pancake paper- othello

Othello-Pancake Paper




Did women even serve as a higher purpose other than to reproduce? Why would they go through the entire marriage process? To be holy in the eyes of God? In the play Othello women do not seem to have any type of position or rank at all above wife (take care of your husbands), mother (take care of children), or maid (take care of house). They are often treated as though they are disposable and unimportant. They are second-hand to their husbands and can be treated any way possible.

The “sweet Cassio” often uses Bianca for his own sick pleasures and more, in addition to laughing behind her back at the thought of marriage. He won’t even simply say “I don’t love you,” he instead states “Not that I love you not.” (4.1.196). She obviously understands that he doesn’t love her(4.1.197) but she still tries to give him what he wants and offering herself and her home. She is blinded by her love for him.

Cassio laughs at Bianca when Iago asks does he intend to marry her. This is when Othello is hiding and he believes that Cassio is speaking of Desdemona and laughing about marrying her (4.1.16-18). Cassio calls marrying Bianca “unwholesome” (4.1.120-122). Then Bianca comes and asks for an explanation about the handkerchief left in Cassio’s chambers and when he “explains” she lets it go and offers dinner afterwards, thus further proving my point about how women are used and are submissive at this time (4.1.147-158). Since he left the handkerchief in his room with her you also find out that he sleeps with her when its convienent.

Iago is often rude to his wife Emilia by belittling women. Besides he makes Emilia do things unknowingly so that he can continues with his plans. When Emilia says “I have a thing for you” (which is the handkerchief that Othello gave Desdemona) Iago calls it “common” then says “to have a foolish wife”. (3.3.306-310) when he realizes what she has for him he quickly snatches it and says “good wench” (3.3.332) instead of “thank you my beloved wife”. Not that a villain like Iago would express such things, then again he’s a two-faced man.

Emilia was one of the many people deceived by her husband Iago and was used in his plan to take down Othello. He got her to steal (3.3.311-313) a token of love and explain the significance just by pretending that it had some use to him. When Emilia realized exactly what his was plan was she quickly and deliberately told everyone that was present at the time (5.2.176-178). He told her to “charm her tongue” (like a good wench should) but she refused (5.2.179-181). The he finally killed her after a few attempts. She betrayed him and was no longer any use to him with her life.

When you’re married you’re supposed to have some solid level of trust in the relationship. Even if you don’t at least “talk” about it before you foolishly take action. But obviously in these times that was always the case. Women weren’t really thought of as people or adults but as things or even children. Even the most loved wives were treated as such. Othello was tricked into believing his wife cheated on him. Iago constantly tells Othello that Desdemona is being unfaithful with Cassio.

Because of some previous words from Desdemona’s father Othello was easily deceived into thinking that his beloved wife would do such things to him. So in the end even when he was asking her vague questions and she tried to explain herself it was not enough. (5.2.68-70). in the e Desdemona was killed by the one she loved and was faithful to (5.2.83). She also took the blame for her own death right when she actually dies (5.2.123-124). An unbelievable tragedy formed by different types of love and multiple forms of jealousy, and multiple misunderstandings.


Women were treated as toys. You could play with them and love them but when they either were no longer good to you or worn out they were disposed of. Thus making me believe that they were used for reproduction and play things.