Sexism in Othello

Deonta Flowers April 11, 2012

Sexism In Othello

Sexism is attitudes or behaviors based on traditional stereotypes of sexual role. Discrimination based upon a person's sex, especially such discrimination directed against women. In the tragedy Othello, there were many times when the audience could sense forms of sexism towards women. During the time period of the play, women were viewed less than men in every aspect. The women were to basically obey there mates wishes and worship them.

In the story (Act 2 Scene 1) Igao states, "Come on, come on! You are pictures of the door, bells in your parlors, wildcats in your kitchens, saints in your injuries, devils being offended, players in your housewifery and housewives in your beds... You rise to play and go to bed to work." This statement from Iago shows sexism towards women during this time. He treats women as possessions. He believes that women fool around and play all day until bed time. He feels that this is the only time they are productive. The women are also Viewed as whores a nd prostitutes whom aren't to be trusted. Othello once said in the play, "She says enough; yet she is a simple band that cannot say as much. This is a subtle whore, a closet lock and key of villainous secrets, and yet she'll kneel and pray, I have seen her do't." This means that women are whores that keep secrets and are not to be trusted. This also means that women try to portray that they are innocent, knowing that they also have secrets alongside men. Although he didn't state whom exactly he was speaking of, he meant women as a whole.

During this time period women were kept as possessions. In Act 1 scene 2. Barbantio Stated,"O thou foul thief, where hast thou stow'sd my daughter." Babantio was referring to Othello at this point. Now before he said this Iago had said in Act 1 scene 1"Awake! What ho, Barbantio! Thieves! Thieves! Thieves look to your house, your daughter and your bags! Thieves! Thieves!" the significance of this was that Desdemona (Barbantio's daughter) had eloped with Othello. At the time Desdemona was property of her father because she was unmarried. Since she has run off and married Othello without their father's permission, Iago has suggested that Othello has stolen her.

Although the majority of the play's sexism was aimed towards women, Emilia showed a bit of sexism of her own toward men. In act 4 scene 3 she says, "They are all but stomachs, and we are all but food: they eat us hungerly, and when they are full, the belch us." This quote means that with the men being the "stomach" and the women being the "food" they