Seerat ChahilMrs.FunchionENG 3UOM5 March 2014Othello: An Analysis of How Shakespeare Portrays Women in OthelloWilliam Shakespeare is known to be the greatest writer in the English language, and to this day Shakespeare claims the title to be the beginning of English literature. Something every reader has probably observed is the way Shakespeare portrays women. Most of William Shakespeare's works objectify women and somehow show his underlined feelings towards women and their role in society. This is clearly demonstrated in Shakespeare's play "Othello". Othello's society is completely controlled by men who are the military and political leaders of their homeland. Furthermore, women are seen as helpless second-class citizens, existing only to serve their men. But the horrendous actions and intense downfall of men in Othello show how men are not as authoritative and powerful as they seem. The boldness of the female characters shows that they are much more capable of just serving. Furthermore, at the end of the play, I admit that Othello's men are not the ones who express courage and power; this title is given to women in the work. The women in the play are characterized as something that belongs to their fathers or husbands, the women were like trophies to them. It all began the night Desdemona and Othello eloped, without Brabanito, Desdemona's father, having any kind of awareness or knowledge of their marriage. Rodrigo is told to inform Brabantio of what his daughter has done. Of course Brabantio, who is completely unaware of this whole dilemma, is displeased with the irregular awakening, what triggered even more anger was when he saw ...... middle of paper ......d, what that Emilia did as she exposed him of all his lies. Iago tells her to stop but she doesn't listen to him and exclaims “all out, all out! I peace? Nom I will speak liberal as the north, Let heaven and men and devils leave them all, All, all cry and be ashamed against me and yet I will speak” (V.ii.217-22) Having said this Emilia showed that women in comedy they have always had the strength to overcome stereotypes and to finally defend themselves and what they believe in. In conclusion, the play Othello significantly demonstrated that women have always had the strength to overcome the control men have over them, but it is only a matter of time before they realize the power they truly have. It also proved that men are not as powerful and strong as they seem, appearances can be deceiving. Everyone has their weaknesses and everyone has their strengths.