Gender and Race I Othello - 2289 Words

Gender and Race in Othello | In many of his works, William Shakespeare explores ideas of gender differences and racial tensions. Othello, a play whose characters are judged again and again based on appearances and outward characteristics, is one such work. The protagonists different ethnic background provides a platform for probing ideas of racial conflict. Similarly, the presence of well-developed yet opposing female characters adds a dimension of gender conflict and feminist views. These seemingly separate themes of Othello-sexual difference and racial conflict-are closely connected because of similar ties of prejudgment and stereotype. The plays treatment of sexual difference and gender roles strengthens Othellos racist tones†¦show more content†¦She professes her opinion that if the wife falls, it is her husbands fault (4.3.89) and asserts her belief that women have some revenge (4.3.96-97). Emilia provides the feminist voice of Othello, asserting her independence from her husband and even admitting that she would commit adultery if the price were right. Her attitude towards men is somewhat cynical, as she says They are all but stomachs, and we all but food; They eat us hungerly, and when they are full They belch us (3.4.106-108). The male characters of the play view women in varied ways. Cassio often idealizes Desdemona, praising her positive characteristics, even believing that she is perfection (2.3.25). Iagos attitude towards women is largely critical and negative. He tells Emilia that women are pictures out of doors, Bells in your parlors, wildcats in your kitchens, Saints in your injuries, devils being offended, Players in your huswifery, and huswives in your beds (2.1.111-114), meaning that women are often deceptive. He later says, She never yet was foolish that was fair, For even her folly helped her to an heir (2.1.137-138). Iagos cynical attitude towards women continues throughout the play, as he talks of women as being foolish and unfaithful creatures. Othellos views on women are more complex than Iagos. Othello loves and praises Desdemona often in the play. He tells Iago, But that I love the gentle Desdemona, I would not my unhoused free condition Put into circumscription andShow MoreRelatedGender and Race I Othello2283 Words   |  10 PagesGender and Race in Othello |    In many of his works, William Shakespeare explores ideas of gender differences and racial tensions. Othello, a play whose characters are judged again and again based on appearances and outward characteristics, is one such work. The protagonists different ethnic background provides a platform for probing ideas of racial conflict. Similarly, the presence of well-developed yet opposing female characters adds a dimension of gender conflict and feminist views. These seeminglyRead MoreA Comparative Study of Othello and O991 Words   |  4 PagesA comparative study of Othello and O ‘O! Beware, my lord, of jealousy; it is the green-eyed monster which doth mock the meat it feeds on’ Jealousy is one of the main universal themes explored in both ‘Othello’ – a classical play wriitten four centuries ago, and ‘O’ – a modern film adaptation of the play made in 2000. Despite the differences in contexts between the two texts, the composers were able to present universal themes such as race and gender through the use of literary techniques appropriateRead MoreWilliam Shakespeare s Othello Is A Play About Human Nature And Relationships1400 Words   |  6 PagesShakespeare s Othello is a play about human nature and relationships. By studying these human relationships, differences in race, gender and class suggest that as in all other societies, Venetian society consists both of empowered groups, and constrained groups. These relationships, discussed with reference to Othello, Desdemona, Iago, Emilia, Cassio, Bianca, Lodovico and a number of other characters, are revealed through words and actions. The relationship between Iago and Emilia is a superb exampleRead MoreThe Method Of Development : William Shakespeare s Othello1359 Words   |  6 PagesMany of his plays and novels are read by people of all races, genders, and ages. Topic: Postcolonial terms related to Othello by William Shakespeare Thesis: Convey inequality between everyone Subtopic #1: Discrimination Subtopic #2: Stereotyping Subtopic #3: Gender inequality Thesis Statement: Postcolonial terms related to Othello by William Shakespeare that convey inequality between everyone include Discrimination, Stereotyping and Gender inequality. Throughout the play, Shakespeare elaboratesRead MoreEssay about The Impact of Gender on Shakespeares Othello 1376 Words   |  6 PagesThe Impact of Gender on Shakespeare’s Othello In the book â€Å"Gender Trouble† (1990), feminist theorist Judith Butler explains â€Å"gender is not only a social construct, but also a kind of performance such as a show we put on, a costume or disguise we wear† (Butler). In other words, gender is a performance, an act, and costumes, not the main aspect of essential identity. By understanding this theory of gender as an act, performance, we can see how gender has greatly impacted the outcome of the play inRead MoreOthello - shakespeare and saxs film adaptation923 Words   |  4 PagesShakespeare’s Othello and Sax’s film Othello? (700-800 words). Texts reflect their contexts and this is evident in both William Shakespeare’s Othello and Geoffrey Sax’s film Othello. This reflection is established through the two ideas of racism and the inequality between genders. The context of a text plays an essential role as it is the way in which the composers convey their message and this is done effectively as both composers are conveying an important message about racism and gender inequalityRead MorePower, Race and Women in Othello by Shakespear and Sax1443 Words   |  6 PagesRace Shakespeare †¢ A fear of foreigners during Elizabethan times fostered misogynistic and racist values, which is evident in the way Othello’s blackness becomes a symbol of alienation to which all characters in the play must respond. †¢ Using grotesque animal imagery, Iago voices an explicitly stereotypical view of Othello, as a â€Å"Barbary horse,† depicting him as an animalistic outsider. Through the image of conflict in black and white, Iago emphasises on the racial demarcation betweenRead MoreThemes of Blame and Justice in Othello Essay979 Words   |  4 PagesThe Play Othello first performed in 1604 written by Shakespeare was a play that portrayed the problems faced in society regarding blame and justice. He showed this by using the setting of Venice where almost everyone was rich, living in houses based in the most powerful part of Italy. Shakespeare used race which tied into the setting as the main character, a black man living in a white society. He used gender to portray labels and to show how different sexes were treated. Shakespeare is showing usRead MoreOthello, By William Shakespeare1140 Words   |  5 Pagesâ€Å"Othello† is a play written by William Shakespeare in 1603. In this play, Shakespeare features three major characters: Othello, Iago, and Desdemona. Othello, a black man, and Desdemona, a white venetian secretly eloped in the play. Iago shows racism and prejudice towards their relationship because of their skin colors. In the play, Iago says: â€Å"Even now, now, very now, an old black ram is tupping your white ewe. Arise, arise! Awake the snorting citizens with the bell, or else the devil will make aRead MoreAnalysis of William Shakespeare ´s Othello737 Words   |  3 PagesThe Tragedy of Othello, a play by William Shakespeare, was written in the early 1600’s. If Othello was written in a different time, 21st century America, the view of people of different genders and races would differ, women would be held to a more equal social standard and the issue of Othello being black, wouldn’t be as prominent when he marries Desdemona. This play was written in a time where it was essential to follow cultural values. During this time women were expected to respect all male