Othello Feminist Analysis

Feminism is defined as the theory of the political, economic, and social equality of the sexes. In the Elizabethan era, women were viewed as inferiors and faced sexist problems. Women were only seen as property for men to dominate and critique. William Shakespeare presents an overview of women’s social conditions in the play, “Othello.” The tragedy explores issues for women in society such as confidential marriages, adultery, and the social status of the women. The two main lady characters Desdemona and Emilia undergo predicaments that justify sexism in Othello. Desdemona is subservient and Emilia is ambivalent of the story. Desdemona is the devoted wife of Othello, despite the fact that he is of another descent which is frowned upon during

Desdemona and Emilia were labeled as “property” towards the men in Othello. In Othello, Desdemona was treated as a piece of property during the Brabantio-Othello dispute. Brabantio angrily confronts Othello accusing him of blackmailing his daughter Desdemona into marriage. Brabantio states, “O thou foul thief, where hast thou stow'd my daughter?” (1.2.64-65). Brabantio refers to Othello as a “foul thief” taking his possession and authority of his daughter from him. Desdemona further is depicted as a token of exchange by Othello’s romantic words. Othello comments, “Come, my dear love/The purchase made/ the fruits are to ensue/ that profit’s yet to come ’tween me and you.” (2.3.10-11). Othello declares that the marriage was in fact an investment and a favor for Desdemona, concluding she’s has to satisfy her husband’s fancy. Emilia is portrayed as Iago’s possession within the play. Iago is a vindictive character that has no remorse for women, especially his wife. Iago is angered, accusing Othello of the following convictions: passing him on a lieutenant position, giving it to someone unworthy and his suspicion of possible adultery between Othello and his wife, Emilia. Iago calls out Othello for supposedly sleeping with his own possession. “And it is thought abroad that ’twixt my sheets/ He’s done my office” (1.3.324-325). Iago metaphorically describes Emilia as

Desdemona has a different view of men after the unpredicted change of Othello’s persona. She denounces, “Nay, we must think men are not gods, / Nor of them look for such observances / As fit the bridal" (3.4.148-150). Desdemona rules that men should not be look to as gods if they cannot act as they did before. Emilia feels that men and women are justified equally and are entitled to the same rights as men. She lectures, “Let husbands know, their wives have sense like them; they see and smell, and have their palates both for sweet and sour as husbands have” (4. 3.70-74). The physical traits of male and female are of no difference. In addition, she says, “And have not we affections, Desires for sport, and frailty, as men have? Then let them use us well, else let them know, the ills we do, their ills instruct us so” (4.3.78-81). How men think they have sexual desire, Emilia believes that women have the same, however men are intellectually weaker: “Is’t frailty that thus errs/ It is so too” (4.3.77-78). Though these two have very opinionated thoughts about men’s authority, they have the conversation privately because still, women are used to society’s expectations. The intimate conversation depicts the different views that Desdemona and Emilia have on men and women’s social