“And have not we affections? / Desires for sport? and frailty, as men have? / Then let them use us well: else let them know, / The ills we do, their ills instruct us so.” (Shakespeare 4.3.100-103)
This emancipated statement by Emilia in William Shakespeare`s tragedy “Othello” already could lead to assume that there is far more to the female characters in the play than just the role of the loving wife or the accessory part for the male ones. However, it is mostly Iago and his schemes or Othello and his tragic fate that are in the centre of the reader`s attention rather than the characters of Desdemona, Emilia and Bianca. Iago being unique for the Shakespearean villain and Othello as the personification for the tragedy of jealousy are, to a certain extent, pushing back the female figures to a background position in the people`s general perception of “Othello”.
After all, the women in the play are `worth a second glance`, since only a closer reading can really reveal the whole importance and the subtle power of women in the play, albeit in the background of it. The aim of this paper is to show the function of the female figures in “Othello” and, in this context, to prove their importance for the tragedy`s development. Therefore, I will first analyze the characters of Desdemona, Emilia and Bianca as a basis for a closer look at their function in the plot of “Othello” afterwards. In this context, it is important to say that I will not focus on every facet of the characters but only on the aspects that are significant ones for each and for the further examination. Concerning Desdemona`s, Emilia`s and Bianca`s function in the play, I will investigate in which ways they contribute to the development of the plot. Are they active or passive? Are they doers or victims? And which actions and characteristics of the female figures are actually marking their importance or even power in the tragedy? All these questions will be discussed in this paper in order to demonstrate that Desdemona as well as Emilia and Bianca are indeed more than `nice accessories` in the plot of Shakespeare`s “Othello”.
Inhaltsverzeichnis (Table of Contents)
- Introduction
- The Female Characters in "Othello"
- Desdemona
- Emilia
- Bianca
- The Function of Female Characters in the Plot of "Othello"
- Female Characters as Active Agents
- Female Characters as the Men`s Instruments
- Conclusion
- Works Cited
Zielsetzung und Themenschwerpunkte (Objectives and Key Themes)
This paper aims to analyze the function of female characters in William Shakespeare's tragedy "Othello," demonstrating their importance for the play's development. The focus will be on the characters of Desdemona, Emilia, and Bianca, examining their individual traits and their roles in shaping the plot. The paper investigates whether these characters are active agents or passive instruments in the tragedy, exploring their actions and characteristics that reveal their power and significance.
- The characterization of Desdemona, Emilia, and Bianca
- The roles of female characters in shaping the plot of "Othello"
- The agency and passivity of female characters in the tragedy
- The influence of female characters on the development of the central conflict
- The significance of female characters in the overall themes of the play
Zusammenfassung der Kapitel (Chapter Summaries)
The introduction delves into the concept of female characters in "Othello" beyond their stereotypical roles, emphasizing the importance of a deeper reading to understand their influence on the tragedy. The paper outlines its objective to analyze the function of the female figures, focusing on Desdemona, Emilia, and Bianca.
Chapter II provides an analysis of the female characters, exploring their emotions, beliefs, and perceptions by other characters in the play. It highlights the similarities and differences between Desdemona, Emilia, and Bianca, laying the foundation for understanding their roles in the plot.
Section II.I focuses on Desdemona, presenting her as a devoted and loyal wife to Othello. It explores her characterization as a symbol of innocence, youth, and beauty, contrasting her with Othello and delving into their love story. The chapter analyzes Desdemona's unwavering loyalty and innocence, emphasizing her passionateness and deep sympathy for Othello.
Section II.II examines Emilia's character, highlighting her emancipated views and her understanding of female agency. It discusses her role as a foil to Desdemona, providing a contrasting perspective on marriage and female relationships. The chapter explores Emilia's insight into male behavior and her critical observations about society's expectations of women.
Section II.III examines Bianca, highlighting her role as a complex character who defies traditional expectations. It explores her independence and her relationship with Cassio, analyzing her motivations and her interactions with the other female characters. The chapter discusses Bianca's agency and her unique perspective on love and relationships.
Chapter III explores the function of female characters in the plot of "Othello," examining their contributions to the development of the tragedy. It investigates whether they are active agents or passive instruments in the unfolding of the plot, analyzing their actions and characteristics in relation to the central conflict.
Section III.I explores the ways in which female characters act as active agents in the play, highlighting their influence on the development of the plot. It examines their decisions and actions that contribute to the unfolding of the conflict, showcasing their agency and power within the narrative.
Section III.II analyzes the ways in which female characters can be seen as instruments of the male characters, examining how their actions are shaped by their relationships with men. It explores the limitations imposed upon them by societal expectations and the consequences of their dependence on men.
Schlüsselwörter (Keywords)
The paper focuses on the female characters in Shakespeare's "Othello," analyzing their function and significance in the play's development. It examines themes of female agency, power, and influence, exploring the roles of Desdemona, Emilia, and Bianca in shaping the tragedy. The paper considers their individual characteristics, their relationships with the male characters, and their impact on the plot, ultimately revealing their importance beyond their stereotypical roles.
- Arbeit zitieren
- Wiebke Pietzonka (Autor:in), 2011, Active Agents or Passive Instruments? Female Characters in William Shakespeare's “Othello”, München, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/232027
