The Venetian society is hugely based on descent and birth. Social class in Othello causes a lot of conflicts (Goodland and OConnor 15-35). Power struggle between class and gender is exemplified by Cassio and Bianca. However, in 5.2, Iagos scheme is unraveled by Emilia. As a result, Cassio and Desdemona lose their positions of influence whereas Iago is elevated in a position of influence in Othellos life. Iago takes a position of influence by convincing Othello that Desdemona and Cassio have made him a cuckold. Iago is ambitious and has set his eyes on being a powerful figure despite being born in a low class family. Iago endears himself to Othello courtesy of his strategy and as a result, he becomes a man of influence in Othellos life. The dream enrages Othello out of insecurity, he decides to display his masculinity by disregarding Desdemona. In the dream, it is stated that Desdemona has an overbearing control on Othello and that the latter has lost his masculinity. Iago narrates to Othello, a false dream from Cassio about Desdemona. Iago uses a strategy of convincing Othello that Desdemona has made him a cuckold. These words are meant to make Othello feel that he has a loyal henchman in Iago when that is not the case. In 3.3, Iago sarcastically states I am yours forever. Iago instigates jealousy and hatred in Othello, a strategy to ensure that he wins Othellos trust and respect. Iago uses deceptive and cunning means to ensure that Desdemona is relegated to a lower level with regard to influencing Othellos decisions.
Themes in othello full#
Desdemona views Othello as a distinguished warrior whereas Othello views Desdemona as a woman full of feminine grace (Gardner 41).
Othello and Desdemona have mutual love and respect. Iago despises Othello because the latter is in tune with his feminine side. The power struggle between Othello and Iago is an exemplification of the power struggle that most commonly occurs among men in any given society. Iago physically assaults Emilia on several occasions, a clear indication that he is the one who wields power in the relationship. Emilia is labeled a whore by Iago (5.2.228). Iago asserts that women are only good in supplying the desires of men. Iago describes women as wenches and whores (3.3.306). Emilia is cynical about men she sees men as individuals who have the habit to feed on women and belch them as they please (3.4.98). In Venetian societies, men are the ones who had power in their relationships with women. Emilia is shown to be very subservient to Iago this is an indication that Iago is the one with power in the relationship (Espinosa 65). Iago uses his masculinity to control Emilia as well as destroy her. Iago is male and masculine whereas Emilia is female and feminine. Two characters in the play, Emilia and Iago have a relationship that can be used to clearly show power in gender roles. Power in gender roles is clearly exemplified in Othello.
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