Essay On Shakespeare's Treatment Of Women In Othello

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(An Analysis of Shakespeare’s Treatment of Female Characters Within Hamlet, Othello, King Lear, and Macbeth) More often than not, literary giants of the English language provide some sort of controversy in their works that is ahead of their time. This can be found within the main themes, character development, or content matter. Widely known as the greatest writer in history, Shakespeare was no stranger to controversy. A great many of his plays are still critically studied for countless reasons. However, it is quite interesting to take a closer look at his treatment of female characters within several of his plays. Rather than push the boundaries of support for women of his time, Shakespeare created several different female characters …show more content…

Throughout this play, Desdemona plays no active role in anything, and is only manipulated as the story sees fit. Even after the attempted murder of her, she does not call Othello out for his actions. Despite any negative scenarios, Desdemona calmly complies with all instructions and demands, taking a very passive role in her own life. “He says he will return incontinent: He hath commanded me to go to bed,” (365-370). Rather than ask her husband to explain things to her and talk, she just playcates his mixed emotions and does as she is told. “The women of Othello, however, are pre-Feminism, and seem to only compound the ideological expectations of what it is to be a woman through their own behaviour,” (Workman). Representing the submissive extrema of Shakespeare’s women, Desdemona is a very flat character with no …show more content…

At no point in the tragedy of Macbeth do we see Lady Macbeth as a heroic character. She is first shown reading the letter from her husband, and her thoughts immediately turn to murdering for success. Determined to satisfy her greed, she is hell bent on convincing her husband to follow through on her ideas. “Thou wouldst be great, Art without ambition, but without the illness should attend it,” (15-20). Despite her initial determination, her resolve quickly disintegrates along with her sanity. Her mental state quickly plummets and is eventually driven to suicide, leaving Macbeth alone to face the consequences of his actions. “Usually sacrifices are usually made for love but in this situation the sacrifice was made for power and greed,” (Rasken). Regardless of her husband’s fortune, she is to blame for the actions taken to make ambition come

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