To what extent do you agree that in Othello, Shakespeare presents ' Women as victims of men '?

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Tom Green

Mr Mar

To what extent do you agree that in Othello,

Shakespeare presents ‘ Women as victims of men ’?

Shakespeare leaves us with no doubt that there are women victims in Othello. The men throughout the play use the women, whether it is because of the power of love or just jealousy.

     From the beginning of the play we see how Iago and Roderigo use Desdemona’s predicament to cause trouble for Othello. ‘ I am one, sir, that comes to tell you, your daughter and the Moor are now making the beast with two backs.’ As they tell Brabantio about Othello and Desdemona’s marriage you become aware of how Desdemona is developing into a victim due to the rift between her and her father. ‘ How didst thou know ‘twas she? – O, she deceives me past thought!’ If Desdemona had told her father and consulted him about marrying Othello then Iago may not have been able to take this chance, although I’m sure he would have found another opportunity. Iago plays the part of a Machiavellian in the play trying to break up Othello and Desdemona by manipulating the truth all around them. Iago obtains Othello and Desdemona’s handkerchief because he had told Emilia that if she saw it she should give it to him. Emilia doesn’t really know why and especially doesn’t know that she is being used by Iago, ‘ She let it drop by negligence…I, being here, took’t up…what will you do with’t, that you have been so earnest to have me filtch it?’

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     The turmoil between Othello and Desdemona ends when Desdemona is killed because Othello believes that she was being unfaithful with Cassio. Iago has caused so much grief to Othello, that now Desdemona has become the victim, she is dead. ‘ She turned to folly; and she was a whore.’ Othello had been brainwashed by Iago and now he has committed a crime on Desdemona that she did not deserve, ‘ Thou art rash as fire to say that she was false. O, she was heavenly true!’ Emilia knows that Desdemona was being faithful but has now become the ...

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