Women's Role In Othello

Shakespeare's plays are one of the most successful literatures of all time. His plays addressed many important issues in the world. Othello is a play that successfully brings together critical themes of love, appearances, racism and jealousy and most importantly role of women in the Elizabethan era. Through the exploration of the role of women in Othello and plays written by Shakespeare, this essay will argue that literature is most successful when dealing with a global issues like gender role.

In "Othello", the expectations for women are one the most important theme that runs throughout the play. Even though, "Othello" is a play that revolves majorly around men, the way female characters in the play like Desdemona and Emilia behave, perceived
and their treatment, clearly demonstrates gender inequality. In Shakespearean days, women depend on their reputation of their fertility and honesty. The relationship between Desdemona and Brabatio clearly shows the idea of woman being viewed as a possession by men. Desdemona marrying Othello was highly offensive and unacceptable. During the time, woman should not marry without her father's permission. "You are lord of all my duty; I am hitherto your daughter. But here's my husband; as so much duty as my mother show'd to you." As a daughter, she should obey her father and as a wife she shall be obedience and please her husband at any cost. This idea also leads to Desdemona's tragic death as Othello sees her as his possession. He loves her so much that cannot bear the thought of sharing her with someone else because she belongs to him. The theme is also found many Shakespeare's plays. Not only being viewed as possessions, Shakespearean men also had certain expectations for women. Interestingly, the idea of gender role appears in most of Shakespeare’s plays, including "Romeo and Juliet" and "Hamlet".
Likewise, "Romeo and Juliet" is also based around the ideas of woman being possessions of men in the family. As Juliet had to marry whom her father chooses for and she shall obey his command. Sadly, her father's wills were against her love for Romeo, this ended the play in great tragedy. Reputation of woman was equally as important as her obedience, if not more. According to “the globe”, “each woman takes these accusation extremely seriously, reflecting the impact such an accusation upon a woman’s social standing.” In "Othello," Desdemona appeared to be untrustworthy and unfaithful, which Iago falsely manipulated. Othello then quickly lost all his trust in her and turn against her love. Unfortunately, Ophelia a female character from "Hamlet" faced a similar problem to both Juliet and Desdemona. She was obedience to her father, but her false reputation has a significant effect on her life. Ophelia was pure and innocent. However, that was not how she was perceived. Comparable to Desdemona, the man she loves also turn against her due to her untrustworthy perception. In Shakespearean time woman were usually known as dishonest as well as being treated inferior to men, This still remain a problem in our present day society to a certain
extent.

Many had studied the role of woman during the Elizabethan era in relation to Shakespeare’s plays. "The globe" discovered that “this belief stemmed from the narrative of the original sin and Eve’s role in the fall of mankind. Female sexuality, therefore produced a great anxiety within marriage” This evidently leads to the idea that women should be dominated by men, as they cannot be trusted. This is one of the reasons why women couldn't inherit her family fortune, unless she was a royal. Men were in control of woman in Elizabethan society. In addition, all women devoted their lives to their husbands and were expected try to please their husband at any cost. This concept was clearly illustrated in the play, "Othello" by Emilia’s obedience to Iago, her husband, fulfilling her role as a woman. As she does “nothing, but to please his fantasy.” As a result she unknowingly betrayed her good friend Desdemona. Emilia's action majorly contributed to the tragic ending. Conversely, her character illustrated a hint of modern woman as she stood up against her husband, Iago. Although, it costs her life, she stood up for what was right. Back in the days, Emilia would have to have a lot of courage to stand up to men, especially her husband. Emilia's action was heroic.

Fortunately, woman nowadays has the inalienable right to be treated as equal as men.
Yet, gender inequalities still stand. It is one of the world's biggest issues. Many still advocates for gender equality, including "The United Nation", a world recognized organization, who had launched a campaign called "He for she" to support gender equality. This shows that gender role was and still is a big issue worldwide. Numerous plays written by Shakespeare, especially "Othello" deal greatly with the idea of woman expectations. This idea touches the reader of all times, from the past, present and will continue in the future as long as gender equality remains an issue. Most readers feel very strongly about the way woman were treated. This led them to feel involved with the story, making the play memorable.

By exploring the role of woman in Othello and other Shakespeare’s plays, this essay has demonstrated literature is most successful in dealing with a worldwide issue like gender role. A memorable play is a successful play. Gender inequality, a current critical subject, is an important theme found throughout the play. It has powerfully developed the readers’ feelings towards the subject and the play, making it unforgettable. Shakespeare’s plays are truly
successful.