Women as Victims in Othello
Othello is a play that only contains three female characters. Their roles vary and it would be
an exaggeration to categorize them all as victims. However, there are similarities between the
three women. [1]
The least involved woman in Othello is Bianca[2]. Her relationship with Cassio does not
appear to be full of commitment.
"What keep a week away? Seven days and nights?"
It could be argued that Cassio used Bianca somewhat.[3] The manner in which he asks for a
favor creates an impression that he is experienced at sweet-talking her.
"Sweet Bianca, take me this work out"
The way that Cassio initially addresses Bianca is rather sycophantic, especially as the task is
so menial.
Therefore, the role of Bianca and her relationship with Cassio is poor. It appears that he uses
her and shows little affection, only when he wants something.[4]
Emilia's role is more complex in Othello. Iago likes to dominate Emilia and in many respects
uses her quite badly. However, she also proves that she can be strong and show control.[5]
Halfway through Act 3 Scene 3 Emilia and Iago have their first moment alone together. Iago
doesn't use any romantic setting for his wife.
"now now what do you here alone?"
This lack of affection, straight to the point attitude continues throughout their conversation.
"A good wench, give it to me."
Throughout their conversation Iago's attitude towards Emilia has no respect. He doesn't talk
to her like a husband but more like an employer.
Emilia may be typecast as a victim early in the play but she shows real strength at the closing
stages of the play. Despite the dominance that Iago has over her she manages to undermine
his position and bring about his eventual downfall. Her strength can be clearly seen in her
lines
"She give it Cassio! No alas, I found it and I did give't my husband."
Her strength and determination to punish Iago leads to her death though in this respect she
may be seen as a victim. In her only moment of strength she was struck down. Iago's
language towards Emilia gives an impression that she may be a victim.
"Villainous whore!" and "good wench"
He rarely complements her.
Desdemona enjoys a much more loving relationship with her husband. Othello even says he
is dependant on her.
"perdition catch my soul
but I do love thee: and when I love thee not chaos is come again."
The depth of their love, it could be argued makes her the ultimate victim. Her innocence also
makes her a great victim. She is the victim of a man wrapped in jealousy. [6] Othello even
says that he loved her too much.
"of one that loved not wisely but too well;"
Desdemona, however might not regard herself as a victim. Her love is so strong that she is
willing to forgive Othello after he has killed her.
"Nobody; I myself, farewell"
It may well be that she accepts the strength of Othello's love as an explanation for her death.
The murder of Desdemona may make her a victim, but she doesn't regard herself as one.
Therefore, Bianca's small roll classes her as a victim and definitely someone used and
abused by Cassio.
Emilia's strength may make her less of a victim, but the deceitful nature of Iago condemns her
to a victim status. Desdemona, though the most obvious victim, is less of a victim because of
the love showed to her from her Othello.[7]
Comments
1. This paragraph does respond to the question, but in a rather flat way. What do you think of
the female characters? This paragraph doesn't tell us.
2. One very clear suggestion is never to start with the least important character, in this case
Bianca. Don't keep the star for last.
3. Examiners are never impressed with this sort of writing.
4. The point here needs to be precise. Is Bianca a victim? If so, of what? More textual
reference would help.
5. This is never really developed until the end of this section. Emilia is an interesting
character and certainly much more than a doormat - look at Act 4, Scene 3. What impression
- if any -do we get of her married life?
6. These are good points. I especially liked the idea developed later on that Desdemona
certainly didn't see herself as a victim.
7. The conclusion is weak although there is certainly an attempt to bring the argument to
some ending. It's rather too glib - the best scripts understand that complex texts create
difficulty and ambiguity, which needs to be recognized by students.
FINAL COMMENT
This is a controversial title, and needed a sharply argued response. With such a title you
need to place the key word - victim - in the generic context of tragedy and also be fully aware
of the text as drama. Overall, the essay contained some excellent points but needed a
clearer focus and argument.