An Investigation of Shakespeare's Characters in Othello

In the tragedy Othello, William Shakespeare uses complex character traits to enhance his ideas and theme of the play. These characteristics have a powerful impact on the development of the story and eventually contribute to the downfall of Desdemona's and Othello's loving relationship. The male characters take on a great significance in Othello, yet Shakespeare decides to create different psychological instabilities and inconsistencies in his female characters. Shakespeare uses different characterizations of the women in Othello and manipulates them to advance the plot of the tragedy and suit his needs. Shakespeare purposely makes the female characters of Desdemona, Bianca, and Emilia not have consistent identities, but rather change as the story develops.

Desdemona does not have a consistent identity and develops from a confident renegade into an unstable, obedient woman. In the beginning of the play, Desdemona is a strong, independent, and disobedient woman whose confidence greatly supports her whore-like actions. For example, she chooses to run away with Othello and marry him although her father greatly disapproves of their relationship. Iago brings attention to Desdemona's "seeming" when he states, "She did deceive her father marrying you, and when she seemed to shake and fear your looks, she loved them most." (III.iii.238-240) An additional instance that portrays her whore-like qualities is her persistence in asking the Duke to permit her to accompany Othello to Cyprus- an action that females would not ordinarily desire during the 1600's. Although characters believe her to be an honest, sweet, and pure young lady, Desdemona clearly defines a disobedient woman who is in control of her desires. Yet, as Othello's jealousy intensifies and his trust is lost in his lover, Shakespeare makes Desdemona become manipulated and unstable. While singing the song taught by her mother's maid about death and infidelity, she questions the lyrics by saying, "Nay that's not next." (IV.iii.57) The submissive characteristic of Desdemona's personality is mostly notable in her willingness to take credit for her own murder. In response to Emilia's question, "O, who hath done this deed?", Desdemona's final words are, "Nobody, I myself. Farewell. Commend me to my kind lord. O, farewell" (V.ii.133-134) Clearly, Shakespeare shows that such a confident and stable woman as Desdemona can fall to insecurity and can doubt herself to fulfill his desired tragedy.

Bianca, the least important character in the beginning of Othello transforms into having the most developed personality by the conclusion of the tragedy. Shakespeare especially portrays his idea of things being "not what they seem" through Bianca because most of the characters in Othello perceive Bianca as a whore, although her true nature of behavior is that of a saint. For example, Iago objectifies Bianca by denouncing her as a "notable stumpet! (V.i.92) Iago and other characters believe that she has the characteristics of a whore, however, Bianca's faithfulness, care, and obedience towards Cassio is depicted several times throughout the play. For instance, she obeys Cassio's request of making a replica of the handkerchief that he provides by stating, "I must be circumstanced." (III.iv.231) Furthermore, Bianca's exclusive relationship with Cassio is illustrated when she rushes to his side to help after he is injured by Roderigo. Her strong emotions and feelings for him are seen in her overwhelmed statements, "My sweet Cassio, O Cassio, Cassio, Cassio!" (V.i.91). These false accusations made by other characters significantly differ from the most sincere character that Bianca demonstrates and support Shakespeare's theme that things are not what they seem.

Shakespeare final portrayal of women exists in the character of Emilia, who talks about living like a whore although she acts like a saint. Shakespeare illustrates Emilia as an inconsistent character to betray different characters throughout the story and eventually unravel Iago's dishonest plan. Throughout the entire tragedy, Emilia talks of infidelity, yet remains loyal to her husband and even betrays Desdemona to fulfill her husband's desires. For instance, after she discovers Desdemona's handkerchief that was given to her by Othello, Emilia steals it and listens to Iago by handing it over into his possession. She lies to her master's face when Desdemona asks, "Where should I lose that handkerchief Emilia?" and Emilia states, "I know not, madam." (III.iv.23-24) Furthermore, although Emilia suspects Iago of his evil and destructive plan, she does not directly accuse him. It takes the death of Desdemona for Emilia to become disobedient tos Iago and furious because of her husband's deceiving plan. Iago demands her to, "Go to! Charm your tongue!" However, Emilia defiantly responds by exclaiming, "I will not charm my tongue, I am bound to speak. My mistress here lies murdered on her bed." Through Emilia, Shakespeare gets revenge on Iago for her numerous lies throughout the play and allows the reader to feel more sympathy for the murder of the sweet Desdemona.

Shakespeare's unstable and insecure depiction of women throughout his plays reveals his consistent belief that women are inferior to men. Not only do Shakespeare's plays have main male protagonists, but the inconsistency and objectivity of women always exists. During Shakespearean times, the idea of women being subordinate to their male partners was accepted and properly fit the similar occurring idea in Shakespeare's plays. In the plays our class has previously read this past trimester, Much Ado About Nothing and Taming of the Shrew, women also become silenced by men and learn to be obedient to them. Especially in Taming of the Shrew, Kate is objectified by her husband and is eventually "tamed" by the conclusion of the play. Such a radical idea does not exist as powerfully in today's society for a purposeful reason. Compared to Shakespearean times, women have more control in and responsibility for their own lives, therefore creating a more equal society.

1) Othello by Shakespeare'

2) en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Othello

3) www.online-literature.com/shakespeare/othello/

4) www.enotes.com/othello/