Iago and Women

Othello by William Shakespeare

So not only is Iago slightly racist, but extremely sexist. He is beginning to form into what one could relate as the typical narrow-minded American redneck. However, Iago is way too clever to fall into such a faction. He talks to Desdemona and his wife, Emilia, about his thoughts on women. One can understand how much of a sexist pig he is just from hearing him harp on his poor wife. She, a woman who has spoken a total of maybe three lines, is accused and mocked by Iago for being a horrible nag that lets him hear it whenever she can. He attests to women's deceptive nature. He explains how maybe outside in public these women may put on little fronts. However, in doors, they are unbearably loud and nagging. Desdemona, who is listening to Iago rant over all of this is in disbelief, and is shocked even more when he tells her his idea of the perfect woman. He explains their sole purpose, "To suckle fools and chronicle small beer" (Act 2 Scene 1 Line 160). Iago is clearly untrusting of women, which must have a big part to play in his belief that his wife committed adultery.