The Role Of Women In William Shakespeare's Othello

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Forced by predominant men in Elizabethan society, women conform to a facade based on an socioeconomic status rather than character. As expected, women in William Shakespeare’s Othello demonstrate obedience in their behavior in accordance with a man’s expectations. Throughout this tragic play the once formidable Othello, becomes crazed with jealousy based on his ensign 's puppet master. Determined to murder his wife, Desdemona, because of her alleged infidelity, Othello fights against being a cuckold. Critical in Venetian society, Desdemona’s reputation no where compares to her husband’s reputation, which demonstrates a woman’s status as subordinate to men including servants and paramours. William Shakespeare reveals the influential males in a woman 's life govern the way the world …show more content…

Due to her father’s nobility, Desdemona’s high social standings translate to her angelic character which the Venetian culture pressures her to fulfill. Because of high expectations placed on Desdemona, Brabantio disbelieves Desdemona’s elopement with Othello, where he concludes “is there not charms/By which the property of youth and maidhood/May be abused?” (I.i.193-95). Utilizing the magic motif, William Shakespeare conveys Brabantio 's skepticism in his daughter’s deliberate abandonment, by logically reasoning supernatural forces must be at fault. By disregarding Desdemona’s desires for leaving, Brabantio assumes his daughter possesses virtuous qualities, making her incapable of defying him. Brabantio considers only one possibility for Desdemona’s elopement with the Moor: Magic. Compared to Desdemona’s father, Othello’s lieutenant, Michael Cassio also views her as possessing cherubic qualities. When Desdemona enters a room Cassio demands “hail to thee, lady, and the

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