Stereotypes In Othello

Words: 641
Pages: 3

In Shakespeare’s tragedy Othello, the title character is a 16th century Moorish general of the Venetian army who, because of the cultural and historical background of the play’s setting, the playwright, and the original intended audience, Othello is portrayed as both well-respected for his military prowess and disparaged for his race. Similarly, because of stereotypes, women in today’s American society are both seen as being kind-hearted and sympathetic and also denigrated for being emotional and illogical. Othello is painted as an honorable man for his military leadership. He was referred to as “an honorable murderer” when he was the general in Venetian defense forces. He was a man who was courageous, intelligent, had commanding skills, and was respected by his troops. Also, when Cyprus was threatened, the Duke turned to the “Valiant” Othello to lead the defense because they believed he was the right person for the job. In addition, Montano explained how he had served Othello before and said “the man commands like a full soldier.” It is hard to believe that the same man who everyone respected for his military prowess was also a man who was discriminated for his race. Roderigo and Iago refer to Othello as “the Moor” implying that he doesn’t …show more content…
Women who have children, continue studying, or have not gotten married yet are “almost treated as second class citizens. Since people idealize women as emotional as if they can’t be independent, one of the most common questions single women are asked is “oh you’re not married yet? Why not?” Society makes it seem as if a woman’s priority is to get married and have a family because they are so “emotional.” Society also makes women look as if they lack in logic. “We give breath to the motion that women are incapable of logical or coherent thought…” This goes to show that society makes women look as if they are unreasonable and their thoughts should be