William Shakespeare's "Othello," illustrates the Venetian society's gender and class hierarchies in seventeenth century renaissance Italy. ... The theme of transgression, at both sexual and social levels, forms the basis of examination of gender and becomes the embryo of Iago's "monstrous birth"[1.3.403]. ... The theme of adultery, which drives the plot progression to tragedy, is expanded upon by the role of Othello's handkerchief. Besides being Iago's manipulative tool, the handkerchief introduces the themes of marriage, fidelity and purity of the woman. ... The use o...

• Word Count: 1464
• Approx Pages: 6
• Grade Level: Undergraduate