Sexism In Othello Analysis - 846 Words

Othello explores the concepts of manipulation and evil through Iago, the character that is the source of evil in the play, but when analyzed closely, the reader can see that it not only is Iago the subject of evil, but Desdemona and Othello are too. Othello reinforces racism and sexism in a very subtle way; while some argue that Shakespeare undermines the racist and sexist ideas imposed on the characters by calling attention to the racism and sexism in the times, the play seems to disprove this. Shakespeare uses hate in a passive way so that the reader barely notices that they begin to associate a negative connotation with race and sex. By associating Desdemona with sinning and Othello with evil, the text progresses and becomes hateful†¦show more content†¦By tying Othello’s new evil nature with a woman, the play has again reinforces the stereotype that sinful women purposefully hurt men. This idea that women will cause men to become evil, forcing the reader into the belief that women should be stripped of sexual power, because they will use it to manipulate men. By classifying women in that way, the play supports the idea that women are manipulative beings that the viewer should hate. The play continues to support the idea of white male superiority by using Othello and the word â€Å"hate† together. While Iago is ranting about Othello giving the lieutenancy to Cassio, he repeatedly says, â€Å"I hate the moor† (1.3.409,429). By saying these words over and over again, the reader associates the racist slur with this overwhelming feeling of hate. The two words, as they appear together frequently, begin to form a connection in the readers mind. That subtle connection reinforces the underlying racism in the play. In a pivotal scene, Othello uses the word hate to say that Desdemona’s infidelity is of â€Å"hate† (3.3.509). While it shows the hate towards women, it also reflects on the idea that while the word hate used to be used about Othello, now it is being used by him towards women. This clear change in Othello shows a transformation in the play, and forces the reader to not trust him anymore. When Othello uses this word, the reader sees a clear change in his personality, and does not see him as the protagonist anymore, as they knowShow MoreRelatedEssay about A Feminist Analysis of Othello1741 Words   |  7 PagesA Feminist Analysis of Othello  Ã‚   In William Shakespeare’s tragic play Othello there are numerous instances of obvious sexism aimed at the three women in the drama -- Desdemona, Emilia and Bianca – and aimed at womankind generally. Let us delve into this subject in this paper. In the essay â€Å"Wit and Witchcraft: an Approach to Othello† Robert B. Heilman discusses a scene which occurs late in the play and which is sexist: When Othello summons Desdemona and dismisses Emilia, â€Å"Leave procreantsRead MoreSports17369 Words   |  70 PagesDates 3. Student profile 4. A suggested invitation for a sportscaster speaker Designed for teachers, this section is suggestive only, and is open to input—as is, in fact, this whole project. Your responses are encouraged, and I wish you well in your analysis of and/or career in sportscasting. Chapter 1 Introduction to Sports, Sportscasters, and Sportscasting Exercise 1.1: Your Definition/Description of Sportscasting We all have our own experiences with the subject of sportscasting. Tell aboutRead MoreSports17363 Words   |  70 PagesDates 3. Student profile 4. A suggested invitation for a sportscaster speaker Designed for teachers, this section is suggestive only, and is open to input—as is, in fact, this whole project. Your responses are encouraged, and I wish you well in your analysis of and/or career in sportscasting. Chapter 1 Introduction to Sports, Sportscasters, and Sportscasting Exercise 1.1: Your Definition/Description of Sportscasting We all have our own experiences with the subject of sportscasting. Tell about yours