Misogyny in Othello by William Shakespeare Essay Example

The recurring theme of misogyny is clear in Othello by William Shakespeare. Iago, Othello’s stand bearer, is the villain of the story because of his ability of manipulation. Iago manipulates almost every character in the play because he is misogynistic and jealous. Unlike other characters, Iago’s misogyny is essential to him as an antagonist because of his beliefs that women are untrustworthy and sexually deviant. Without this core belief, Iago could not convince Othello about his wife's untrustworthiness. Likewise he uses societal normalizations to his advantage and weaponizes them against women. In Othello, Shakespeare uses characteristics, dialogue, and soliloquies to characterize Iago's misogynistic tendencies.

Shakespeare highlights Iago's misogynistic remarks during his conversation with Desdemona and Emilia. Iago's misogynistic tone begins during Act II, Scene 1. During his argument with Emilia, his defense is an example of the way he utilizes misogyny.  Despite only talking to Emilia, Iago uses plurals indicating that he is referring to all women. In fact, Iago argues that women are hypocritical, calling Emilia "pictures out of doors" (2.1, 108-109) meaning that she acts differently in public. Furthermore, Iago confirms this by saying that women have "wildcats in your kitchens" (2.1, 108-110). Iago tries to imply that women have arguments or stir trouble in the house or kitchen. Finally, Iago thinks  that women are hypocritical due to their two-faced nature, he continues to explain that women are only nice when hurting others, in contrast to when hurt, they turn into "devils" (2.1, 111) and are hateful. Due to this, Iago perceives women as untrustworthy because he interprets women as objects that have predictable actions. Ironically, Shakespeare makes women in Othello aware of their social positions, yet their actions are the most unpredictable. Shakespeare highlights Iago's misogynistic remarks during his conversation with Desdemona and Emilia.

Throughout the play, Iago treats women as objects and his misogyny is seen through his soliloquies when conversing with the audience. For instance, in Act I Scene 3 Iago’s soliloquy accuses Emilia of cheating, suggesting that she “twixt my sheets” (1.3, 389). Reinstating, he continues by saying that “h’as done my office” (1.3, 390). These accusations not only objectify Emilia, but states that she is his property by calling her his office. Additionally, he solidifies his statement by continuing in his second soliloquy in Act II Scene 1. When Iago says “for that I do suspect the lusty Moor/Hath leaped into my seat” (2.1, 299-300), he exposes the fact that he cares about Othello cheating, but emphasizes more on the fact that Emilia is a stolen seat. By using descriptions like “seat” (2.1, 300) to describe Emilia, Iago is able to articulate the intensity of his views about Emilia as a possession. Later on, Iago claims that the only way to get even with Othello is having a “wife for wife” (2.1, 303). Consequently, Iago puts Desdemona and Emilia in a category that is equal to an eye for an eye. For Iago, a wife is not a partnership but an extension or possession. His misogyny is not just exhibited through his actions or dialogue, but is his fundamental view of what a wife should be because of societal normalizations. Moreover, Iago views a wife as only an extension or tool for a man, as a result he is able to use women for his manipulative purposes. Iago treats women as objects and his misogyny is seen through his soliloquies when conversing with the audience.

Additionally, Iago’s misogynistic behaviour is established through his sexualization of women. In Othello, Iago depicts women’s responsibilities as housework and sex. Furthermore, he sexualizes women by regularly referring to his wife as a whore or wenche. Indicating his view on women in Act I scene 3, Iago thinks that Desdemona had “a violent commencement in her” (1.3, 291), communicating that she only married for Othello’s materials and body. Iago continues to explain that Desdemona married Othello in a rush and that “when she is sated with his body she will find the errors of her choice” (1.3, 297-299). His fundamental view that women only marry for sexual desires are exposed through his misogyny. By commenting on Desdemona he reveals his ideologies of sex and how he views it through a lustful lense, which in turn, leads to his objectfication of women because of the distrust he has created. Iago’s misogynistic nature is established through his sexualization of women.

In conclusion, Iago’s views on sex and objectification impact his misogynistic ideology. Through his distrust of women, Iago is able to create power and trust through sex and objectification because he is able to have more control. By having the understanding of distrust, Iago is able to manipulate all the men in Othello because he is adept at creating distrust for women because he himself knows the feeling of distrust against women. Iago weaponizes sex and objectification in order to carry out his plans and to gain power and control. In Othello, Shakespeare uses characteristics, dialogue, and soliloquies to characterize Iago's misogynistic tendencies.