"Proper" Men and "Fallen" Women: The Unprotectedness of Wives
in Othello by Ruth Vanita

In her literary criticism, "Proper" Men and "Fallen" Women: The Unprotectedness of Wives in Othello, Ruth Vanita explores the gender dynamics within the play, focusing on the treatment of women like Desdemona and their vulnerability in a patriarchal society. Vanita argues that the play reveals the extreme fragility of women’s position in Elizabethan society, where societal norms place them at the mercy of male figures. The critique specifically examines how Desdemona, as the ideal "proper" wife, is ultimately treated as a “fallen” woman due to Othello’s jealousy, illustrating the role gender and societal expectations play in her tragic fate. "In Othello, women are treated as mere symbols of male honor, and their unprotectedness arises from their dependence on men for both social and personal identity. This dependency makes them especially vulnerable to the insecurities and manipulations of the men in their lives." (342)

Comparison to Star Wars Revenge of the Sith

Both William Shakespeare's Othello and George Lucas's Star Wars: Episode III – Revenge of the Sith explore themes of jealousy, manipulation, and the tragic consequences of insecurities related to race, gender, and social status. These narratives delve into how personal vulnerabilities can lead individuals to adopt false identities, resulting in alienation and the erosion of their true selves.

Parallels Between Othello and Anakin Skywalker:

Othello - Iago, driven by envy and ambition, manipulates Othello into believing his wife, Desdemona, is unfaithful. This deception preys on Othello's insecurities about his race and status, leading him to question his worthiness and Desdemona's loyalty.​ Consumed by jealousy and manipulated into a false reality, Othello murders Desdemona, only to realize too late that she was innocent. His actions led to his downfall and death

Anakin Skywalker - Chancellor Palpatine (Darth Sidious) exploits Anakin Skywalker's fears of losing his loved ones and his perceived inadequacies within the Jedi Order. Palpatine's subtle insinuations cast doubt about Padme's fidelity and the Jedi's intentions, mirroring Iago's tactics. Anakin's transformation into Darth Vader results in the death of Padme and his moral corruption. His inability to reconcile his fears and insecurities with his identity leads to the destruction of his former self and the alienation from those he once held dear.​