Othello: Essay
Shakespeare’s revenge tragedy Othello, can be interpreted in many different ways depending on the responder and their context. Many of Shakespeare’s plays remain relevant to us today due to its provocative concepts they explore and the complexity of its characters. Whether you look at the play contextually or study the words in a differently, every viewer has their own interpretation of the play. Many devices and techniques are used in Othello, which shape our views on the play. Techniques such as symbolism, foreshadowing, irony and soliloquy’s are portrayed. As a 21st century reader, I am drawn to view of Othello that women are outsiders. In today’s society, women are limited in the opportunities they have. In Othello, Desdemona, Emilia and Bianca are portrayed as a marginalised group. The view of men towards woman throughout the play show that they are disempowered. I have also been compelled to further explore the representation of the racist nature of Elizabethan society. Othello has been portrayed as an outsider due to the fact that he is black. Both the feminist and racial agendas of the play are two views which can be explored and in relation to the responder through their context.
The first perspective of the play I will be discussing is the feminist view. In my perception of the play, feminism is one the most talked about views. According to Shakespeare's civilization, built upon the Renaissance beliefs, women were meant only to marry. Their only occupation, marriage held huge responsibilities of house management and child nurturing. Women were expected to be silent, pure, and dutiful to their husbands and all men in general. From a feminist perspective, the play displays the male cruel mistreatment of women through the juxtaposition of the women's devotion to husband. Throughout the play we learn about the views of women through Iago’s hatred for them as he uses misogynist language towards them. It becomes clear to us that men are...