The men of Othello, Iago, and Cassio treat the women of Desdemona, Emilia, and Bianca like tools. The women’s reply to their husband’s action is complete submissiveness to them. For example, Desdemona says, “Whate’er you be, I am obedient.” (III.iii.89). This shows that Desdemona continues to obey Othello from every phase of their relationship; from the early loving stages to the green-eyed ravings. She remains true to Othello. She does not try to disobey him, or betray his trust. Another woman who shows this is Emilia. She points out that she is aware of her ‘proper’ role in society. When Emilia is revealing Iago’s plan she states; “Tis proper I obey him, but not now.” (V. ii.195) Even though she is going to betray Iago, she still feels the need to explain herself to him. Another target of this portrayal is Bianca. She feels forced by the laws of society to be “circumstanced”, suggesting that she does not have any other choice. She feels like has to follow what the rules of society are. Bianca, not only feels like that, but she also feels like she has to justify herself to the men in society. Society tells these women to be quiet and to not talk back to their husbands. They cannot speak their own mind. Not only are women in ‘Othello’ presented as submissive, they are presented as
The men of Othello, Iago, and Cassio treat the women of Desdemona, Emilia, and Bianca like tools. The women’s reply to their husband’s action is complete submissiveness to them. For example, Desdemona says, “Whate’er you be, I am obedient.” (III.iii.89). This shows that Desdemona continues to obey Othello from every phase of their relationship; from the early loving stages to the green-eyed ravings. She remains true to Othello. She does not try to disobey him, or betray his trust. Another woman who shows this is Emilia. She points out that she is aware of her ‘proper’ role in society. When Emilia is revealing Iago’s plan she states; “Tis proper I obey him, but not now.” (V. ii.195) Even though she is going to betray Iago, she still feels the need to explain herself to him. Another target of this portrayal is Bianca. She feels forced by the laws of society to be “circumstanced”, suggesting that she does not have any other choice. She feels like has to follow what the rules of society are. Bianca, not only feels like that, but she also feels like she has to justify herself to the men in society. Society tells these women to be quiet and to not talk back to their husbands. They cannot speak their own mind. Not only are women in ‘Othello’ presented as submissive, they are presented as