Othello

Introduction

As defined by women's responsibilities in the Elizabethan Era, all through the play, Othello, written by William Shakespeare, domination aimed at the women; Desdemona and Emilia by their husbands' expectations of them. Chauvinism directed at the women; Desdemona, Emilia, and Bianca, by the men in the play, having the leading task in matrimony and the social order. The desire for being considered superior, to their wives brought out the violent streak in Othello and other men.

Discussion

Shakespeare belonged to the Elizabethan era, and his residence was in the middle o where the fight between women rights and Catholic Church was taking place. Discriminating government harrying of faction of the Catholic faith made the people of small, autonomous families, turn to their relations for spiritual guidance. Women took the role of family's spiritual leader, since they were more devoted to the religion. The reason why they took the lead was because they were recusants, rebels who stood up against the standards of demeanor against them in England, while their husbands followed the conventional Protestant church. Even as this rebellion was a form of headship, it was also means to challenge the husbands.

However, the implementation of the idea of spouses of different religions soon ended, and women soon attended the church with their husbands and followed their husbands' beliefs. Women did not give up their struggle; they kept on fighting even when they were imprisoned for their disobedience. Spouse soon began to practice the same religion, but women still retains a considerable degree of religious independence. Lack of education for females became the major English issue, and the reason was the scarcity of women institutions. During the Elizabethan Era, women fought for greater rights and some freedoms from their husbands. Although many women fought for these rights, it was still socially acceptable for women to remain both loyal and obedient to their husbands.

It can be argued that violence against women rooted in male domination. This brings into play the ideology of male dominance and female inferiority, which supports the issue of violence against women. Desdemona treated harshly throughout the entire play by her father, Brabantio, and by her husband, Othello. The feminist theory of oppression can be applied to her through these male characters. Desdemona proves to be oppressed because she is expected to fulfill her duties as a wife during the Elizabethan Era, and because she is constantly suppressed by Othello in ways such as not being able to speak in order to voice her opinion. Desdemona's duties include being quiet, obedient, and pleasing towards her husband. Desdemona fulfills these duties and in return, should not be subject of oppression from her husband. There are numerous instances that show sexism towards Desdemona from her husband and her father. One such instance is when she is disowned by her father because of her marriage to Othello. "She has deceived her father, and may thee" (Shakespeare, pp. 321). Her marriage to Othello is not a normal marriage because he is not of the same race ...