Women in "Othello"

Book Review # 147521

English > Analysis
Shakespeare > Othello

An exploration of the significance of the influence of women over the male characters in William Shakespeare's "Othello".

1,425 words () | 6 sources | APA | 2011 | United Kingdom

Published on: May 09, 2011

Paper Summary:

This paper discusses how although the female contingent in "Othello" only comprises of Desdemona, Emelia and Bianca, the importance of their contribution to the play is impossible to overstate as they are either directly or indirectly the cause of every significant development throughout the narrative. In particular, the paper focuses on Desdemona and how her explosively erratic relationship with Othello demonstrates the highly complex and controversial way in which men were simultaneously domineering towards women whilst remaining undeniably fearful and wary of their emotional volatility and powers of seduction.

From the Paper:

"Iago's drive and passion to gain revenge and to oust Othello can perhaps be put down to the idea of women as possessions; in that it is apparent that Iago believes (or at least has convinced himself to believe) that Othello has slept with his with Emilia. Iago states that 'it is thought abroad that twixt my sheets/He's done my office' (I.3.381-2), and that Othello 'hath jumped into my seat'(II.1.286-7). The use of the words 'office' and 'seat' to describe Emilia show the contempt in which Iago holds her, dehumanising her and showing that it is more the thought of Othello having used one of his possessions that enrages Iago and drives him to his treachery than it is the fear of being a cuckold. He goes on to claim he plans to get 'evened with him, wife fore wife'(II.1.290), implying women are merely the pawns in a game of male one-upmanship."

Sample of Sources Used:

Various Authors (2000) Heinemann Advanced Shakespeare Othello. London; Heinemann
Warren, Rebecca (2000) 4th. York Notes Advanced Othello. Essex; Pearson Education Limited
Simpson, Matt (2003) Student Guide to Shakespeare's Othello. Loughborough; Greenwich Exchange London
Durband, Alan (2006) Shakespeare Made Easy. Cheltenham; Nelson Thornes Ltd.
The Student Room (2001) Acumen Professional Intelligence Ltd [Internet]. Available at: <http://www.thestudentroom.co.uk/wiki/Revision:Othello_-_Desdemona_Notes>[Accessed: 6th April 2011].