bound to her fathers every whim. When she asks permission to follow Othello to Cyprus, Desdemona again speaks of her relationship with obedience “My heart is subdued even the very quality of my lord” “and to his honour and his valiant parts did I my soul and fortunes consecrate” The use of the
Using ideas from feminine stereotypes, explore ways in which Othello might be regarded as a product of its time.
The representation of women in literature was felt to be one of the most important forms of socialisation. It provided role models which shown to both genders what is “acceptable” of females. Feminist Criticism examines the ways in which literature has been shaped according to the issues of gender. The feminist challenges the idea of women being submissive. When looking at “Othello” from this perspective, it is important that we grasp how women are stereotyped by patriarchal society displayed in the play. Othello reveals the expected behaviour of females in Elizabethan society, which we can see hasn’t changed much in the many years since it was written. Women were expected to be compliant to every whim this becoming the “natural order” because women were seen as inferior to men in every aspect of their being. A feminist reading gives light to Desdemona and Emilia the plays most important two female characters that seem to be ruined from the very moment they said “I do”. These women are a vital part to Othello because they display many traits that the stereotyped women in society “should” possess.
One of the most commonly known stereotypes of women is “the woman as submissive”. Desdemona is the epitome of the oppressed woman .Even when Othello hits her she leaves “I will not stay to offend” displaying her submissive qualities. When Desdemona is “given” to her husband Othello by her father she says “To you I am bound for life and education” It seems as though she sees her womanly obligations are required of her that she is bound to her fathers every whim. When she asks permission to follow Othello to Cyprus, Desdemona again speaks of her relationship with obedience “My heart is subdued even the very quality of my lord” “and to his honour and his valiant parts did I my soul and fortunes consecrate” The use of the