Othello - Matrimonial Duty

Shakespeare's Ambivalence on Matrimonial Duty Shakespeare's Othello contributes towards the matrimonial duties each unified character portrays throughout the play. Othello is commonly regarded as a performer of depicting the ability to use man's reason towards evil intentions. A degrading and jealous ancient (Iago) in the general's army is cable to destroy him through manipulation and deceit. However, although Iago's treachery towards Othello is certainly a central theme in the play, another theme regarding the nature of the man towards woman is apparent. This play suggests that men mistreat women because each female character allows them to be mistreated. The abusive actions the men portray to their spouses occur throughout the course of the play. The main characters view their views or significant others as inferiors and usually simply as objects of lust and physical desire. The significance of hatred towards women portrays a view that is reflected in some form or other by all of the main characters.

From the Library of Congress: TITLE: Thos. W. Keen...

English: Photographic full-length portrait of Edwi...

Illustration of Othello and Iago

Iago's character reveals the most hatred and inconsiderate companionship towards the women within the play. He considers love to be "Merely a lust of the blood and a permission of the will" (I.iii.377-378). He also believes all women are whores who "rise to play, and go to bed to work" (II.i.127). Iago's hatred towards women is evident given the way he treats and respects his wife. He seems to have only foolish and offensive words to describe his wife, and even strikes her, which essentially led to her death when she exposes his double-dealing plot at the end of the play. Furthermore, Iago exemplifies his hatred towards his wife when she has a conversation with Othello. The two of them Shakespeare's Ambivalence on Matrimonial DutyPage 1 of 4 finally conclude that Iago is to be blamed for all chaos and...