This eassy offers an feminist analysis of the literary character of Desdemona from William Shakespeare's "Othello."
Table of Contents
- Abstract
- Feminist Critique of the Character Desdemona in Othello
- Introduction
- Theoretical Framework
- Analysis
Objectives and Key Themes
This article offers a feminist critique of the character of Desdemona in Shakespeare's "Othello." It examines Desdemona's character through the lens of feminism, highlighting the challenges women faced in Elizabethan society and exploring how Desdemona's actions and choices challenged societal norms and expectations.
- The portrayal of women in Elizabethan society and the limitations placed upon them
- The impact of patriarchy and male dominance on women's lives
- The strength and independence of Desdemona's character
- The consequences of challenging societal norms and expectations
- The role of love and its impact on Desdemona's decisions
Chapter Summaries
- Abstract: This section provides a brief overview of the article's focus, outlining the feminist perspective and the key themes that will be explored.
- Introduction: This section introduces the context of women's lives in Elizabethan society, highlighting the expectations placed upon them and the limitations they faced. It then introduces Desdemona as a character who challenged these norms and expectations.
- Theoretical Framework: This section outlines the theoretical framework of feminism and its application to literary analysis, exploring how feminist critics view the portrayal of women in literature and the power dynamics at play.
- Analysis: This section delves into the analysis of Desdemona's character, examining her actions, choices, and interactions with other characters within the play. It highlights her strength, independence, and the challenges she faced due to societal norms and male dominance.
Keywords
Key terms and concepts explored in this article include feminist critique, Elizabethan society, patriarchy, male dominance, female subordination, Desdemona, Othello, Shakespeare, love, power dynamics, societal norms, and expectations.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the focus of the feminist critique of Desdemona?
The analysis examines Desdemona's character as a woman challenging the patriarchal norms of Elizabethan society.
How did Elizabethan society view women?
Women were expected to be submissive and were largely confined by male dominance and strict societal limitations.
In what ways is Desdemona portrayed as strong and independent?
Her choice to marry Othello against her father's wishes and her outspoken nature demonstrate her initial independence.
What are the consequences of Desdemona's defiance?
The essay explores how her challenge to societal expectations and the power dynamics of her marriage ultimately lead to her tragic fate.
How does patriarchy impact the plot of Othello?
Patriarchy allows male characters to control and misinterpret female actions, fueling the jealousy and violence that drive the tragedy.
- Citar trabajo
- Rubina Mandokhail (Autor), 2015, A feminist critique of the character Desdemona in Shakespeares "Othello", Múnich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/305243
