Analisa Di Schiavi
Mrs. Morrell
11U
Tuesday, December 3rd 2013

Portrayal of Women

Thesis: In Othello, Shakespeare`s depiction of women is based on the way men see women; as a subservient valueless possession, and the way women see themselves; as strong and wise and trusting to prove how there is a contrast in the portrayal of women in the play.
Shakespeare`s use of women in Othello was highly revolutionary. The society of Othello is strongly dominated by men who are the political and military leaders of their homeland. These men are expected to stay loyal to their reputations and to uphold the strong sense of character that earned them their positions in the first place. Women on the other hand, are thought of as weak second-class citizens or even defective males, who are in place for nothing more than to serve men. The captivating thing about Othello is Shakespeare`s disturbance of these expectations, demonstrating his malaise over the way gender relationships were so often represented. The monstrous actions and consequent downfall of the men in Othello show how no one is above being corrupted and how men are not nearly as powerful as they seem. The resolve of the female characters demonstrates their capacities to do much more than they can simply serve. Furthermore, by the end of the play, the men of Othello are not the ones who represent strength; instead the title goes to the women.
From the onset of the play, women seem like nothing more than affectionate wives pawns in Iago`s evil scheme. Emilia claims, ``I nothing, but to please his fantasy, `` (Othello, 3.3.300-301) referring to Iago, as she snatches up Desdemona`s handkerchief in order to give it to her husband. This expresses her intriguing devotion to her husband who seems to care nothing for her. The man is easily able to overpower his wife and he orders her to depart, which she does, leaving Iago to recline in satisfaction as his plan seems to fall into place. Little does he know, his wife knows him better than he gives her credit for, and he will have to answer to her in the end.
Iago`s attitude towards women is largely critical and negative. He tells Emilia that women are `pictures out of doors, Bells in your parlors, wild-cats in your kitchens, Saints in your injuries, devils being offended, players in your housewifery, and housewives in your bed`` (Othello, 2.1.111-114), meaning that women are often deceiving. According to Iago women are good when they are