Gender Stereotypes In Shakespeare's Othello

Statistics show that on average, 10 percent of men who have been in a relationship have reported that they have experienced some form of physical or sexual violence by their partner while an extensive 30 percent of women have experienced the same in their past relationship (thehotline.org). With this difference, it’s easy to conclude that gender equality is still a controversial topic due to the fact that women are still being treated differently than men. These differences are very relevant in Shakespeare's work Othello and have developed into stereotypes that classify men and women today. In the text, the men such as Othello and Iago follow the common stereotypes that come with the dominance of power in their marriages. Their wives, Desdemona

This was a very common stereotype for marriages between men and women during the Shakespearean Era. Although this is true, Desdemona and Emilia let their significant others take control of them, thus proving that it is not entirely the men’s fault. The women do this by finding “foolish lovers” like Othello and Iago to engage with and later on submit to them when they become “sensible lovers”. Once this is done, they submit to them which lets the men do whatever they please (Neely). This ultimately leads to the downfall of the Desdemona and Emilia by having the Othello and Iago take control of whatever they want to do as Iago planned for Othello’s downfall and Othello becoming outraged against

“Get you to bed on th’ instant. I will be returned forthwith. Dismiss your attendant there. Look ’t be done.” Othello ordered Desdemona after he spoke to Lodovico (IV.iii.7-9). She willingly followed his demands with no hesitation or complaints. Once it was complete, Othello enters the room alone ultimately dooming Desdemona to her murder since Othello was angered of her “betrayal” towards him. Although she was unaware of his feelings and mindset, her lack of questioning and objection to Othello’s wishes kills her chances of living. In the text, Desdemona immediately complies to Othello without any argument. This is ultimately due to her submission to follow any directions Othello gave, which is the same stereotype that was common during the era. Without rebellion towards Othello, he was able to take out his anger on Desdemona and she would never be close to stopping his