Shakespeare's Othello presents several resistant readings, including feminist and post-colonial readings. These alternative readings are also apparent in Norman Gunston's representation of Othello and a dominant reading is evident in Orson Welles" version. These resistant interpretations of Othello not only highlight their existence within Elizabethan society, but also their relevance in a contemporary context, by their gender inequalities and racial prejudice. .
Othello as a dominant interpretation looks at the adverse actions of the Moor, Othello, caused by manipulation from Iago, who is able to act upon Othello's jealous and gullible flaws. In Welles" Othello, the monochromatic nature of the film highlights the racial prejudice existing in society. Although Welles" film presents a resistant reading of the text, the black and white contrast depicts to some extent, the "binary oppositions" that are evident in the play. .
Feminist criticism is the way that gender assumptions, especially about women, operate in Othello. It is an important factor to consider when relating to how women are portrayed and their status within a patriarchal society. The play consists of three significant women, Desdemona, Emilia and Bianca, who each play quite a different role but their subsequent downfalls can be seen as signifying the restrictions that a patriarchal society oppresses on them. .
Desdemona is a young Venetian woman, who initially is loyal to her father, Brabantio. However, once she marries Othello, she becomes devoted to him. The quote, "I do perceive here a devoted duty so much I challenge that I may profess due to the Moor my lord", eloquently portrays her profound submissive love for the Moor. Desdemona's sexuality is independent of the restrictions of a patriarchal society and in choosing her love for herself and defying her father, she broke an accepted order. This kind of independence in a woman was frowned upon in Venetian society.
