Desdemona
Desdemona, the daughter of the well-regarded Brabantio in Venice, belongs to the Venetian upper class. She elopes with Othello and follows him to Cyprus. After Cassio's fall from grace, she advocates for his reinstatement, which leads her husband to believe Iago's false claims of her infidelity. Tragically, Othello ends up murdering her.
Desdemona appears to have numerous suitors, but she chooses to marry Othello, a decision that deeply disturbs Brabantio, Iago, and Roderigo. She affirms before the Venetian senate that Othello's account of their mutual attraction is accurate. Othello recounts how he was invited to Brabantio's home to narrate his adventures in distant lands. Desdemona, often interrupted by errands for her father and his guests, couldn't hear the entire tale. However, her curiosity led her to hear the complete story from Othello on another occasion. Othello tells the duke and senators, "She lov'd me for the dangers I had pass'd, / And I lov'd her that she did pity them" (I.iii.167-168). Despite her father’s and Iago’s doubts, Desdemona genuinely loves Othello and remains loyal to him until her death, despite his jealous suspicions.
However, some critics argue that Desdemona represents a paradox. After Othello accuses her of infidelity, she asks Emilia, "Wouldst thou do such a deed for all the world?" (IV.iii.63). Emilia pragmatically replies that while she wouldn't be unfaithful for a mere trifle, the world is a significant place. Desdemona's question highlights her innocence, yet her past actions show she is capable of some deception: she secretly marries a man her father disapproves of. She explains to Brabantio that she has simply shifted her love and loyalty from father to husband, just as her mother did. While many audiences don't judge Desdemona harshly for this, critics argue that her actions demonstrate a capacity to deceive men. Iago exploits this perceived ability, sealing Desdemona's fate when he tells Othello, "She did deceive her father, marrying you; / And when she seem'd to shake and fear your looks, / She loved them most" (III.iii.206-208).
As Othello contemplates killing Desdemona, he echoes Iago's words, "Yet she must die, else she'll betray more men" (V.ii.6). For Iago and Othello, Desdemona can only be entirely pure when she can no longer feel desire, and when men no longer fear that her desire will betray them—in death.
Some critics have likened Desdemona to a Christlike figure. Much like Christ's unconditional love for humanity, Desdemona's affection for Othello is given freely and doesn't require rational justification. Othello's tragic flaw is his inability to simply accept Desdemona's love; instead, he seeks reasons to deem himself unworthy of her. He succumbs to Iago's insinuations that someone so different in "clime, complexion, and degree" (III.iii.230) could not genuinely love him. After Othello kills Desdemona, Emilia asks who is responsible. Desdemona briefly revives and says, "Nobody; I myself. Farewell! / Commend me to my kind lord" (V.ii.125-126), mirroring the selflessness and forgiveness of Christ's last words on the cross.
Traditionally, Desdemona has been portrayed as the embodiment of "good" in stark contrast to Iago's "evil." Often overshadowed by the commanding and enigmatic personas of Othello and Iago, Desdemona has frequently been viewed as a straightforward character: either an idealized goddess or a passive, underdeveloped figure. However, recent critiques have unveiled a more complex depiction of Desdemona as a vibrant, courageous, and sensual woman. Notably, it is Desdemona, not Othello, who initiates their romance and courtship. She also demonstrates significant boldness and independence by marrying Othello despite her father's disapproval. Yet, she pays a steep price for her autonomy: estranged from her familiar Venetian environment, she becomes reliant on Othello; and when his love turns to violence, she finds herself alone and defenseless.
Expert Q&A
Who is considered innocent in Othello, and how is Desdemona specifically portrayed as innocent?
In Othello, Desdemona is portrayed as innocent because she did not commit adultery, despite being accused by Othello. Her innocence is highlighted by her genuine intentions to help others and her loyalty to Othello, even lying on her deathbed to protect him. While her elopement with Othello might be seen as wrongdoing, it does not equate to infidelity. Cassio is also considered innocent, and Othello is portrayed as misled by Iago's deceit.
Why does Desdemona insist on Cassio getting his job back?
Desdemona insists on Cassio getting his job back because she values his friendship and loyalty to both her and Othello, and he played a key role in their marriage. Cassio's appeal to Desdemona is also influenced by Iago, who manipulates the situation to frame Desdemona and Cassio in an "affair." Desdemona's persistence is driven by her belief in Cassio's worthiness and her desire to help him, despite Othello's reluctance.
Is Brabantio's comment a fair assessment of Desdemona in Othello?
Brabantio's comment on Desdemona is not entirely fair. As Desdemona's father, he feels wronged and shamed by her marriage to Othello, which he disapproves of, believing his status should prevent it. His words serve as a warning and foreshadowing, reflecting a generational gap. However, Desdemona does not deceive Othello; his doubts are fueled by Iago's manipulation. Brabantio's warning becomes a self-fulfilling prophecy, affecting Othello's perception.
How would you describe Desdemona and Othello's love using simile, metaphor, and personification?
Desdemona and Othello's love is depicted through various literary devices. Othello metaphorically describes their love as mutual growth and sustenance. He also personifies Desdemona's pity for his dangers. Desdemona uses personification to describe her heart's calmness as part of Othello, and a metaphor of a "moth of peace" to show her uselessness without him. Othello compares their reunion to calm after a storm, while Desdemona hopes their love will grow with time.
In Othello, why does Desdemona plead for Cassio? Does she have information Othello doesn't?
How does Desdemona's dialogue with Othello portray her as a passive character?
Desdemona's dialogue with Othello portrays her as passive by showing her unwavering loyalty and acceptance of his actions, despite his abuse and false accusations. Initially assertive, she defies societal norms by marrying Othello. However, her failure to challenge his suspicions and her ultimate submission, even blaming herself for her demise, depict her as passive. Her transformation from confident to submissive highlights her tragic loyalty, resembling a victim of Stockholm Syndrome.
Is Desdemona responsible for her own death in Othello?
In Othello, Desdemona is somewhat responsible for her death because she naively allows Iago to use her as a pawn and makes her situation worse by constantly appealing on Cassio's behalf. She also misplaces her handkerchief and refrains from having a discussion about Othello's change of heart. One could argue that Desdemona's naive, passive personality leads to her tragic death.
Does Desdemona display autonomy and courage or is she merely a passive victim of Othello's brutality?
Desdemona displays both autonomy and courage, as well as moments of passivity. Initially, she defies societal norms by eloping with Othello, demonstrating independence and love. Throughout the play, she shows courage by trying to defend her innocence and protect Othello, even when faced with violence. However, she also conforms to societal expectations of women, becoming more passive, especially during her death, where she does not fight back against Othello's brutality.
How does Desdemona's deceit towards her father in Othello reflect her personality?
Desdemona's decision to elope with Othello without her father's permission reflects her cleverness and understanding of societal constraints. Aware that her father, Brabantio, would oppose their union due to racial, age, and social differences, she adopts a "act now, ask later" strategy. This action demonstrates her boldness and strategic thinking. However, after marrying Othello, Desdemona's assertiveness fades, highlighting Shakespeare's commentary on how marriage can render strong women powerless.
How does Desdemona show her independence in Othello?
Desdemona shows her independence in "Othello" by defying societal norms and her father's expectations to marry Othello, a Moor, whom she loves for his mind rather than appearance. Her elopement and her assertive yet respectful defense of her choice before the Duke demonstrate her strong will. Desdemona's willingness to sacrifice familial comfort for love and her genuine happiness in her marriage, despite its challenges, highlight her unconventional and independent nature.
Why doesn't Desdemona ever stand up to Othello?
Desdemona never stands up to Othello due to her unwavering loyalty and love for him, which reflects her static character. Despite his unfounded jealousy and anger, she remains faithful and selfless, even unto death. Her behavior is also influenced by societal norms of her time, where women were expected to respect their husbands. Her dying words further demonstrate her devotion, as she attempts to clear both her and Othello's names.
How does Othello represent feminism through Desdemona?
Desdemona in Othello can be seen as a feminist figure by her defiance of societal norms, choosing to marry Othello against her father's wishes, thus asserting her autonomy. However, her ultimate submission to Othello highlights the limitations of her independence, reflecting the era's gender dynamics. While she initially challenges traditional roles, her eventual subservience underscores the play's complex portrayal of women's roles, aligning more with historical norms than modern feminist ideals.
How is Desdemona portrayed in Othello?
Desdemona is portrayed as a multifaceted character in Othello. Initially described by Iago and Roderigo as reckless and deceitful, she is later revealed to be gentle, intelligent, and strong-minded. She defies societal norms by marrying Othello and demonstrates independence, wit, and a sense of justice. Despite her naivety about infidelity, she remains devoted to Othello and upholds her principles, even forgiving him as she dies, embodying a tragic yet heroic figure.
Desdemona's Reasons for Marrying Othello
Desdemona marries Othello out of genuine affection and admiration for his character and adventurous past, contrary to accusations of witchcraft by her father, Brabantio. She is captivated by Othello's war stories and the qualities they reveal, viewing him as a heroic figure. Their marriage also challenges Venetian societal norms due to racial and age differences. Othello, an outsider in Venetian society, is drawn to Desdemona's empathy and beauty, but his insecurities make him vulnerable to manipulation by Iago.
Desdemona's Role and Character in Othello
Desdemona in Othello is a complex character whose innocence, loyalty, and naivety contribute to the tragedy. Her honesty and love for Othello make her an easy target for Iago's manipulations. Her misplaced trust in Othello and her unwitting role in losing the handkerchief deepen Othello's jealousy, leading to her demise. Despite her strengths, such as independence and defiance of societal norms, her submissiveness and inability to perceive deceit contribute to her tragic end.
Desdemona's fidelity to Othello
Desdemona remains faithful to Othello throughout the play. Despite Othello's growing jealousy and the manipulations of Iago, Desdemona's loyalty and love for Othello never waver. She consistently defends her actions and intentions, maintaining her innocence until her tragic death.
Desdemona and Othello's reactions to the accusations
Othello reacts to the accusations with intense jealousy and anger, leading him to irrational actions. Desdemona, on the other hand, is confused and heartbroken, maintaining her innocence and remaining loyal to Othello despite his harsh treatment. Their contrasting reactions highlight the tragic miscommunication and manipulation that drive the plot of Othello.
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