Femininity In Shakespeare's Othello

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The works of English playwright William Shakespeare epitomize arts of the Elizabethan Era. Through Shakespeares’ focus on the social conventions of this milieu, Shakespeare’s tragedies substantive meaning of his social context in order for us to understand how women became victims of the autocratic patriarchal supremacy of the sixteenth century, where the independence of women was hindered and conformity was demanded. Elizabethan society, built upon Renaissance beliefs, uncloaks how the expected and only métier of women was to marry. As their sole profession, marriage carried profound responsibilities of bearing children and ultimately bringing wealth into the family. Furthermore, women were supposed to be acquiescent to their husbands, their …show more content…
Desdemona is depicted and categorized as a true Elizabethan young girl would be--objectified as profitable, fruitful, and a potential source of wealth. In Othello, this characterization is depicted in the text as a senator greets Othello by saying: “First Adieu, brave Moor. Use Desdemona well.” (Shakespeare Othello I.iii.290). The significance of the first Senator’s words cannot be overestimated, primarily through the means by which he signifies how the word, “use”, relates to Elizabethan ideals. Initially, the word seems to imply to “take care of”, as the senator wishes Othello well. However, he ironically connotes the expectation of women: that they are to follow convention and abide by the wills of the men in their home who may use them as they wish. Shakespeare uses this particular language in the characters’ dialogue to exemplify the verisimilitude of the prejudice towards women in the time period. Because of this oppression, Desdemona, Othello’s wife, is treated as his possession. The first Senator’s words serve as an example to demonstrate the expectancy of the Elizabethan patriarchal society, the nature of entitlement in patriarchal marriages, and the constraints of
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