Is Othello A Misogynistic Play

Question 1

Men in the play - misogynistic

Answer 1

Men’s ready impulse to stereotype women is one reason for the grave misunderstanding and tragedy in the play.

The characterisation of women in Othello is often coloured or distorted by the men’s narratives.

Question 2

Desdemona - misogyny

Answer 2

Desdemona is assumed to be a goddess

When she reveals herself to be human she is punished for somehow misleading the men who were wrong about her in the first place because they put her on this impossible pedestal.

Question 3

Emilia - misogyny

Answer 3

Assumed to be a dumb compliant hag but when she reveals her assertive nature when she stands up to her husbands villainy she is murdered for being a disobedient wife.