It is the very error of the moon;
She comes more nearer earth than she was wont,
And makes men mad.
– William Shakespeare
Othello, Act 5, Scene 2. A self-justifying Othello deflects responsibility from himself for Desdemona’s murder by blaming it on madness caused by the full moon. The moon is personified as feminine and is seen here as symbolizing women. Their changing minds and seductive ways as they orbit around a man with their beautiful white light can drive him to a dark insanity. This is in keeping with the patriarchal idea of men being the center of power with women and their lives revolving around them.