Lady Mary Wortley Montagus Turkish Embassy Letters And...

The topic of gender is a pervasive concept that has affected people and interpersonal relationships for all of history. Currently a hot topic among media and current events, the issue of gender roles was just as relevant in previous years. Over the years and throughout various cultures, the concept of gender and the roles associated with genders have changed dramatically. Now as well as in previous years people have struggled to defy the constraints placed on them due to gender norms. Sometimes, gender is viewed in a positive light and is wholly embraced. Other times, one’s gender is used as against them, shackling a person with stereotypes. The ways in which women are depicted in Lady Mary Wortley Montagu’s Turkish Embassy Letters and in†¦show more content†¦Even Fatima’s maids were described to be beautiful. Lady Montagu was impressed by their beautiful belly dancing. Lady Montagu describes Fatima’s generosity, explaining how Fatima insisted she and her interpreter take fine embroidered scarves(Montagu 165). It is clear through her descriptions that Lady Montagu is enamored by the Turkish women. Perhaps, it is because she herself is a woman and has gained valuable insight into the lives of the Turkish women. It could be said that Lady Montagu favorable descriptions of the beauty of Turkish women is similar to that of the praises of Desdemona is Othello. In Othello, however, it is not a proud and glorious thing to be a woman. Shakespeare’s Othello illustrates the tragic relationship of Desdemona, a tragedy brought on by her gender. Throughout the play, it is made clear that Desdemona’s own wants do not matter. As a woman, he opinion holds no weight. In this society, Desdemona is not more than a piece of property to be own by her father or her husband; males truly hold the power. Initially, the play begins as Desdemona’s father is alerted that she is not in her room. He is informed that she is away with her husband. Desdemona’s father, upon discovering she is truly absent, goes into a panic. He expressed his disappointment that his own daughter would betray him by getting married and leaving without his knowledge. Brabantio, Desdemona’s father, expresses his disdain in her choice of husband. He is