Societal Norms In Shakespeare's Othello

Societal norms often dictate the mentality and behavior of individuals. Society has continued to develop distinct cultural identities within the people who conform. The Tragedy of Othello, the Moor of Venice illustrates this philosophy as the societal norms provides insight into the characters. Marital conflict, racist remarks, and the tyrannical control men have over women reveal the internal prejudices and innate moral patterns elicited by society. Marital conflict in Othello, the Moor of Venice serves as one of the most tragic environments as marriage is an institution where two lovers are supposed to be united despite all opposition. This is evident in the beginning of the play when Othello states that “she loved me for the dangers I

Othello states, “I had rather be a toad, And live upon the vapour of a dungeon, Than keep a corner in the thing I love For others' uses” (Shakespeare). Othello has come to despise his marriage as his beloved appears to be cheating on him. This proves significant as Othello has completely embraced the cruelty and darkness inside him. His heart is torn as he knows that his love is within sight but no longer available to just him like it should be in marriage. The tragedy of Othello is evident in this situation as the audience knows Desdemona is innocent but Othello is nonetheless convinced of her conviction. All reason and logic have been eradicated due to his poisoned mind. In other words, all trust is replaced with skepticism as Othello continues to throw his marriage away. Othello no longer appreciates and values the institution of marriage but rather exclaims, “O curse of marriage” (Shakespeare). The conflict within their marriage is primarily one sided though, which further emphasizes the tragic theme that Othello is torturing himself by creating conflict derived from

Othello trusts “honest Iago” (Shakespeare) more than Desdemona by not giving her the benefit of the doubt that she really is innocent. Instead, he begins to verbally abuse Desdemona behind her back and never seeks to communicate with her to ascertain Iago’s honesty. He further intensifies the abuse Desdemona receives by “(striking her)” and calling her the “Devil” (Shakespeare). His excessive verbal abusement paired with the occasional physical outlash drives him to murder the women he once loved. Similarly, Iago expresses his domination over Emilia through continual verbal abuse and the expression of his chauvinistic attitude evident in the generalizations about women he makes. This is apparent when he refers to Emilia as a “good wench” (Shakespeare). Furthermore, Iago commands Emilia to steal the handkerchief for him and offers little reward besides the satisfaction she finally pleased him for once. Women serve a large role in the play as the chauvinistic attitude most men have towards them help highlight yet another shared structural pattern evident in venetian