Strong Women of Shakespeares Othello :: GCSE English Literature Coursework

Strong Women of Othello William Shakespeare often described the women in his plays as being pie-eyed, confident individuals, much different from the stereotypical roles of the time period in which he lived. In Much Ado about Nothing, the main character____(look up) ---describe role. Similarly, in Macbeth, discuss role of Lady Macbeth The women of Othello also displayed characteristics of strong, modern women. .... From the beginning of the play, we insure that Desdemona is a courageous and decisive woman who pursues Othello, falling in love with his intrigued stories of adventure, seeing Othellos visage in his mind, and to his honors and valiant parts... refusing the attempts of other suitors such as Roderigo. We execute aware of Desdemonas determination when she marries Othello, despite accusations from Iago that she is under a spell and is deceiving her father. When her fianc is accused of bewitching her, she immediately defends her love for him. And so much Duty as my commen ce showed to you, preferring you before her father, so much that I may profess due to the Moor my lord. Like many of Shakespeares other female characters, Desdemona does not represent the stereotypical role of sixteenth century women. When Shakespeare wrote Othello, women had few rights and little power in society. They had virtually no say in arranging their own marriages, and were judge to marry a suitor chosen by their father. Desdemona, however, despite proposals from various suitors and public discouragement, continues her pursuit of Othello, and marries him. Although she is bound to her father for life and education , she affirms her belief that she belongs with Othello, and has such colossal love for him, so much that a heave interim shall support his absence . Soon after their elopement, envious Iago convinces Othello that Desdemona has been unfaithful to him. Othello becomes enraged cursing Desdemona as a whore. When Othello questions her, we again see her strong sense of devotion, pleading for his trust rather than vehemently defending herself. I hope my noble lord esteems me reasonable Alas, what ignorant sin have I committed? However, her faith in Othello is so strong that it undermines her modern, prideful characteristics. Consequently, Desdemona is really not as strong and educated as originally perceived, for she continues to attempt to maintain Othellos trust, despite his incredibly harsh accusations. Although her arguments remain strong, the weakness in her character emerges, for she cannot see the monster that her married man is becoming, and failing to realize that he trusts Iago, a man who is extremely competitive with him, over his very wifes word.