Representation of women in Othello

I'm planning an essay on the representation of women in Othello, and have a few ideas but could do with some help. For example, are women central to the text or do they have no place in it? I've obviously got stuff about Desdemona being a victim of Iago's manipulation of Othello. But also, she seems to be a victim of the contraints put on her by society. To fit into the role of the ideal woman she has to act kind and chaste, and by doing this and helping Cassio it ultimately seems to lead to her downfall.

I want some more less obvious points though in order to expand my argument. Thanks!

Just one point: I'd emphasize the boldness of Desdamona. She's supposed to marry a proper Venetian businessman, but probably finds them dull and lifeless. Who does she go for? A general who is so larger than life. She's very much up to the dimension of grandeur of Othello, and not afraid to leave her old, guarded life behind and live life on a bigger level, -- emotionally, physically, socially. Desdamona is like a lot of Shakespeare women, spitfires.

Think about the scene where Desdemona, Bianca, and Emilia are discussing whether woman are allowed to cheat on their husbands: what do these three characters suggest about women? Is one being held up as the perfection of womanhood? Is another being pointed out as a villain? These are the three most important women in the play, and they all come together in this scene. A careful reading here may help.

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Originally Posted by Quark

Think about the scene where Desdemona, Bianca, and Emilia are discussing whether woman are allowed to cheat on their husbands: what do these three characters suggest about women? Is one being held up as the perfection of womanhood? Is another being pointed out as a villain?

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First off ~Sam~ no doubt your essay is done and dusted. Sounded like an interesting question.
I have just started reading about Othello and I am currently reading the introduction to the actual play with historical background in the Arden Shakespeare series edited by Honnigman (sp?). In the introduction he explains about the different moral code that Venetian women observed. Fine to have one lover or two, but any more and well venturing into immoral country. A. C. Bradley also comments on this aspect of Venetian society and the way in which Iago used it to inflame Othello, saying that Othello should just accept it like any other Italian gentleman which of course he was not. Anyway, doing this as a prep to seeing the play at The Globe in London. :)

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Originally Posted by ~Sam~

I'm planning an essay on the representation of women in Othello, and have a few ideas but could do with some help. For example, are women central to the text or do they have no place in it? I've obviously got stuff about Desdemona being a victim of Iago's manipulation of Othello. But also, she seems to be a victim of the contraints put on her by society. To fit into the role of the ideal woman she has to act kind and chaste, and by doing this and helping Cassio it ultimately seems to lead to her downfall.

I want some more less obvious points though in order to expand my argument. Thanks!

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I dont think that Desdemona was acting chaste because it was expected of her as a noble lady. I think her actions in helping Cassio is a tool with which Shakespeare makes Othello jealous and feel out of place. I think he could be jealous of Desdemona as much as for her. Consider that he is disoriented because the war he came prepared to fight is finished before it even began. War is the only thing where he can prove his worth. Then he finds himself in the alien territory of matrimony. While he is trying to adjust to the new role expected of him, here comes Desdemona saying that he has made a mistake with firing Cassio. His army was his area of expertise. Desdemona's criticism would have compounded his insecurity and this is a man who is dependent on his confidence to help him out in all situations. Add the fact that he is well aware of his short coming as a black man with no polish and the fact that his choice in marrying Desdemona could have ruined him.Then we have a man who is regretting his decision of marrying and who is furious with the women who demeaned him so much...of course the tragedy is that both of them were in love with each other and Desdemona was entirely guiltless.

does anyone know some good .edu sites that have othello criticism!?

Hey,
how r u?
i was looking trough the sites cause i was looking for some essays on Women role in Othello. actually i study English litrature and for one of my course named Writing Research Papers, i have to write one. i was wondering if u help me. thanx a lot.
and one more thing. today is the first day thti join this site. then i donno how to use it. if it is possible for u plz mail me ur answer. waiting for ur mail. thanx alot
and my mail is: [email protected]
thanx alot

I'd go about it by devoting a paragraph to each of the three women, by the way.

hello sir.
i need your help plz.
u know i study English Litrature and i have to search about one of my courses named Writing Research and i need u research on a subject named women role in othello. i was wondering maybe u could help me

plz mail me. [email protected]
am waiting for ur mail.
thanx
bye

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Originally Posted by kelby_lake

I'd go about it by devoting a paragraph to each of the three women, by the way.

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thanx for ur help but plz mail to me. i can t work in this site

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am still looking for some essays to help me in writting about othello. is there anything u can help???