Othello's Time Period: Men vs. Women

Act II of William Shakespeare’s Othello introduces the reader to the drastically different roles of men and women in marriage. The two couples mentioned are Iago and Emilia and Othello and Desdemona, and while Othello treats Desdemona much better than Iago treats Emilia, they are still not shown much respect. Othello complains constantly about his wife, especially how she talks too much. During this time, it was expected of wives to take care of the household, have children, and keep quiet. Apparently, Emilia talks to Iago, which upsets him. While complaining to Cassio about her, Iago states, “would she give you so much of her lips as of her tongue she oft bestows on me, you’d have enough,” (Shakespeare, 1385). Iago just wanted a wife who would do as told and keep to herself, and Emilia’s talking does not satisfy that wish of his. Furthermore, Emilia understands that Iago thinks nothing of her. When asked whether he could say something kind or good about her, Iago claims that he could not. Desdemona is even affected by Iago’s disrespect for women when he claims that he will not say anything about her because he is too critical. Iago then goes into a description of all different types of women and how he would treat them, and Iago is still critical and obtuse. Through Iago’s treatment of both his wife and Desdemona, Shakespeare effectively portrays the disrespect shown towards women during the time period of his play.