IndexIntroductionWomen in Othello: EssayConclusionReferencesIntroductionIntroduction: Throughout the play Othello, Shakespeare managed to portray most of the female characters, including Emilia, Desdemona and Bianca , as bold, willing and strong, paving the way for the representation of women in literature. Women's advocate Elizabeth Cady Stanton once said, "I wish girls would think of themselves not as adjectives but as nouns." Throughout history, women have been portrayed as timid, obedient, and chaste, rather than bold and strong. However, with his portrayal of these strong female characters, Shakespeare challenges gender roles and stereotypes, making the play an important work for understanding the role of women in Othello and the topic of this essay. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on "Why Violent Video Games Shouldn't Be Banned"? Get an original essayWomen in Othello: essayBackground: William Shakespeare's Othello is set in 15th century Venice and Cyprus. Othello is an honorable black warrior in the Venetian army and has secretly eloped with Desdemona, Brabantio's daughter. When Brabantio learns of their secret marriage he becomes angry and claims that Othello has done some witchcraft on Desdemona. Deny Desdemona. Meanwhile, Iago is upset over not getting the lieutenant's job from Othello and plans a sneaky comeback. He tries to insinuate into Othello's mind the suspicion that Desdemona is having an affair with Cassio, his trusted friend and lieutenant. Othello begins to go mad with anger believing Iago's web of lies. He demands that Cassio be killed and strangles Desdemona. Subsequently, Desdemona's innocence is revealed and Iago's treachery is exposed. Othello kills himself due to grief and Iago is taken into custody. Thesis Statement: In the text Shakespeare describes women as people who break the standards of being timid, obedient, and chaste. Shakespeare was ahead of his time when it came to stereotypes by portraying women as curious, strong and opinionated. Topic sentence: Emilia shows traits that are different from the typical norm of women when she denounces society and the inequality between men and women. Evidence and Quotes: Emilia says, “Let husbands know that their wives have as much common sense as they do. They see, they smell, and they have a taste for both sweet and sour, as their husbands have. What do they do when they change us for others? Is it sporty? I think it is. And does affection generate it? I think so. Isn't this error perhaps fragility"? Comment: Emilia wonders why women are treated differently despite the fact that women have sexual desires just like men. Emilia realizes that there is a double standard when it comes to men and women and the topic of infidelity. Emilia recognizes that men are treated a little less chastely and opposes this idea. Shakespeare proves to be very ahead of his time as he describes how Emilia recognizes this and is challenging what most women thought they should behave during this time. Emilia describes how men are viewed differently in society. Emilia also knows that men "are anything but stomachs, and... they eat us hungry and when they are full they burp us". Emilia states that men are simplistic and only care about themselves and when they are done with women they will push them aside as if women don't matter. Men cannot control their desires with women and since the society of the time allowed men to treat women badly, Emilia recognizes this. Shakespeare describes Emilia as not timid but courageous and a woman who will fight for justiceof others. Shakespeare is way ahead of his time when he portrays Emilia as someone who decides against the social norms of women. Thematic sentence: Furthermore, in many parts of the work Desdemona defends herself by demonstrating that she possesses the character traits of a bold and available woman. When Desdemona runs away with Othello, she chooses her loyalty to be with Othello. Evidence and Quotations: Desdemona announces: “My noble father, I perceive here a divided duty. I am tied to you for life and education. My life and upbringing have taught me to respect you. You are the lord of duty. They are so far for your daughter. But here is my husband." Desdemona makes it clear to her father that she still has the utmost respect for him but that she will now have to take the place her mother had taken and be Othello's faithful wife. She states that she must love her new husband Othello just as her mother loved Brabantio. Comment: Desdemona is now seen as a bold and vivacious woman because she stands up for herself. She remains true to her choice to choose Othello despite what many people think and has an independent trait that shows how she does not want to be treated like an object by her father and that she has grown out of his power. Shakespeare showed how Desdemona did not conform to the standard of obedience and instead revealed her to be courageous and confident. Evidence and Quotes: Later, Iago expresses his opinion about women and says that they are not as pleasant as they seem. Desdemona states, “Oh, shame on you, slanderer.” Desdemona accuses Iago of blatantly tainting the image of what women are like. Desdemona defends herself and instead of obeying Iago's words, she shows an assertive side by opposing his opinion and proving him wrong. The character traits that Desdemona displays show her powerful side and ultimately prove that Shakespeare was ahead of his time in regards to his view of women. Topic Sentence: Although, some might say that Shakespeare was not ahead of his time when it came to Bianca and the way she was portrayed as a woman. shy when it comes to love, she is bold and strong. Bianca shows her ferocity and jealousy which asserts her in the plot. Evidence and quotes: When Bianca discovers that the handkerchief Cassio gave her was from another woman, she asks, “If you come to dinner tonight you can. If you don't want to, come when you're ready for the next time." After discovering that the handkerchief belonged to another woman, Bianca tells Cassio to come to dinner or else she will separate from him. Comment: Bianca resists being treated like an object and decides to give him an ultimatum which shows that she is extremely determined and confident. Shakespeare presents Bianca as a woman who plays by her own rules and possesses character traits that are strong and independent. Furthermore, after Cassio is stabbed by Iago, he tries to accuse Bianca of foul play. Emilia also intervenes, calling her a whore and a slut. Evidence and Quotes: Bianca states, “I'm not a slut, but I have an honest life like you abuse me like that.” Bianca defends herself from Emilia by saying that she is as moral as Emilia. Comment: Bianca is strong and powerful even against other women and demonstrates her ability to be independent and protect herself when someone tries to dishonor her. This is completely opposite to what readers expect and shows readers that Shakespeare's female characters are depicted as strong and independent. Please note: this is just an example. Get a custom paper from our expert writers now. Get a Custom Essay Conclusion Concluding Paragraph: In In conclusion, Shakespeare demonstrated that the women in this play are bold, willing, and strong, which paved the way for women to be considered powerful characters in many literary pieces. During the tragedy of,.