Examines the characters of Desdemona and Emilia in "Othello" by William Shakespeare and argues how the violence imposed upon them by their husbands is a social statement of the women's restrained state in society.
1,723 words (approx. 6.9 pages), 0 sources, 2005, $ 55.95
Abstract This essay looks at marriage as a patriarchal institution, and shows how the violence that occurs against Desdemona and Emilia in "Othello" by William Shakespeare infers the dominance that men hold over women. The essay also looks at the dominant views about femininity, as expressed by Iago, and shows how these stereotypes dictate the fate of Desdemona and Emilia.
From the Paper "Othello uses words like "greedy" and "devour" to illustrate how Desdemona hungered for him and chased after him. Othello does fear Desdemona will leave him once her curiosity is quenched, as he expresses through lines "She loved me for the dangers I had passed. And I loved her that she did pity them" (I.iii 165-167). In these lines, Othello shows through the use of the past tense and suggestive language that he knows Desdemona loves him for his exoticness, but that the thrill of it may soon wear off as the dangers dwindle."
