This seminar paper is trying to display some designated motifs of gender studies and wants to give an overview of how such an approach to Shakespeare’s "Othello" can be made. Approaching Shakespeare’s works under the aspect of gender studies might not been originally intended by the author, however it provides multiple chances of interpretations and varieties of looking at the text. This is why in this seminar paper the literary theory of gender studies will be implemented on Shakespeare’s "The Tragedy of Othello, the Moor of Venice".
Firstly a theoretical approach to Gender Studies is going to lead the way into this paper with an explanation of the main aspects of the Gender Studies theory and why it was chosen for this work. This will be followed by a focus on depictions of women and men and the gender related differences shown in the play. Furthermore a close look on the main characters namely Othello and Iago being the most important male characters and on the other hand Emilia and Desdemona as the main female characters in the play is taken.
Main issues discussed are how the characters fit their role in society, female obedience and silence in contrast to male dominance and the need to act as. Also will these main themes be put in contrast with the plot and its development to see the impact of the characters and their gender related behaviour towards it. This will lead to a final analysis of how gender does influence the plot of the tragedy "Othello" and its outcome. The characters’ downfalls that in the end lead to the tragic resolution is being discussed from a view of gender studies theory. The analysis shows how gender influences Shakespeare’s drama in detail, which changes the characters go through with the progression of the plot and gives a short explanation of how these issues could be so fatal for the characters that die in the play.
Table of Contents
1. Shakespeare seen with Gender Study eyes
2. A Gender Studies Approach to Shakespeare’s Othello
2.1. Gender Studies Theory
2.2. The role of the characters in society
2.2.1. Iago and Othello
2.2.2. Emilia and Desdemona
2.3. The Downfall of the characters
2.3.1. Male downfall for gender related reasons
2.3.2. Female downfall for gender related reasons
3. Shakespeare and women’s rights
Research Objectives and Themes
This academic paper aims to apply the literary theory of gender studies to Shakespeare's "Othello" to analyze how societal gender roles and expectations influence the behavior of characters and ultimately lead to the tragic downfall of the play's protagonists.
- Application of gender studies theory to Elizabethan literature.
- Examination of gender-related behavioral differences between male and female characters.
- Analysis of societal expectations regarding obedience, silence, and dominance.
- The impact of jealousy as a gender-specific catalyst for tragic outcomes.
- Evaluation of Shakespeare's potential early critique of gender inequality.
Excerpt from the Book
2.3.2. Female downfall for gender related reasons
On the other hand the female characters looked upon in this seminar paper also have to face a downfall from high positions in society, they even die in the end of the drama. Both their characters as well as their failures show similarities, but they seem to be constructed directly opposing. Silence and obedience towards their husbands will be the death of both of them in the course of the play.
Desdemona starts, as already mentioned, as an almost divine creature, an angel figure into the play. She is seen as virtuous and loyal, as a good wife to her husband. As this is mostly seen by Othello, who gives her most of these attributes, it is interesting to see, that she still has them even the moment Othello kills her: “Let me not name it to you, you chaste stars [. . .] This sorrow’s heavenly, It strikes where it doth love.” (V, ii: 2-22). Even though there is no change in her overall perceived picture, especially not after Othello finds out the truth (V, ii, 283-85), there is a change to be noticed in her character. Desdemona is not quite what as loyal and mostly passive as it would fit her role. She also does not remain silent in situations she should be, as Emilia does. She is obedient to Othello, but it would be expected of her to accept the decisions of her husband. The strongest example for this activeness is Desdemona trying to convince her husband to reinstate Cassio in his position of a lieutenant: “Be thou assured, good Cassio, I will do [a]ll my abilities in thy behalf.” (III, iii: 1-2).
Summary of Chapters
1. Shakespeare seen with Gender Study eyes: This chapter introduces the methodology of gender studies as an interpretive lens for Shakespeare’s drama and outlines the core objectives of the paper.
2. A Gender Studies Approach to Shakespeare’s Othello: This section provides the theoretical framework, analyzes the social roles of key characters, and discusses the gender-specific factors contributing to their downfalls.
3. Shakespeare and women’s rights: This chapter concludes the analysis by considering whether Shakespeare’s depiction of Emilia reflects an early recognition of the issues of female inequality in society.
Keywords
Gender Studies, Shakespeare, Othello, Gender Roles, Feminism, Literary Theory, Domestic Tragedy, Jealousy, Social Constructs, Female Obedience, Male Dominance, Elizabethan Literature, Character Analysis, Downfall, Women's Rights.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the primary focus of this paper?
The paper focuses on applying gender studies as a literary theory to analyze the characters, themes, and tragic resolution of Shakespeare’s play "Othello".
What central themes are explored in this work?
The work explores themes such as gender-related social roles, the dichotomy of obedience and dominance, the destructive nature of jealousy, and the consequences of deviating from established societal norms.
What is the main research objective?
The primary goal is to examine how gender influences the plot and the tragic fates of the characters, specifically contrasting male dominance with female silence and obedience.
Which scientific method is utilized?
The author employs a gender studies approach, analyzing literary motifs and character behavior through the lens of modern feminist criticism and historical context.
What is covered in the main body of the paper?
The main body covers the application of gender theory, a comparative study of the characters Iago, Othello, Emilia, and Desdemona, and an exploration of the reasons behind their respective downfalls.
Which keywords define the research?
Key terms include Gender Studies, Othello, Social Constructs, Tragedy, Gender Roles, and Feminism.
How does the paper differentiate the downfalls of Othello and Iago?
The paper identifies jealousy as the root cause for both men, but distinguishes between Othello's transformation from a noble leader into a monstrous figure and Iago's calculated, predatory nature.
What is the significance of Emilia’s role according to the author?
The author argues that Emilia breaks out of the traditional mold of the obedient wife, ultimately challenging the gender-based constraints of her society and voicing potential early ideas regarding gender equality.
- Arbeit zitieren
- Maximilian Bauer (Autor:in), 2013, “But I do think it is their husbands’ faults If wives do fall.” A gender studies approach to William Shakespeare’s "The Tragedy of Othello, the Moor of Venice", München, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/311959
