In many of his plays, Shakespeare demonstrates ideas of...

In many of his plays, Shakespeare demonstrates ideas of gender and racial stereotypes. Othello, a play in which characters are judged based on sex and appearance, is an example of these stereotypes. Othello’s non-white ethnic background provides a platform for racial conflict. The characters of Desdemona and Emilia allow for sexism and gender conflict. These themes of Othello are closely related because of the similar prejudice and stereotypes. The sexism and racism in Othello allow for racist tones and ethnic conflicts. Women play an important role in Othello. The chastity of a woman is valued, and Desdemonas perceived adultery leads to the deaths of many characters. Iago’s hatred of women is shown throughout the play and could be part†¦show more content†¦Emilia does her husband’s bidding by taking the handkerchief that Othello gave Desdemona because Iago hath a hundred times wooed to steal it (3.3.308-309). After she gives him the handkerchief, she asks Iago why he wants it and threatens to take it back if it is not for some good purpose (3.3. 333.335). In the end, she betrays her husband by revealing his plot to destroy Othello’s life. In her conversation with Desdemona about adultery, Emilia informs her that she would commit adultery, â€Å"Nor I neither by this heavenly light; I might do t as well i the dark (4.3.68-69). Emilia shows her independence from her husband by admitting that she would commit adultery if the price were right. Her cynical attitude toward m en is shown 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). She does not believe her marriage is based on love, rather she believes her husband sees her as a possession to be used as he pleases. The male characters of the play view women in varied ways. Cassio often admires Desdemona’s positive characteristics and states that she is perfection (2.3.25). Iagos attitude toward women is 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 objects atShow MoreRelatedEssay about Comparing Shakespeares Othello and Nelsons O2076 Words   |  9 PagesShakespeare’s Othello Tim Blake Nelson’s â€Å"O† each demonstrate the issues of their respective contexts through the chosen mediums of both composers. Shakespeare’s Othello uses the medium of theatre to present ideas such as jealousy, appearance versus reality and racism through a variety of literary techniques while also encompassing the conventions of a classic Shakespearean tragedy. These ideas remain universally relevant in Blake Nelson’s modern day adaptation â€Å"O† which parallels the ideas conveyedRead MoreUse of Imagery in Othello1555 Words   |  7 Pagesthrough his words. A great author can create the same imagery for centuries to come. The function of imagery in the mid-sixteenth century play Othello by William Shakespeare is to add characterization and eventually define meaning in the play. The antagonist Iago is defined through various images, some being the use of poison and sleeping aids, to show his true evil nature. Othello’s character is also shaped by imagery such as the black and white, animalistic, and horse images, which indicates his lustRead MoreIagos Ambitions in Shakespeares Othello Essay2107 Words   |  9 PagesIagos Ambitions in Shakespeares Othello ‘Hell and night must bring this monstrous birth to the world’s light’ (Act 1 sc. 3 L.385-6). This is said by the character Iago during a soliloquy at the end of Act 1 scene 3. This statement could take on many different meaning depending on how it is interpreted. I think that it means that whatever Iago has to do, he will tell everyone that Othello is an evil man. He thinks this because he believes that he has slept withRead MoreGp Essay Mainpoints24643 Words   |  99 Pagesforeigners good? 10. Subjects a. Literature b. History c. Mathematics d. Universal language 11. Businesses a. Business morality b. Charities as businesses 12. Democracy a. Good vs. Bad 13. Social Issues (only stats provided) a. Gender b. Family c. Equality 14. Governance a. World Governance 15. Others a. Cooperation b. Education c. Crime d. Liberty or Security e. Consumerism 1. Media 1a. New vs. Traditional GENERAL Intro: †¢ The first quarter of 2043