Desdemona in Othello Essay

Desdemona can easily labelled a meek, vulnerable and unintelligent character, which does her no justice. She showed that she was a strong, independent, brave and rebellious feminist, acting out in a way that was not accepted or respected for women, breaking through the gender Barriers of a male dominated society. Desdemona is much unlike other females in the play, her personality and speech isnt consistent with the female stereotype, thus, distinguishing her power. Her upbringing as a secluded upper-class Venetian, meant she lacked exposure to the cruel and deceitful world that the other characters new well, and this contributes to the fact that she is nave about manipulation and infidelity. This innocence and purity does not make her unintelligent, but with dramatic irony results in her death.

Desdemonas elopement with Othello was committing many moral and social crimes. Desdemona, before the Senate with confidence confesses without reservations, her unrequitted love and devotion to Othello as well as her desire to accompany him to Cyprus.

That I did love the Moor to live with him, my downright violence and storm of fortunes may trumpet to the world: my heart's subdued even to the very quality of my lord: I saw Othello's visage in his mind, and to his honour and his valiant parts did I my soul and fortunes consecrate

She refers downright violence to her violation of social normalities, by deceiving her father, as well as marrying well aware of the controversy that would arise, by marrying a black man in a time where inter-racial marriages were not wildly accepted. She is accepting the wrongness of her ways, but is also proud and unremorseful. This pride is a very big act of strength and confidence, making it known she has thrown away her old life by making these decisions. Stating her heart is subdued and to the quality Of Othellos she is being very bold in stating that she and Othello have undoubtable similarities, and she like Othello is a warrior. This shows the audience that that Desdemona is somewhat drawn to the adventure, to war, which is another realm strictly from men.

When making reference to Othellos visage, being in his mind, she is defending Othello, from the prejudice he is given due to his skin colour. A visage being ones face. She is critical in claiming his black face is deceptive and that his true countenance is his mind, which she is unconditionally in love with. She tells that her love for Othello is much more meaningful, it is stories and bravery rather than superficial means that are her reasoning. She shows no fear in powerfully addressing the senate, using her keen power of persuasion. It is interesting that when Speaking directly of Othello, through the speech, she uses his name, not my lord or his. This shows the regard and true feelings that she does feel for him. Desdemonas speech wins the approval of the Duke and she is permitted to go. This speech is quite shocking to the audience, as Desdemona more or less orders the senate to grant her desires.

Desdemonas weakness becomes apparent when she accepts the abuse she receives from Othello, and fails to truly defend herself on her deathbed. These actions are justified and do not make her unintelligent. Desdemona is not familiar with this type of behaviour and she has no reason to pay attention to the suggestions of Othellos motives at any stage, because she can not comprehend them. These traits of human nature she does not know well, if at all, so she had no reason or basis to be suspicious.

Desdemonas reaction to Othellos abusive comments reflect her weakness becoming more prevalent.

O thou weed,

Who art so lovely fair and smell'st so sweet

That the sense aches at thee, would thou hadst

ne'er been born!

This imagery used by Othello to describe Desdemona show him questioning attraction to her being, not just her aesthetics, which are unquestionably beautiful. This is irritating to the audience due to the dramatic irony of the scene. The oxymoron of describing Desdemona as a fair weed claiming that Desdemona is a weed, pretending to be a flower, is a harsh accusation that makes the audience feel sympathy for Desdemona, because she is innocent.

Desdemonas response is a mixed one. She initially responds with great power and dignity By heaven, you do me wrong! rejecting these false claims, but as Othello becomes increasingly angry, Desdemonas strength fades, and she starts to become submissive to prove to that she is deeply in love with him and will obey him. She does not respond with anger, but instead begins to weep.

This lapse in confidence put more doubt in Othellos mind, and gave Iago a window of opportunity to prey on this insecurity, which steadily became stronger.

Ironically, although strong and intelligent, Desdemonas strengths of love, care and affection, also became her weakness and contributed to her death. Desdemona died pure, and the fault of her death was not her own, but the impurity of those around her, specifically Iago that utilised her innocence to create the sad, unfortunate death, and tragedy that is Othello.