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Discussion Of Gender Roles In Shakespeare's Othello

2038 Words9 Pages

In William Shakespeare’s Othello, the subject of gender roles is predominant throughout. The constant pressure of the patriarchy makes it impossible for women to possess any control over their lives or of the decisions they may make. This is reflected through abuse, adultery, and objectification as seen in the Shakespearean era.

Domestic violence and abuse is prevalent throughout Othello. Men seemed to be more aggressive, controlling, and entitled to do whatever they please. On the contrary, women are portrayed to be weak, obedient, and loyal. In the Shakespearean era, men were the breadwinners within their families. This is seen in the play as men served in the armed forces, while women were ordinarily stay-at-home wives. Furthermore, violence …show more content…

The women in the Shakespearean era lack power and seek it through marriages and relationships, along with pleasure. One significant way in which the patriarchy openly favours men is through adultery. A woman committing the act of adultery is considered to be a crime sometimes punishable by death. On the contrary, a husband's disloyalty is viewed as much less of an ordeal. In fact, failing marriages and the disloyalty of men are blamed on the women in the relationship. Often times, a woman committing adultery was deemed to be reasonable grounds for her execution. When Iago convinces Othello that Desdemona has cheated on him with Cassio, Othello says, "I will chop her into messes. Cuckold me!" (4.1.200). He declares that he will kill his wife Desdemona, because Iago has convinced him that she has been disloyal However, there is no direct evidence that suggests that Desdemona has an affair with Cassio. Women in this time period were expected to be more loyal to their husbands than to themselves, along with having the burden of proving their innocence without having committed a wrongdoing. Othello believes that all men are destined to be cheated on, referring to women as creatures and stating that they all are disloyal to their husbands as they have large sexual appetites. He also says to

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