How is the patriarchal society affecting the females’ self-consciousness and opposition? William Shakespeare’s play Othello uses vivid images of women to portray the rigid gender roles of the time and show different degrees of self-awareness. It can be used to show how women react to patriarchal tradition and the bonding it causes. Emilia and Desdemona have very different reactions, being submissive or resistant. It is clear that Emilia and Desdemona have very different views on the androcentric society with which they grew up. Their attitudes towards marital infidelity is also completely different. Finally, their views on marital infidelity are completely different.
First, Emilia is more open to the idea that women are objectified than Desdemona. This is the result of their distinct levels of female consciousness. Desdemona considers herself to be part of steadfast belief and is therefore voluntarily restricted by the social system. Desdemona fulfilled her obligation to her father. Desdemona now regards her father, which is consistent with her beliefs about women being subordinated to their men. As a patriarchal product, she accepts being burdened by a patriarchal system that recognizes that women as property of men must obey men. Emilia is Desdemona’s foil. She questions patriarchy’s objectification and criticizes the gender inequalities of that era. Emilia’s harsh criticisms are evident when she is accusing a society men-dominated. 4. 3. 95). Desdemona clearly thinks differently to Emilia. She complains that women should be treated equally by men on the basis human rights and that they should be considered as humans with thoughts, emotions and thoughts, not objects. Desdemona accepts that women are subject to men’s wills, while Emilia seeks to change it. This is a reflection of their differing opinions on the topic of female adultery. Desdemona believes that women must unconditionally support their husbands regardless of the unforgivable offenses they have committed. Desdemona then asks Emilia about possible cheating spouses. Desdemona is unable to comprehend the idea that women could have affairs. She believes that women cannot commit adultery under any circumstances. Desdemona’s inability to comprehend Emilia’s mature nature makes her doubtful. She claims that female infidelity can be understood. Emilia says that women’s unfaithfulness may be a way to retaliate for male infidelity. 4. 3. 105). Emilia seems to blame male oppression for female infidelity. However, Emilia also suggests that women are held accountable for having sex with men. The society doesn’t condemn women for being infidelity, but it ignores the real reason, which is their husbands’ persecution of women. Desdemona believed that women should always obey their husbands, but Emilia believes that Emilia is more conscious of the infidelity of her wives. Desdemona’s unconditional obedience contrasts sharply with Emilia’s rebelliousness when she has to choose between being exposed by their husbands or being subordinated to them. Desdemona takes credit of her death and denounces Othello’s killing crimes. This is illustrated when Desdemona addresses Emilia to Desdemona about Desdemona’s murderer. She replies, “Nobody; me.” Farewell”. Desdemona, despite Othello’s unfounded jealousy killing her, remains loyal to Othello. She defends Othello’s reputation on her deathbed. Emilia however dares Iago to expose Iago’s plotting. Emilia, overcome by fear from Iago’s threats, is declaring in front of others that she will be speaking as liberally as the North. Emilia is so outspoken about her criticisms of Iago that she discovers that Lgao indirectly executed Desdemona. Desdemona and Emilia react differently to each other’s offenses. This means that Emilia hides the truth while Desdemona conceals it. It also shows their differing loyalty to their patriarchal ideologies or their husbands. Desdemona passive and Emilia defiant foil one another in patriarchal society. The former tends to compromise, while Emilia rebels against oppressors. You can see it in their differing reactions to gender inequality, female infidelity, obedience to husbands. Their unjust deaths show that power oppression is not a match. The tragic consequences for women, regardless of their obedience or rebellion, are certain.