The Role of Gender in Othello

In William Shakespeare’s classic, Othello, the representation of gender is apparent throughout. It is especially brought out through direct dialogue, stage directions, and the way the male and female characters interrelate. Through the use of these devices, Shakespeare ensures that the social construct of gender is elucidated clearly, and that the feminine characters in the play are depicted as inferior. The notion that “women are always victims because it is men who determine social organization” is a common one, and is reiterated in this particular play. Therefore, it can be argued that a blatantly stereotypical and traditional construction of gender is adopted in Othello.

During the early stages of the play, the audience learns the story of how Desdemona initially became attracted to Othello. It becomes clear that Desdemona was fascinated by Othello’s tales of battle, adventure and peril, and that she was ‘wooed’ by this ‘valiant Moor’ who had experienced so much....