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Elizabethan Lens In Othello

711 Words3 Pages

Othello essay The constant flux of power dynamics, shifting between individuals, reveals the complexity of the human condition, through its strengths and weaknesses. Shakespeares play of Othello, encapsulates how desire for power, fuels exploitive behaviour. Shakespeare illuminates’ how manipulation of the spoken word, creates a false reality and highlights the power of social paradigms, presented through gender roles, through an Elizabethan lens. The manipulation of language is weaponised throughout the play, creating a false reality. Iago’s intricate crafting of language is propelled by his deceptive behaviour. His ability to fabricate perceptions through the spoken word, creates a false reality, enabling him to control his victims fate. This is evidenced through characters ironically referring to Iago as ‘Honest Iago’, oblivious to his duplicitous nature. Nevertheless, he remains in their good grace whilst achieving his own ends. To show the….duty that I bear you'/ 'I humbly do….. for too much loving you'. Through his reassuring remarks of ‘undivided loyalty’, Iago positions a false sense of trust. …show more content…

Shakespeare reflects the dehumanisation faced by women in patriarchal cultures. The metaphorical use of ‘they are all stomachs… we all but food’/they eat us hungrily…... when they are full’, implies towards derogatory treatment of women, where men are unappreciative of woman. Through the ideological expectations of Venetian society, women are perceived as possessions, objectified to lofty plans and desires by men. As the first Senator wishes Othello ‘uses Desdemona well’, the word ‘use’ connotes the expectation of women to bow to wills of their husband, whom can utilise them as they wish. The metaphorical use of ‘the purchase made, the fruits…’, describes marriage as an act of ‘purchase’, where a woman is ‘bought’ and expected to fulfil his sexual

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