In Othello, William Shakespeare illustrates the role
of women through three different female characters. Shakespeare’s characterization of Bianca,
Desdemona, and Emilia show that womanhood is complex and femininity can mean many
different things.
Bianca’s character is, on the whole, pretty
one-dimensional. She is Cassio’s jealous
lover and is referred to as a prostitute on more than one occasion. Iago uses this information about Bianca to
get his way, explaining, “Now will I question Cassio of Bianca, / A huswife
that by selling her desires / Buys herself bread and clothes. It is a creature
/ That dotes on Cassio.” (IV.i.) Bianca
represents women who are ruled by their desires. She desires clothes and food, so she sells
her body, and her desire for Cassio causes her to act jealously. She is a woman with needs and is ruled by her
emotions.
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