The Role of Women in Othello: A Feminist Reading There are only three women in ‘Othello’: Desdemona‚ Emilia and Bianca. The way that these women behave and conduct themselves is undeniably linked to the ideological expectations of Shakespeare’s Elizabethan society and to the patriarchal Venetian society that he creates. These notes will explore some of the ways in which the female characters are presented in the play. Women as possessions Following his hearing of Brabantio’s complaint and Othello’s
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Shakespeare gives daunting power to female characters in the classic story of "Othello". In a time where society viewed women as property whose purpose was primarily to serve and obey men‚ Shakespeare shows the rebellious strength in women throughout the scenes of "Othello". In the Elizabethan era the expectations of men and women were clear. Generally‚ men were to be the bread winner for his family and the women were meant to be mothers and housewives."Women were expected to be silent‚ chaste‚
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Irony is the expression of one’s meaning by using language that normally signifies the opposite typically for humorous or emphatic effect. Throughout William Shakespeare’s play Othello the three main types of irony can be seen conveyed in numerous ways. Dramatic irony is the first where the audience understands the situation at hand but the characters do not yet understand. Situational irony is when something happens throughout the story that is incongruent to the plot. Verbal irony is when someone
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The Nature Of Evil In Othello The Nature of Evil in Othello William Shakespeare’s Othello uses different and unique techniques in his language to express the nature of evil throughout the play. Verbal twists and the characters most importantly stress the act of evil. Iago‚ most of all is portrayed as the “villain” or “protagonist in the play. Shakespeare uses this character to set the basis of evil. Each plot point is spiraled further into tragedy due to the nature of Iago and his manipulative
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ask the right questions. In William Shakespeare’s play Othello‚ Desdemona plays the role of Othello’s wife. The plot of the play results in her tragic and sudden death. However the true tragedy is that it all could have been avoided if she would have spoken up‚ asked questions‚ and used her better judgment than listen to those around her. Desdemona is very loyal to her husband Othello. She loves him‚ and lives to make him happy. When Othello suddenly becomes angry and upset with Desdemona‚ Desdemona
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shapes the theme of jealousy taking over or acting as a consumer because Iago illustrates that jealousy can be the driving force behind abhorrence as it grows bigger and bigger. Iago continues to exact revenge on Othello and other people are being affected negatively as they fall with Othello. As Iago and Roderigo are fighting‚ Iago steps aside and says: “ Now‚ whether he kill Cassio‚/or Cassio him‚ or each do kill the other‚/ Every way makes my gain. Live Roderigo‚/ he calls me to a restitution large/
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sincere and truthful. In Othello‚ this theme has its most potent and dramatic realization in the character of Iago. Iago fools everyone in the play into believing he’s honest. No one even suspects him of treachery‚ until the final act when Roderigo first realizes how badly he’s been fooled. In short‚ Iago proves that evil intentions can be masked behind a facade of honesty. The theme emerges in other characters: Brabantio is deceived by Desdemona’s reaction to Othello‚ assuming she fears him when
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the case. Ultimately it was Othello who was in control of his own behaviour though he was highly influenced. Despite the fact that Iago had finished the deed of killing Roderigo‚ he was more in control of the others thoughts than actions. Together‚ Iago and Othello were fundamentally in charge of their lives though powerless to their thoughts and actions. Nonetheless only one can be the most responsible for the tragic events that occur in this play. Insecurities have a powerful effect on the
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In any story with a recurring dark theme there always must be an outsider from humanity who somehow stands out from the seemingly equal community. In the case of Shakespeare’s Othello the outsider from humanity would be Iago for he truly stands out from the rest of society. Although Othello may be physically put out of the community‚ it seems that on an emotional and egotistical level Iago puts himself out of society further then Othello’s blackness does. He is not merely manipulative‚ as other villains
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In William Shakespeare’s play‚ Othello‚ acts of treachery and betrayal have great dramatic significance. They greatly contribute to the theme that appearance does not always portray reality‚ and reality is not what one sees but more often what one does not see. The acts of treachery and betrayal in Othello help to develop this theme through character development. Such acts include: how Iago deceives Othello by being his friend and enemy at the same time. Othello betraying his wife’s love and trust
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