Othello and its social hierarchy, contrary to today's day and age, required it to be upheld by men. If written any other way, the plot would not have made any sense in correlation to the social, economic, and political values of seventeenth century Venice. Gender roles were simple. Men were the military and political leaders of their home and land and were, also, expected to remain loyal to their strong sense of masculinity by displaying it every now and then. Women, on the other hand, were thought of like faulty males, not head strong and independent, but weak and subservient. The strangely alluring thing about Othello is Shakespeare’s upheaval of these expectations, demonstrating his unease over the way gender relationships were so often displayed in his stimuli. The resolve of Othello's female characters showed their ability to do much more than just serve.

From the way the play begins, women seem like nothing more than affectionate wives and pawns in Iago’s evil game. Emilia claims,

“I do nothing, but to please his fantasy,” (2.1.157) …show more content…
This line is uncharacteristically submissive compared to the Emilia that appears later on, but it shows how much praise she dedicates to her husband who seems to care nothing for her. She does not trust Iago; she tried to take the serviette back when Iago could not divulge into why he wanted it. Of course, he overpowers his wife and demands that she go away, which she does, leaving Iago and satisfaction as his plan is seemingly coming to fruition. However, his wife comprehends him more than he gives her credit for, and he will have to answer to her by the end of this