Gender Inequality In Othello

The play “Othello” by Shakespeare is about a man who eloped with the senator’s daughter. Then became deeply in love. The play also includes a man named Iago who hates the general Othello because he gave the lieutenant position in favor for Cassio. As a result, Iago decided to play devil and manipulate Othello’s mind by telling him that his wife Desdemona committed adultery with Cassio. Which lead Iago asking his wife Emilia to steal Desdemona’s handkerchief so he can place it in Cassio’s bedroom. As a result, Iago motivated Othello’s jealous and to kill Desdemona in bed by smothering her. Then, Iago killed Emilia for speaking out the truth. This plan of manipulating Othello worked in Iago’s favor because of the gender inequality that occurs

“She did deceive her father, marrying you, And when she seemed to shake and fear your looks, She loved them most.”(3,3,211-213) Iago talks down about Desdemona for not following her father’s commands. Therefore Iago uses that as a reason for Othello to not completely trust Desdemona. “Be as your fancies teach you. Whate'er you be, I am obedient.” (3,3,89) Desdemona accepts the fact that she is obedient to her husband. He can do whatever he wants without questions being asked. “Commend me to my kind lord. Oh, farewell!”(5,2,125). Desdemona stayed obedient even when Othello smothered her. She continuously refer to him as “my kind

“Adieu, brave Moor. Use Desdemona well.”(1,3,283) The duke implies how Desdemona was a purchase. It's custom for fathers to receive dowry’s. It's usually up to the father to decide to either accept it or decline it. Thus, Desdemona is more of a trophy to Othello than a wife. Even though they eloped. “The purchase made, the fruits are to ensue: That profit’s yet to come ’tween me and you. Good night.”(2,3,8-9) When Othello mentions profits, he's implying how he received a lot of “value” from his purchase. Thus, he's going to make most from their marriage by consummating. Nevertheless, that all changed when Iago lied about Desdemona’s adultery. “Therefore confess thee freely of thy sin, For to deny each article with oath, Cannot remove nor choke the strong conception That I do groan withal. Thou art to die.”(5,2,60-63). Othello demanded Desdemona to confess her adultery but she denies all claims because she knows she’s innocent. At this point, as Desdemona tries to defend her case, Othello does not acknowledge her side of the story. He still treated her as