Othello Feminist Analysis

Feminism is defined as the theory of the political, economic, and social equality of the sexes. In the Elizabethan era, women were viewed as inferiors and faced sexist problems. Women were only seen as property for men to dominate and critique. William Shakespeare presents an overview of women’s social conditions in the play, “Othello.” The tragedy explores issues for women in society such as confidential marriages, adultery, and the social status of the women. The two main lady characters Desdemona and Emilia undergo predicaments that justify sexism in Othello. Desdemona is subservient and Emilia is ambivalent of the story. Desdemona is the devoted wife of Othello, despite the fact that he is of another descent which is frowned upon during

their time. Desdemona’s innocence and submissiveness to her husband allows her to neglect the Moor who is expressing suspicions and jealousy. Emilia, friend and maid of Desdemona, differentiates from the main female character, being flirtatious and speaking freely. Emilia speaks out from her restraints about her feminist views, though she knows her obedience to her villainous husband, Iago, unknowingly victimizing Desdemona resulting in her death. The women in Othello, being in a male-dominating society are “supposed” to be submissive. Shakespeare displays the different views and thoughts of women through submissiveness, possession, and questioning of male authority.
Firstly, the women were portrayed to as “possessions.” During the time, women did not have an independent status.

Desdemona and Emilia were labeled as “property” towards the men in Othello. In Othello, Desdemona was treated as a piece of property during the Brabantio-Othello dispute. Brabantio angrily confronts Othello accusing him of blackmailing his daughter Desdemona into marriage. Brabantio states, “O thou foul thief, where hast thou stow'd my daughter?” (1.2.64-65). Brabantio refers to Othello as a “foul thief” taking his possession and authority of his daughter from him. Desdemona further is depicted as a token of exchange by Othello’s romantic words. Othello comments, “Come, my dear love/The purchase made/ the fruits are to ensue/ that profit’s yet to come ’tween me and you.” (2.3.10-11). Othello declares that the marriage was in fact an investment and a favor for Desdemona, concluding she’s has to satisfy her husband’s fancy. Emilia is portrayed as Iago’s possession within the play. Iago is a vindictive character that has no remorse for women, especially his wife. Iago is angered, accusing Othello of the following convictions: passing him on a lieutenant position, giving it to someone unworthy and his suspicion of possible adultery between Othello and his wife, Emilia. Iago calls out Othello for supposedly sleeping with his own possession. “And it is thought abroad that ’twixt my sheets/ He’s done my office” (1.3.324-325). Iago metaphorically describes Emilia as

being his “office” and further objectifies Emilia as his property, giving her no recognition of being a human being. The ladies were known to be property and submissive to the male society.
Secondly, the women of Othello were seen as being submissive to their husbands. In the Elizabethan times, it was fate for women to marry and be obedient. Desdemona secretly goes and elopes with her husband, Othello, against her father’s command. Desdemona insists her father that Othello is her “divided duty” and continues that her mother favored Brabantio over her father (1.3.182). She is loyal and devoted to Othello, obeying his every command. The love spell between Desdemona and Othello contradicts the upcoming disrespect from Othello, but still, she presents herself as she is supposed to and treats Othello with respect. In Act 3, Othello is cruel to Desdemona and commands her to leave him alone, nonetheless Desdemona caters to her husband’s wishes and adds, “Shall I deny you? No. Farewell, my lord...Whate'er you be, I am obedient” (3.3.86). Though Othello alters his compassion for Desdemona, she stays true to her word and honors him. Meanwhile, Emilia is a different character from Desdemona. Though Emilia has the portrayal of being fearless, she still knows her place in the male-dominate society. She feels that though she despises the tradition, she has to defer to Iago because that’s her husband. Emilia betrays her friend Desdemona for the gratitude of her husband. She takes Desdemona’s handkerchief for the satisfaction of Iago’s deceitful actions:
I am glad I have found this napkin,
This was her first remembrance from the Moor.
My wayward husband hath a hundred times
Wooed me to steal it, but she so loves the token
(For he conjured her she should ever keep it)
That she reserves it evermore about her
To kiss and talk to. I’ll have the work ta'en out
And give’t Iago. What he will do with it
Heaven knows, not I.
I nothing but to please his fantasy (3.3.299-308).
Emilia defies her friend and shows her loyalty to Iago. She knows her role in society, though in the end of the story she denounces Iago in the act of Desdemona’s killing. She states, “Tis proper I obey him, but not now” (5.2.208). The women in Othello are used in the play, they know their sole duty to their men, uphold them, and later question male authority.
Emilia and Desdemona question male authority and their aspirations in Venice.

Desdemona has a different view of men after the unpredicted change of Othello’s persona. She denounces, “Nay, we must think men are not gods, / Nor of them look for such observances / As fit the bridal" (3.4.148-150). Desdemona rules that men should not be look to as gods if they cannot act as they did before. Emilia feels that men and women are justified equally and are entitled to the same rights as men. She lectures, “Let husbands know, their wives have sense like them; they see and smell, and have their palates both for sweet and sour as husbands have” (4. 3.70-74). The physical traits of male and female are of no difference. In addition, she says, “And have not we affections, Desires for sport, and frailty, as men have? Then let them use us well, else let them know, the ills we do, their ills instruct us so” (4.3.78-81). How men think they have sexual desire, Emilia believes that women have the same, however men are intellectually weaker: “Is’t frailty that thus errs/ It is so too” (4.3.77-78). Though these two have very opinionated thoughts about men’s authority, they have the conversation privately because still, women are used to society’s expectations. The intimate conversation depicts the different views that Desdemona and Emilia have on men and women’s social

status.
Desdemona and Emilia obviously have different views on marriage and adultery. Desdemona is portrayed as the angelic, loyal beauty that is the daughter of the Senator of Venice, Brabantio. She goes against her country’s customs and marries Othello, a black man saying she saw Othello’s “visage in his mind” (Ronk 57). Desdemona’s relationship was seen as “the perfect marriage.” Othello and his wife supported and wanted nothing the best for each other. Her perfect qualities turn against her as the conniving Iago jeopardizes their marriage forcing false accusations on her. Desdemona’s naive demeanor and love allows her to not see Othello’s jealousy, but also not foresee her own death approaching. Her trust in Othello does not allow her to see the monster he has become. Ronk states, “For Othello, Desdemona is no longer the semi-divine creature she appears to be, and therefore he believes he is justified in destroying her… Moreover, although the men in the play see Desdemona as an emblematic virgin or whore, Desdemona chooses an emblem of nature" (58, 63). Although Desdemona is objectified as a whore, she knows that within her she is pure. Emilia is depicted as a middle class maid of Desdemona who is outspoken and opinionated. She is married to Iago, who is jealous and envious. The two’s relationship is based off of taking advantage of each other. Iago uses Emilia for his schemes and sparks the death of Desdemona. Emilia steps out of her domestication and speaks freely about her husband’s flaw act. Emilia expresses she will not stop doing what is her divine will, she is “bound to speak” (5.2.196). Solomon Iyasere recognizes Emilia for speaking out of term and saving Desdemona’s good name: “By choosing to speak and act as she thinks and feels, she attains psychological freedom, liberating herself from societal domination and from her own self-imposed restraints… From a contemporary point of view, Emilia’s decision to ‘speak out’ is a unique existential event” (71). Emilia heroic action results in getting her killed by Iago, giving Desdemona a good reputation, is true to herself, and represents a stand for women in their society.
The characters represent women in Elizabethan times and modern society today. Women were portrayed as inferior to their husband back then, doing as their husbands told them and not going against their judgment. Desdemona and Emilia represent several levels of class and reasoning. Desdemona is an elite spouse that knows how to speak when required. Emilia is the middle class wife who makes a decision to please her husband. In the beginning of the play, Desdemona takes responsibility for her actions in marrying Othello behind her father’s back, while defending Othello. She also has a soft heart for people in need and Emilia. In today’s society, Desdemona is the caring housewife who abides by her husband. Emilia is in a wedge between good vs. evil: Desdemona represents good while Iago represents evil. Emilia really is between a rock and a hard place. Emilia respects and loves Iago, but he only has thoughts about his selfish acts. Iago has evil intentions to make Othello mad. She caters to both character’s needs, more so Iago by giving him visual proof for Othello’s greed. She alters her fate by giving herself a voice, taking Iago’s control of the whole situation. Emilia sets herself apart from society’s expectations and actually represents women’s rights in the play and today’s history.
It is easy to recognize the similarities and differences between the women of Elizabethan period and the women of today. Shakespeare does a satisfying job at distinguishing different views and thoughts of each character throughout the tragedy, while also creating a lesson from each woman’s character. The men of Othello also become victims of their own actions, swapping gender roles in society. The different attitudes and actions that portray through each character truly allows an opportunity for the reader to understand the message that underlies in the play. Stating this, each woman’s issue contributes to a different meaning and understanding, which will help women of today and the future. Shakespeare’s creativity established in each character provides an interesting impression. The play proceeds and reveals new emotions with each occurring situation, which proves the lessons that the author tries to enhance. As the drama comes to its end the reader is introduced to a full lesson based on real life situations. As Desdemona and Emilia all play a significant role to help enhance reality through submissiveness, possession, and questioning of male authority, it proceeds to a deeper meaning of today. This helps the meaning come more clear as a whole and reveals the message that the story provides.