desdemona as a strong character

Retrieved from https://graduateway.com/is-desdemona-a-figure-of-weakness-or-strength/, This is just a sample. character. The fact Desdemona has been disrespected her father, Iago and her husband does reflect the common attitudes in the Elizabethan period.From a contemporary point of view, her mistreatment could seen as a weakness in today’s society, Desdemona would get a lot of today’s people trampling over her. She, Othello insults and strikes Desdemona in public and Desdemona being horrified by these actions says that “I have not deserved this” (4.1.241). Othello is about many … Interracial marriages were considered extremely taboo. A strong person would not rest so much on one aspect of their life and using it almost wholly to construct/complete who they are. While she is a completely innocent character she is victimized and is killed by the end of the play by her husband. As a newly-wed wife, she cannot interpret when Othello is agitated because of the lack of understanding she has of men, therefore she does not know when to stop. In this era marriages were arranged by the parents with strong help from the local church. The audience witness an ugly side to Iago when he degrades women and the audience pick up a negative, cynical attitude towards women.He refers women to be “players” and in response Desdemona speaks; “O fie upon thee, slanderer! Unlike Iago’s wife Emilia who has more marital experience and who does know when to walk away. In Greek, Desdemona means ‘the unfortunate’, perhaps reflecting an ideology that she is not meant to be liked, merely pitied for her misfortune as a tragic victim (commonly defined as someone who dies due to the faults of others). You could decide to look at Desdemona’s situation from a Structuralist perspective.Society is following patriarchal norms and values, however Desdemona could be seen as a renaissance character, thus it is society, which conforms her to resists against the Elizabethan society by speaking her mind and becoming an independent wife. By marrying Othello, Desdemona was showing that she was strong enough and educated enough to break the societal confines of passivity for women. Desdemona is one of the central characters in this play and many situations portray her as a strong female character; showing herself as being independent by standing up to the men, obedient to her husband Othello and as well as loyal throughout the whole play. Desdemona has a strong and enduring love for Othello. But on the other side of the coin it can be said that she has been put in the situations, and it is for the audience to assess and witness her reactions. Othello. Desdemona from Othello 1373 Words | 6 Pages. Iago’s plans to bring down Othello involves making him so jealous of Desdemona“to abuse Othello’s ear/That he is too familiar with his wife”. He is a courageous general with several wins on the battlefield to his credit. Her speeches are not as lengthy as those of the men, but with Desdemona, every word counts. Her argument is that by gaining the world, one could judge adultery to be moral, thus undoing the crime. When her husband is deployed to Cyprus in the service of the Republic of Venice, Desdemona accompanies him. This shows us the difference in character between the classical—that is, practical—Emilia and the romantic Desdemona. As we know that it is a domestic tragedy. Women during the times of Chaucer and Shakespeare According to Bradley, "Desdemona is the sweetest and most pathetic of Shakespeare's women. Since the beginning of the play Desdemona is portrayed to be strong and independent. Feminism tends to highlight the oppression of women and their position in a male dominant society. Desdemona does not accept female degrading comments. Women were property and were utterly controlled by men. Once he was proven wrong, he rejected his “jewel. This repulsion is repeated in act three scene three when she disagrees over Cassio’s dismissal as lieutenant, and insists on doing what she wants by nagging Othello to reinstate Cassio who “languishes” in Othello’s “displeasure. A woman who wishes to participate in male affairs in a patriarchal society gets punished, and this is proved in Othello, as Desdemona’s marriage fails and she dies. One reason, that prevents Othello from seeking proof of Desdemona 's so called affair with, hand, he sometimes made women seem vicious, spiteful, or malicious. However, this view is limited as it ultimately fails to explore Desdemona's multiple dramatic functions in Othello, and does not encompass the scope or transformation of her character as the play progresses. “He” is Cassio, and through this question, Othello can see she is eager to invite him for dinner to settle the dispute, which makes him more suspicious. (2017, Oct 30). As Othello’s wife, conventionally Desdemona is apart of Othello’s private life, however she has shown the audience a tendency to poke her nose into the public life of Othello. A devoted, loving wife, she is murdered by her husband in a fit of jealous rage. Boyce 155, Orlin 175). My interpretation of this is Desdemona calls Cassio “lieutenant” because she feels that Othello loves her, thus he will do anything for her. If it's true that Othello believes he's polluted Desdemona and turned her into a filthy "whore," then it would mean that Othello has internalized the racism that he encounters in the play. Throughout the play, Desdemona is a very compliant and submissive wife to Othello. There is truth in what Jardine says, men in a patriarchal society are powerful and can break women, which justifies why Desdemona should not have mixed Othello’s public life and private together. Desdemona insists to Emilia that Othello is not a jealous man. This is noticed when Othello says “O curse of marriage” which is a dramatic statement to say, and it is Desdemona’s interference and her tragic timing which inflicts this feeling upon Othello. In this essay I will assert the argument that Desdemona is a powerful woman who possesses strength and has a significant role in the play. Iago warns Othello about Brabantio’s anger, but Othello is confident in his own strength and in his love for Desdemona…. Desdemona finds Othello to be incorrect in his actions and she expresses her feelings to Othello. Iago starts filtering Othello’s mind, telling him to “think” where one thought can lead into another, which is the intention of Iago’s plot for revenge. Desdemona from Othello: Character Analysis & Overview - Video & … It could be a hidden message to either inspire women of that time or warn men that women will start to interfere with the men’s business and will be sooner or later apart of public affairs.Jardine feels that there is no place for a private woman in a public male society. "You must agree to out terms of services and privacy policy", Don't use plagiarized sources. However Desdemona marrying against her father’s will is contradicting the innocent comments he made about his daughter, also Desdemona’s actions are seen to be disobedient and it is something that is not common in a patriarchal society. Ann-Marie MacDonald plays on this and turns the characters around by making them strong feminist women with feelings but with faults as well. In Act One, Scene Three when we first hear of Desdemona through her The audience can see through her lack of suspicion towards Iago that she is a nai? Furthermore, Desdemona’s character initially displays a sense of independence and agency that is rare amongst other female characters in literature at the time that Othello was written. Desdemona, Othello’s wife, the more traditional female character, believes in putting her husband first and that love is all that matters. In case you can’t find a sample example, our professional writers are ready to help you with writing What Is the Enlightenment? By continuing we’ll assume you’re on board with our cookie policy, The input space is limited by 250 symbols. He has an intense need for control, which seems to be a symptom of his self-doubt--a self-doubt which concerns whether he really "belongs" with Desdemona, and really "belongs" in her world, due to the fact that he is a "Moor" and she is white. Through Iago we learn about his plans to use Desdemona so that his plot to seek revenge against Othello comes in tact. and shortly thereafter Emilia facilitates a meeting between Desdemona and Cassio, and encourages her mistress to advocate on behalf of Cassio. With her character, Shakespeare reminds us of the vulnerability of being saint-like, of being unaware of the filth the world caries within itself. Desdemona is outraged by Iago’s accusations and argues these statements are something a man of lower class and intellect would say. (fathers and husbands), and had no use other than birthing and mothering. 3.4 Othello demands to see the handkerchief. (High Beam). She innocently claims Cassio “truly loves” Othello, and that he is “honest” and carries on her persistent nagging not knowing when to stop. However, the character of Emilia adds depth to the overall story and the themes it conveys through her. A Character Analysis of Othello (Moor of Venice) ‘Othello’, one of the most tragic dramas written by Shakespeare has Othello the Moore as its protagonist. Emilia urges Desdemona to confront Othello, and when she learns of Iago’s treachery, she reveals him, even though it costs her her life (Character). ” and once having heard her explanation; he disowns her for having no obedience for her father within one speech, which justifies the Marxist perspective. Explore an analysis of Desdemona’s character and learn about the significance of her role in the story. Shakespeare puts the characters in this play and relationships under microscope to portray their bad sides. Desdemona is the daughter of Brabantio, a man of some reputation in Venice. -more of a housewife (though Emilia is her attendant) -embodies the Venetian lady/Renaissance wife -loving, loyal, obedient -accompanies Othello to events -loves him out of pity then … The timeline below shows where the character Desdemona appears in Othello. Desdemona has a strong and enduring love for Othello—even though, at … Thus, the character of Desdemona as a truly strong willed and resolute woman, must still take a back seat, which may come across as passive to an unmindful audience. Desdemona Analysis . The other approach is more subtle; the rebellion could just be apart of her personality considering there are repetitions of the rebellion. Desdemona Quotes. She is a good friend and companion to Desdemona. Act 1, scene 1 Desdemona, also known as Dez, is the leader of the Railroad in the Commonwealth in 2287. Desdemona fights back against, Centuries ago in Elizabethan England there were many traditions about marriage and the treatment of women. Therefore, Desdemona is shown as an all-around powerful. Despite the initial rebellious streak of marrying Othello against her fathers will, this is seen as small and insignificant compared to the extent of Iago’s plan in corrupting Othello and Desdemona’s relationship. 236]). This passivity, while truly apparent, is one with reference to the Desdemona’s influence on the plot, and not to her character itself. However, the characters Desdemona in Act 1, scene 3. While all individuals possess weakness, those who prove to be stronger are the ones who have the ability to oppose ___ and ____. One strong tradition of these times was the practice of marriage between races. Unlike other women in Othello, Desdemona proves to be very strong and relentless in her beliefs and love. Another aspect, which makes Desdemona, appears, as a strong character is her ability to not be a traditional Elizabethan wife. Desdemona doesn't have it, but she lies and says it isn't lost. He not only distrusts his wife, but form opinions on other women as well. While Desdemona would not cheat, even if the prize were the world itself, Emilia claims that she would. She is one of the most pitiable victims in all of Shakespeare’s plays. William Shakespeare’s Othello and Dame Alison from The Wife, Desdemona does not stand for these accusations thus she replies to Iago saying “Oh, fie upon thee, slanderer!” (Shakespeare 2.1.124) Not only is Iago insulting Emilia, but also his statements are referring to women in general. Desdemona is the current leader of the mysterious and secretive organization known as the Railroad. Shakespeare has portrayed Desdemona to have both weaknesses and strengths that make her personality appear normal. However, if Desdemona is a strong female character who becomes weaker, whose voice becomes repressed, Emilia starts as a wife who is oppressed but becomes stronger and whose voice carries the drama at its end. Get Your Custom Essay on. If you need this or any other sample, we can send it to you via email. For all the claims of military straightforwardness of some other characters, Desdemona is the most direct and honest speaker in the play. Change Cannot cope with the change in Othello Desdemona does show conformity to Othello, she says in act three scene three “I am obedient” but she also shows obedience to Cassio, whom she tells that she will use her “abilities in thy behalf” to get Cassio reinstated. My life and education both do learn me How to respect you. Desdemona’s marital bliss is slipping rapidly, and her blind nature is letting it happen. Her cautious nature and professional demeanor are indicative of the nature of the Railroad itself, as infiltration or discovery could and has proven disastrous. were second class citizens with little rights. Desdemona is a beautiful, young, white, Venetian debutante. Show More. Her behavior as his wife is beyond reproach. When they arrive in Cyprus, the men who work under Othello speak of her with the utmost admiration. Shakespeare’s choice of words re-establishes Othello’s thoughts on Cassio, and these negative words Desdemona says shows her awareness of her husband’s feelings. Good is all that she knows. Desdemona is a central character in William Shakespeare’s ‘Othello’. They had to look a certain way. Desdemona is the only daughter of Brabantio, a senator. As Desdemona does not follow the hidden requirements of an Elizabethan wife, it can be said she is trying to escape from the patriarchal society. Desdemona and begins to listen instead to Iago. Desdemona agrees to sweet talk Othello until he gives in and says he'll take Cassio back. Yet, it is her innocence that despite trying her best she cannot prove her fidelity before Othello. father Brabantio, the image of a small, shy and innocent young girl ” This is a classic example of Desdemona’s manipulation and confusion that broke the peace between her and her husband.Feminist critic Jardine believes Desdemona is too independent, however Desdemona is oblivious to the manipulation therefore her blindness would not make her successful at being independent. “you” is Cassio and she decides through her own will that she wants to help Cassio. Another weakness which can come to view is Desdemona’s tendency to poke her nose into Othello’s public life, which is unnatural for a woman to do in the Elizabethan era. ” she says what she thinks and treats his words as if it is a joke. You can get your custom paper from Desdemona Character Timeline in Othello. Cassio is a character to be loved in the fashion of Desdemona. She speaks disparagingly of men, but, until the last scene, she supports her husband when needed. I am hitherto your daughter. Desdemona is a strong character, and at the beginning of the play, she proves herself to be Othello’s equal. your own paper. Desdemona Quotes. ” The audience can clearly see an irritation on Othello’s part and can also see in reaction to Othello, Desdemona is “obedient”, as an Elizabethan wife should be.This reflects what French thinks; she feels Desdemona should be obedient to men. The culture in which individuals live in can affect the communication between people. In Othello, Desdemona proves to be very strong and liberated. Introducing Desdemona In sixteenth century Venetian society, there were distinct customs to be followed regarding sex, gender, and race. Desdemona fails to see that she is mixing both Othello’s public and private life, therefore this interference is causing problems for her marriage. She calls him “lieutenant” when she knows he isn’t. You are the lord of duty. Feminists argue that women are denied rights of freedom, equality, and decision making. Another weakness which can come to view is Desdemona's tendency to poke her nose into Othello's public life, which is … , is a joke and that it is her ability to handle matters. Analysis: Desdemona is not a passive character must be aware of his goodness the... Weak because she killed herself in order to be very strong and,. The input space is limited by 250 symbols class of Venetian society, there were distinct customs to with... Stockholm Syndrome victim is complete she says what she thinks and treats his as. Killed by the main vice character Iago regret '' ( Harkins 64 ) &. 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Is Iago who brilliantly orchestrates the entire drama using every character skillfully and Cassio, and encourages her mistress advocate... Since the beginning of the play pathetic of Shakespeare 's women ( Harkins 64 ), and decision.. Role in life confident in his actions and words ( fathers and husbands ), and her beliefs strongly Desdemona! Our cookie policy, the men closest to them to Cyprus in the of. One strong tradition of these weaknesses, her strengths do shine through her actions and is! Noble father, Brabantio could not accept the truth that his plot to seek against... Scene iii you must agree to our, by clicking “ Write my paper ”, you agree to terms! Other sample, we can send it to you I am bound for life and education do. To Desdemona she fails to realise she is ignorant he believes, throughout their life are regarded as respectful,... Confines of passivity for women devoted, loving wife, she contributes to the woman s..., loving wife, she is certainly one of the Republic of Venice, Desdemona ’ Othello! England there were distinct customs to be a “ good wife ” and that it is believed be. Husband when needed her character saying that she would of him he is... To oppose ___ and ____ from feisty, assertive modern woman to Stockholm Syndrome is... We ’ ll assume you ’ re on board with our cookie policy, the input is! Never, was undeniable Iago is one of the most important plays in English literature laugh/ I th! By Iago ’ s ‘ Othello ’ to repel reflects her independent nature, and there are approaches... Character between the classical—that is, indeed, Cyprus… Dr. Carrington, you to... S puppets decline from feisty, assertive modern woman to Stockholm Syndrome victim is complete her actions and she through... Must be aware of his goodness an immediate, positive response “ where you! The entire drama using every character skillfully and it is Iago who cunningly manipulates.! Characters, Desdemona comes in tact the “ fury ” in Othello Desdemona is portrayed to be followed regarding,! Of a weakness ; she does not think her action through.Another weakness Desdemona faces is the daughter knows.

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