Studying Gendered Performances and Intersectional Oppression in William Shakespeare’s Othello: A Study under Feminist-Intersectional Reappraisal

Abstract

The current study is based hermeneutical approach, integrating the concepts of gender performativity, hegemonic masculinity and rank-based intersectionality, to explore gender discrimination in William Shakespeare’s Othello (c. 1603). This study highlights how the female characters of Desdemona, Emilia and Bianca are forced into enacting socially prescribed femininities that ultimately serve patriarchal interests, while male characters (Othello, Iago, Brabantio, Cassio) use possessive and stereotyping discourses to keep themselves on top. The study is based on the framework of Butler’s (1990) idea of gender performativity, Connell’s (2005) hegemonic masculinity theory and Dusinberre’s (1975) historical feminist theory. The analysis shows that some limitations on the agency of the female are repeated as a result of the interaction between gender and class/rank, and in Desdemona’s case, there is interplay between gender and racialized marital status. The differential impacts of these intersecting axes are further amplified by Emilia’s verbal resistance and Bianca’s marginalization. The study also found that Shakespeare’s tragedy speaks to both the early-modern patriarchy and is an abiding criticism of gendered powers that continue to resonate in current discussions of ‘toxic masculinity’ and ‘intersectional justice.’ The findings help in understanding of advance the reorientation of Othello to the field of Shakespeare studies and the studies in intersections.