Gender Differences and the Mistreatment of Desdemona in Shakespeare's Othello

The role that I immediately discovered throughout the reading of Othello, was the dramatic gender differences distributed throughout the women characters. Although my view of this role does not pertain to the jealousy that Iago and Othello felt towards the actions of their wives, it does touch upon the mistreatment of women, especially Desdemona, and the often lack of interest the male characters portrayed, due to their intense revenge plot occurring, With the lack of respect regarded for her presence, as well as the lack of concern with her position in society, it is clear to the reader that.

although an intelligent and outspoken individual, we discover only the basics of Desdemona’s intellect and nature, due to the overwhelming and controlling actions the male characters hold, Immediately within the second scene of the reading, it is clear that the words Desdemona speak, are often only regarded when pertaining to a male characters. In this case.

Desdemona is called to court to defend her marriage with her husband.

Although outspoken to her father that her love for Othello now surpasses any love she shares with him, both Othello and the court act as though her words are meaningless, focusing only on the innocence of Othello, and the “story” that won the beautiful Desdemona’s heart. In Desdemona’s own words. “My noble father. I do perceive here a divided duty: to you I am bound for life and education; my life and education both do learn me, How to respect you; you have the lord of duty: I am hitherto your daughter: but here’s my husband, and so much duty as my mother show’d to you, preferring you before her father, so much I challenge that I may profess, Due to the moor my lord” (31), Although the words she speaks are from the heart, in order to assure Othello’s innocence of his role within their marriage, both the court and Othello portray a lack of interest with her outspoken demeanor, causing her presence in the coun essentially useless.

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Instead of recognizing.

Desdemona for the intelligence and proud words she speaks. they constantly disregard her words of their marriage, only trying to bid any guilt that Othello may portray. The next dramatic gender role recognition, is the lack of respect that [ago portrays to women throughout the course of his revenge plot. Although seeking revenge on Othello only, the involvement of Desdemona is far from significant throughout his evil actions portrayed. This lack of respect towards women is shown throughout the line, “Come on; come on; you 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 beds” (53). Although the women within this scene may consider Iago‘s words as playful banter, the lack of respect, or in many ca s, hatred, Iago portrays towards them, are a direct example of the gender role differences that occur throughout the entirety of the reading. Again, this is another prime example of the insignificance a women’s role had within the text, causing the reader to explore more and more insignificance throughout each page turned.