Female Characters in Othello by Shakespeare - Research Paper Example

Female Characters in Othello by Shakespeare "Othello" (1604) represents very exact interpretation of the short story of Giraldi Cinthio "A Moorish Captain" from his collection "Hundred Stories" (1566). The story, which nevertheless differs cardinally from the original, became known owing to the retelling of Shakespeare. The main difference between the source and the Shakespeare`s play is Othello, the main hero. In Cinthio`s novel Moor incited by the intrigues of hissoldier (in the short story Desdemona has a personal name only), artfully kills his wife and does it with the help of this soldier in order to avoid all suspicions. Moreover, in the court he also denies the murder. Using already existing plot, Shakespeare makes substantial changes to the play so that rather ordinary adventurous and criminal story becomes a serious tragedy. Instead of crime novel Shakespeare creates a story of the person who differs from the others not only by his skin color ("I am black! "), but by the virtues as well: honesty, frankness, and childish trustfulness. His love to Desdemona is natural because they share these qualities and are so close to each other, as Romeo and Juliette or a couple of Macbeths. The brave soldier, the invincible general and the ingenuous child who does not know about the existence of such qualities asinsidiousness, meanness, hypocrisy, not even assuming the possibility of deception becomes a victim of Iago.Othello easily believes in treachery of his faithful lieutenant Cassio and adultery ofhisbeloved wife Desdemona.With this feeling of deceit he cannot live anymore, dissembling he is not capable to turn into the eternal observer, into the spy of his own wife. Having learned“the truth”Othello changes dramatically: tenderness turns into roughness, trustfulness — into suspiciousness (James, 2012). In Desdemona`s each word and gesture he sees deception; just because he could not allow a thought about it earlier. In order to get rid of this shame and disappointment which he cannot bear Othello agrees to kill his wife. But having made it, Othello learns that Desdemona was innocent, and that both of them became victims of the terrible intrigue that was planned so skillfully by Iago. 0thello calls himself "the honest murderer" considering that the murder was reasonable as it was meant to restore justice. These words serve as a key to revealing the nature of Othello - he is the person for whom Honor is above all, he cannot allow that dishonorableness remained unpunished. Having realized all horror of his deeds, Othello cuts his throat and dies(Rozett, 1994). It is interesting that women play secondary role in thisShakespeare’s tragedy as all the plot is almost entirely built on men`s decisions, intrigues, and deeds. And women unfortunately become innocent victims of the men`s battles for love and power. In “Othello” the reader meets only two women- Desdemona, Othello`s wife and Emilia, Iago`s wife. Women differ from each other in many aspects but have one important virtue in common-the desire to develop morally (Rozett, 1994). The image of the young beauty Desdemona is an embodiment of female fidelity, mildness, and gentle love. Desdemona is the daughter of the rich Italian Brabantio who does not understandhow his well-educated, kind, and obedient daughter could fall in love with the Moor. Desdemona`s father accuses Othello of witchcraft, which Othello denies: “She loved me for the dangers I had passed, And I loved her that she did pity them. This only is the witchcraft I have used: Here comes the lady; let her witness it” resuming pure nature of their love. However, even for that time the union of a white noble woman and a black man who is an outsider of Venetian society would call rumors and suspiciousness.The readers understand that listening to Othello's sea stories about military battles, Desdemona really falls in love with him and agrees on secret wedding contrary to the ban of the father. Desdemona is a highly spiritual woman, who estimates power of love beyond all the prejudices and statuses. Desdemona is clever and a bit naïve in the beginning of the play. She as well as Othello cannot even admit a thought about adultery and cheating in which she confesses to her new friend, Emilia. Desdemona is absolutely enchanted by her husband and his bravery. She even mentions her desire to be a man meaning that she lacks power and courage, which is not able to express to the full extent (James, 2012). These are the qualities that unite the couple- aspiration for truth, courage, and loyalty. When Othello is sent to Cyprus, she willingly joins him, not imagining her staying at home. It reveals her passionate desire to be near her beloved man. Such beauty and puritybecame the reason of Iago`s envy who partially loves Desdemona himself. Thus, Iago does all possible to persuade Othello in Desdemona`s deceitfulness. Desdemona plays a role of innocent victim in the tragedy. Accused by the husband of adultery, Desdemona tries to calm him and to assure that she was faithful and loyal. Nevertheless, being overwhelmed by jealousy and the desire of revenge angry Othello kills his wife. He perceived her as an embodiment of morality and loyalty and trusted her as he trusted himself that is why learning about her treachery becomes a great stress to Othello. The image of pure and innocent Desdemona is symbolical as it represents her love which is free from lies and doubts. Desdemona is a complete and integral personality who only develops in her purity and high ideals in the play. Ironically, Shakespeare kills her showing that such qualities as kindness and trustfulness make people excessively vulnerable. Emilia, Iago`s wife is more complicated character as her intentions and motives are not always clear to the readership. Emilia is older, more experienced, and completely disappointed woman. It is not clear from the play what served the reason of her marriage with Iago, but it is quite evident that this couple is unhappy. Iago humiliates, neglects, and underestimates his wife. Moreover, he suspects her in adultery as well. But this jealousy he feels towards his wife reminds a threat to possession rather than suffering of love. Iago does not love Emilia, he is enchanted by Desdemona and does not even notice his wife. This fact plays a crucial role in the whole tragedy. Emilia from her part does her best to please her husband and earn his love. Emilia even steals the handkerchief of her friend, Desdemona,suspecting all the horrible intrigues her husband had conceived but not minding possible consequences. Emilia cannot be described as a negative character as Iago. She does not wish to possess other people`s things, she is far from being cruel and deceitful. It is rather possible to suggest that she is emotionally vulnerable and is not developed as a person, which means she does not have moral values. She can act dishonestly not because of the evil intentions but under the influence of more powerful people. Iago unmistakably recognizes this moral weakness in people and manipulates it. However, Emilia as well as Desdemona grows emotionally, morally in the tragedy. In the final scene where she receives an opportunity to cover the truth and her mean husband (which nevertheless means remaining a loyal wife) and to reveal the horrible truth she acts basing on values of honor and dignity. Unable to rescue Desdemona from death, Emilia saves her good name proving her faithfulness and love. This deed turns Emilia from a victim into a hero. It is interesting, that Shakespeare “kills” Iago in such an ironical way. Deceitful, manipulative Iago knows everybody`s weaknesses and flaws and spins nets craftily with lies. The only person whom he underestimates is his own wife who evolves morally to the degree when she is not capable to stomach her husband`s misdeeds anymore. Thus, it is possible to conclude that female characters in Othello do not share common role, however they turn to be dynamic personages who change in the course of play gaining more virtues. Desdemona with her purity and loyalty inspires Emilia who had almost lost faith in truth. Unfortunately, both women became innocent victims in the men`s world full of lust and envy. References James, D. (2012).A teacher`s guide to the signet classic edition of William Shakespeare`s Othello.London: Penguin Rozett, M. (1994). Talking Back to Shakespeare. Newark: University of Delaware Press. Read More