Cassio's view and treatment of women, while misogynistic, are typical of his era. He respects Desdemona but dismisses Bianca as a mere prostitute, not considering her a serious partner. In contrast, Iago harbors a deep-seated hatred towards all women, viewing them as deceitful and unfaithful. Iago's cruelty extends to manipulating Desdemona and mistreating his wife, Emilia, reflecting his overall misanthropy.

In Othello, the ideal relationship between men and women is initially based on trust and marital fidelity, as seen in Othello's unwavering trust in Desdemona. However, Iago's manipulations lead to the unraveling of this ideal, resulting in suspicion and betrayal. By the play's end, the relationships are tainted by doubt and mistrust, highlighting the fragility of the idealized bond.

In Shakespeare's time, Iago would have been considered crazy and a liar by the audience.

Bianca's survival in Othello is ironic because, despite being a courtesan, she outlives the "respectable" women, Desdemona and Emilia, who are murdered by their husbands. This twist highlights a social commentary on the unpredictability of fate and the misconception that high social status ensures happiness and safety. Bianca, considered "unclean" and shunned by society, emerges as the sole surviving major female character, challenging societal norms and expectations.

Emilia displays courage in the final scene by accusing Othello of lying and standing up to her husband Iago, despite the risks of challenging men of higher social standing. Her bravery is evident as she defends Desdemona, calling out Iago's deceit. Desdemona shows courage by defying her father's wishes to marry Othello and pleading for her innocence in the face of death, maintaining her integrity even when facing fatal consequences.

In Othello and The Duchess of Malfi, the female characters are objectified. Their status as "unquiet women" or wanton women is what leads to their demise at the hands of their husbands. They are not only punished for being unquiet or wanton but for being seen as such. The Duke says that his wife was "a devil, if ever Satan / Was hallowed in a woman," (lines 29-30) and yet he killed her because of it, not in spite of it. In Othello and My Last Duchess, the male characters use a proxy for their wives'

In Shakespeare's works, Emilia's independence and rebellion contrast with Desdemona's submissiveness and naivety. Emilia, older and more experienced, understands men's complexities and expresses realistic views on marriage and jealousy. Her pragmatic wisdom contrasts with Desdemona's idealistic innocence. This difference highlights two levels of femininity: Emilia's grounded realism versus Desdemona's privileged naivety, reflecting their social standings and marital experiences. Despite her insight, Emilia's actions inadvertently lead to tragedy.

Desdemona's divided duty between her father and Othello significantly impacts her relationship with Othello, as it introduces doubts and jealousy. Initially, she defies her father to marry Othello, asserting her independence. However, her father's warning that she may deceive Othello too haunts him, leading to mistrust. Othello's perception of Desdemona as a status symbol rather than a true partner further strains their relationship, ultimately contributing to its tragic end.

An example of Desdemona being abused is Othello killing her because he wrongly believes she has cheated on him. An example of Emilia being abused is Iago bullying her into giving him Desdemona's handkerchief. Iago does not care that it will greatly hurt Emilia to unknowingly be part of a deceptive plot to harm her friend and mistress.

Othello, Middlemarch, and Wuthering Heights are all works that revolve around themes of sexual jealousy in cultures with double standards.