In the early 17th century, women behaved differently than women in today's times. Every person would react differently because of their gender and culture to Desdemona's faithfulness to Othello compared to the attitude and culture of a 20th century woman. Also, different people will see Desdemona as a dramatic figure, a sharp contrast to Othello and how Desdemona relates to the play's dramatic themes.
             In the early 17th century, women didn't behave like modern women today. In the past, women were supposed to act like dolls. Their loyalty belonged first to their fathers and then to their husbands. They had to be quiet and not speak of their husband's business, they were used by men, and they were to manipulate others to bring power unto themselves. The way Desdemona acts in the play might shock women from our time. Desdemona suffers different types of abuses. For example, Othello slaps her and repeatedly calls her a whore. After all the abuses, she still stayed with Othello. On the other hand, a woman from the 20th century would file charges. They would be based on the broken laws under the category of physical and verbal assault. A 17th century woman would rather suffer silently while a modern woman would speak out. Through all of this, a reader would react to Desdemona with disbelief, shock and anger.
             A reader's gender and culture will affect their understanding of the character Desdemona from the play 'Othello'. For example, an Arabian woman would understand because their actions are closely related to Desdemona's. They must remain silent and loyal to their husband, in other words they are like shadows. The only difference is that Desdemona may speak out at certain times. On the other hand, an Arabian man would not understand because he is like the males in 'Othello', exercising dominance. Desdemona reflects early 17th century attitudes to woman and ma...