Sole Purpose of Women in Othello Essay Example

when they question their actions. In one instance, Othello rejects Desdemona's kind gesture by saying "Your napkin is too little." Despite his rudeness and rejection, Desdemona remains composed and responds with "I am sorry that you are not well." The handkerchief holds symbolic meaning of virginity, fidelity, and Othello's love for Desdemona. By dismissing it as "too little," Othello reflects his diminishing love for his wife due to suspicions of her infidelity. This portrayal encourages the audience to sympathize with Desdemona and condemn Othello's quick judgment. Ultimately, feeling rejected by their husbands brings these women closer together.

In Act 4, Emilia becomes genuinely concerned about Desdemona's issues with Othello. However, Desdemona's submissive nature is once again highlighted when she tells Emilia that she still finds "grace and favour" even when Othello is angry with her. This prolonged obedience reveals the challenges that women face in upholding the values of Venetian society. Desdemona is unaware of her own obedience and the limited control she has over her own life. Despite Othello's undermining of her loyalty, she constantly strives to please him.

The play uses black and white imagery to highlight Desdemona's innocence and Othello's growing iniquity. Othello's statement, "So I will turn her virtue into pitch," reinforces the stereotypes of whiteness symbolizing purity and virginity, while black represents corruption and evil. This portrayal establishes Othello as an outsider, as he believes that his mere presence is enough to corrupt Desdemona's purity. Despite being unaware of this, Desdemona continues to obediently serve him, while the audience witnesses Othello's increasing lack of trust in his wife and his own descent into corruption.

This drives Desdemona to confide in

Emilia, as she observes changes in her husband's behavior. Shakespeare employs dramatic irony to highlight the struggles faced by women. For instance, the audience is aware of Iago's manipulation of Othello and Othello's plans to kill Desdemona. In Iago's soliloquy, he states, "With as little web as this, I will ensnare as great a fly as Cassio." This simile reveals intent to the audience. The use of animal imagery, such as the "web," symbolizes lies and deceit. Additionally, associating Cassio with a "fly" indicates his insignificance to Iago.

The utilization of animal imagery exposes Iago's predatory instincts as he frequently employs images to implant ideas in the minds of other characters, advancing his own schemes and ultimately causing Othello's downfall. The incorporation of dramatic irony causes the audience to sympathize with Desdemona, highlighting her underappreciated persona, as Iago shows no remorse in using her as a mere instrument to manipulate Othello for his personal vengeance. Consequently, this hints at the notion of women being viewed as insignificant and the challenges they face in establishing their independence and earning respect as individuals.

The play highlights the values of Venetian society through a male perspective. Women are portrayed as male’s sexual property, submissive, and worthless. This interpretation of the play would not have been valid during Shakespeare’s time. However, a contemporary feminist reading suggests that men took women for granted and lacked genuine respect toward them.