Abstract The paper argues that Desdemona, the wife of Othello in Shakespeare's play of the same name, is ultimately responsible for her own death through her deceptive actions. The paper details many of her actions that could possibly be construed as deceptive and argues that regardless of the truth of any of those deceptions, her deceit of her father is what causes her downfall.
From the Paper "It is often believed that Iago is the soul source of the conflict and dishonesty in Shakespeare's Othello, but there is a definite question as to the honesty of Othello's wife, Desdemona. Desdemona's words and actions indicate that she was not completely honest in her protestations of innocence regarding Cassio. In fact, as it will be shown, her dishonesty and deceit was indeed her own downfall that led to her own death at the end of the play. From the very first act in the play we can see the beginnings of Desdemona's deceptiveness when her father Brabantio realizes that she has sneaked out of the house and married Othello without her father's knowledge or permission. Brabantio laments: "It is too true an evil... O she deceives me/ Past thought... O Treason of the Blood!" (Shakespeare 1.1.172-85)."
Abstract The character of Desdemona in William Shakespeare's tragedy "Othello" reflects an ideal woman in the eyes of men. Desdemona acts in a gentle manner at all times, even though with men she uses her sexual prowess and strong will to achieve her ambitions. The paper shows that Desdemona remains both virtuous and dutiful to her husband, Othello, while slanderous comments about her chaste result in her final death. Therefore, Desdemona's sincerity and faithfulness to Othello become ill spent. Although Desdemona acquires Othello as a husband by her own devices by enabling her femininity to get what she wants, Othello ironically ends up murdering her. The paper shows that Desdemona depicts the male concept of the ideal feminine role of a woman.
From the Paper "In the tragedy of Othello, Desdemona uses her sexual appeal to men in order to achieve her ambitions. At the beginning of the play, Desdemona manages to seduce Othello through her gentle and passive use of words which men find attractive. When Othello relates the story of their elopement, he comments on how Desdemona professed her love for him. "She wish'd she had not heard it, yet she wish'd / That heaven had made her such a man; she thank'd me, / And bade me, if I had a friend that lov'd her, / I should but teach him how to tell my story, / And that would woo her. / Upon this hint I spake." (I,iii,162-166). Obviously, this quote shows that Desdemona's main motive includes the acquisition of Othello as her husband which she achieves through her use of gentle words, passiveness, and apparent fascination in Othello's life which the male character of Othello finds as an attractive trait in the female character Desdemona."
Abstract At the core, Desdemona's dedication to her husband, Othello, is as pure as that of Juliet to Romeo. Desdemona was not blessed with great intellect or passion. Hers was not a love like Juliet's which was forged in fire. (V.ii.323). In the process of destroying Othello, Iago's actions result in the deaths of Othello, Desdemona, Emilia (Iago's wife), Roderigo and the wounding of Cassio and of Iago himself. Perception indeed plays an enormous part in both plays, but perhaps no more so than in "Othello".
Abstract This paper explains how Shakespeare uses the handkerchief given to Desdemona by Othello to symbolize the way in which Iago manipulates Othello's perception of women and, consequently, his relationship with Desdemona. More specifically, the paper charts the demise and the approach of Desdemona's murder through the handkerchief's sequential movement from virgin to wife to whore.
From the Paper "Shakespeare infuses even the first appearance of the handkerchief with significance in that it emerges just as Othello begins to appreciate the sexual dimension of Desdemona. Iago has just proposed to Othello the possibility of Desdemona's infidelity when she offers it to Othello as a remedy for his headache, saying "it will be well" (Shakespeare 3.3. 286). Although Othello ultimately dismisses the idea, saying, "if she be false, heaven mocked itself!/ I'll not believe't" (3.3.277-8), Iago nonetheless lifts Desdemona's sexuality to a new level of consciousness. Furthermore, the manner in which Desdemona attempts to use the handkerchief defines it also as a symbol of her virtue. As new ideas stir in Othello's mind, Desdemona tries to press her handkerchief against his forehead. She figuratively smothers his thoughts of her infidelity with the symbol of her virtuousness. Shakespeare introduces the handkerchief through this precise encounter, because it marks the point at which Othello has just begun to contemplate Desdemona as a sexual being outside of their marriage."
Abstract This paper discusses how, in William Shakespeare's "Othello", Desdemona, Bianca, and Emilia, the three main female individuals, are shown in different lights through the usage of both uplifting and demeaning descriptions. It looks at how Desdemona's humble and benevolent character is contrasted greatly against the harsh words used by Othello to describe her, how Emilia's outgoing and outspoken personality is revealed when speaking to both Desdemona and Iago and how Bianca's allegiance to Cassio differs significantly from her darker hypocritical side. It also analyzes how all three female characters reflect their personas through their actions, displaying their emotional outpourings, opinions on controversial issues, as well as their strengths and weaknesses.
From the Paper "The main object of affection is Desdemona, the one woman who is known by all men as the wife of Othello. She is called by Othello "gentle" (I.I.28) as well as "gentle mistress" (I.3.205) by Brabantio. Cassio describes her as "a most exquisite lady" who is "most fresh and delicate creature" (2.3.20, 22-23). Desdemona displays her gentleness through her actions with her father and Othello. She attempts to be diplomatic and faithful to the people she most loves, especially when she is confronted by her father about Othello (I.3.208- 218). She is "bound" to her father "for life and education," showing how loyal and grateful she is towards to her father for raising her as a notable parent. Desdemona also believes that she should take the role that her mother once took by stating that she must upkeep the "duty" by "preferring you (Brabantio) before her father.""
Abstract The paper takes a close look at Desdemona's character in Shakespeare's "Othello," showing that she is partially responsible for the tragic events that occur in the play. The author challenges the accepted view that Othello lead to his own downfall. The paper describes Desdemona as a naive victim and cites this naivete as preventing her from standing up to Othello, and leading to the plays tragic outcome.
From the Paper "Desdemona's naivete is first seen when she defends Othello to her father. She describes her love for Othello saying, "I saw Othello's visage in his mind, / And to his honour and his valiant parts / Did I my soul and fortunes consecrate" (I,iii). This statement is made as part of a romantic speech where Desdemona describes the greatness of Othello. This shows a level of naivete because Desdemona is only able to see the goodness in Othello. A good comparison can be made by comparing the Duke of Venice's view of Othello. He too, shows that he has a lot of respect for Othello and refers to him as valiant. This respect is based on Othello as a soldier and he is considered brave and valiant. However, this respect does not extend to seeing Othello as a good husband. This is why the Duke of Venice is not easily convinced that Othello and Desdemona's relationship is acceptable. This shows that the Duke of Venice does respect Othello but also sees him realistically and does not consider him perfect. In contrast, Desdemona speaks of Othello as if he is perfect. She can only see the goodness in Othello and is not able to see his faults."
This paper compares the character of Desdemona from William Shakespeare's tragedy, "Othello" with that of Ophelia from one of his other great tragedies, "Hamlet".
Abstract The paper looks at the female figures Desdemona and Ophelia, who appear in two of Shakespeare's greatest tragedies, "Othello" and "Hamlet". The paper focuses not only on the women, but also on the men who have the strongest influences on them; their fathers and their lovers. The paper shows how despite different personalities and dissimilar sets of circumstances, the young heroines of these unique tales share much in common. The paper portrays how they both find themselves caught up in intricate love triangles that test their alliances to their fathers and their lovers and that ultimately end in tragedy.
Outline:
Abstract
Introduction
Desdemona, Othello, and Brabantio
Ophelia, Hamlet, and Polonius
Conclusion
From the Paper "Although we never see Desdemona and her father Brabantio alone together, we can determine, from things they say to other characters and from things they say to one another in public, that their relationship has not been based on open communication and trust. In fact, there is an indication, as early as the opening scene, that despite his apparent shock, Brabantio may have subconsciously expected his daughter's elopement, or at least is not completely surprised by it: upon first hearing the news from Iago and Roderigo, Branbatio responds that "This accident is not unlike my dream" (I, i, 141)."
Abstract This essay discusses how, in William Shakespeare's tragedy, "Othello", the characters of Iago, Desdemona, and Cassio shape the title character's actions.
Abstract This paper discusses Ann-Marie MacDonald's play, "Goodnight Desdemona (Good Morning Juliet)" and shows how MacDonald uses gender bending and variations on sexuality to challenge and ultimately undermine gender stereotype. In particular, the paper focuses on the character of Constance and how she rises to her full human potential in this play, and in so doing, undermines the gender stereotypes which often function to deny a fully rounded personality to people.
From the Paper "In conclusion, what MacDonald seems to be saying in this play is that the choice made by Constance is open to all of us - and without alchemy. All that is needed is for us to probe into the powerful depths of our sub-conscious, and in this way choose powerful personal attributes that will enable us to rise to our full human potential. The crucial point is that women may choose supposedly male attributes such as courage, because the gender binary that says most personal attributes are gendered is culturally constituted and illusory. We can have it all, regardless of gender. Thus, MacDonald's play powerfully undermines gender stereotypes."
Abstract This paper examines how "Othello" by William Shakespeare is a play which contains many conflicts between characters. It looks at how the main character Othello begins the play by marrying his love Desdemona and how it ends dramatically in a conflict between Othello and Desdemona which ends with Othello killing Desdemona then himself. It analyzes how the conflict was spawn for many reasons including Iago's deceiving, Othello being too in love with Desdemona, Othello's pride, Othello's self conscious nature, Othello's jealousy and Othello's rash behaviour.
From the Paper "Othello then confronts Desdemona about his doubts but doesn't listen to her reply. "By heaven , I saw my handkerchief in's hand. O perjured woman! Thou dost stone my heart, and mak'st me call what I intend to do a murder , which I thought a sacrifice." Othello is quite emotional at this point as can be seen by the explanation mark. He is shown to be very upset about Desdemona's supposed affair. This can be seen by the phrase "stone my heart". This is in reference to the pain Desdemona is causing him. It is killing his heart and their love as "heart" has connotations to love. By referring to killing Desdemona as a sacrifice this shows that Othello is giving up something. He is giving up his love for Desdemona as he believes that it will hurt him too much to see her with another. Othello loves her too much."
Abstract This paper analyzes the play "Othello" by William Shakespeare, focusing on the main character of Othello and how he torments himself with the thought that Desdemona may be unfaithful. The paper focuses its analysis on two speeches in Act 3, Scene 3, which demonstrate how Othello has gone from confidence in Desdemona's love to suspicion that she is now unfaithful. The paper explores Iago's role in fostering Othello's jealousy and how he manipulates racial tension to accomplish his aims. The paper concludes that both Desdemona and Othello are tragic heroes because their fate is sealed despite their fine qualities. Desdemona is blind to what is happening around her, while Othello is blinded by his own insecurity. The play further asserts that the play has universal resonance because all human beings are subject to the feelings of jealousy and insecurity, and are easy prey to those who choose to manipulate them, like Iago did to Othello.
From the Paper "Although the conventional belief is that Othello is about jealousy, some scholars believe that jealousy is merely the lynchpin upon which Iago's hatred is transferred to Othello. In the middle of Iago's speech there is a line that is designed to undermine Othello's innate self confidence in a particularly repulsive way: "One may smell in such a will most rank,/ Foul disproportion, thoughts unnatural." (248-249) He has skillfully introduced into Othello's consciousness the disgust some feel for a person of another race."
Abstract This paper looks at how Shakespeare uses the characters of Desdemona from "Othello" and Ophelia from "Hamlet" to introduce two opposing, feminine perspectives that reveal a strong character and weak character respectively. Through these women, it shows how he promotes awareness of the multi-faceted nature of women, suggesting that they can be submissive to a male dominated society by neglecting their own judgment, but can also be rebellious by making their own decisions. It examines how both Desdemona and Ophelia's opposing roles as women are brought to light as Desdemona's rebelliousness is revealed through the relationship with her husband and Ophelia's co-dependant nature is revealed through her relationship with her father.
From the Paper "When Desdemona leaves the house of her father, Brabantio, to wed the Moore, Othello, it is the first step in redefining her role as a woman. Desdemona, instead of asking her father's permission, decides on her own to marry Othello. It seems as though Desdemona is breaking away from the strictness imposed by Brabantio. She denies her father any right in choosing or granting Othello allowance to marry her. Instead, she chooses the man who she wanted to marry and feels it unnecessary that her father intervene in their relationship. This act of independence by Desdemona tears away the gender barriers of the Venetian patriarchal society and poses a threat to male authority."
Abstract This paper examines how William Shakespeare's play, "Othello", presents us with a curious combination of love and grace wedded to humanity. It looks at how Othello represents the basest emotions of humanity, while Desdemona remains graceful until the very end of the play and how, as a result, of their conflicting natures, their relationship suffers a great division that cannot be repaired. It examines how Othello and Desdemona allow themselves to become victims of other people who do not have their best intentions in mind. Othello becomes Iago's victim because his jealousy makes him blind, and Desdemona becomes a victim when she suffers the wrath of Othello's cruel behavior.
From the Paper "Othello's actions become much worse, which is a testament to how quickly we can become victims of our own imaginations. In Othello's mind, Desdemona is already guilty. When Emilia offers evidence that Desdemona has been faithful, he refuses to accept it. Emilia swears that Desdemona is honest and tells him to remove any doubt from his mind. She emphasizes the qualities that Othello knows exist in Desdemona, noting that she is "honest, chaste, and true? (IV.ii.16). Again, Othello displays a despicable side of humanity when he responds the her statement by calling Desdemona a "subtle whore,/A closet lock and key of villainous secrets;/And yet she"ll kneel and pray--I have seen her do?t.? (IV.ii.19-22)."
Abstract The paper focuses on the character Desdemona, who defends her love for Othello. It explains that Desdemona's father felt she had been seduced by trickery, as he could not understand that she loved a black man. The writer explains that there have been different opinions as to whether Shakespeare was trying to make a moral statement casting Othello as a black man, or whether it was simply historical fact. The writer posits that one of the main themes of the play is Desdemona's defiance of tradition, and that race is coincidental. The paper explains that the play is usually described to be about jealousy. In conclusion, the writer posits that Shakespeare meant the jealousy as a personification of the irrational evil of hatred.
From the Paper "She closes by stating how much she will miss Othello if he must go and she must stay. Desdemona emerges in this act, through this speech and the one before (in which she explains how divided her loyalties are) as a mature and considerate woman with a depth of intelligence that goes beyond surface adolescent infatuation. She has clearly considered the significance of her marriage to Othello, and is confident in her choice. She has the courage of her convictions and makes no attempt to shy away from whatever unpleasant consequences may come from her marriage, whether it be physical danger or the emotional torment of a rift between her and her father. "She uses words that have great strength and depth to express her feelings, which are always presented as extreme, perhaps the only hint the playwright gives about her youth and a tendency toward the dramatic. Yet in this brief speech, she belies any accusation of melodrama and eloquently demonstrates that she has given full thought to her marriage."
Abstract This paper compares Emilia and Desdemona's views on men and marriage as portrayed in Act 4, scene 3 of William Shakespeare's play, "Othello". The paper shows thay while while Desdemona and her maid, Emilia, seem to be particularly close and affectionate towards each other in this part of the play, it is clear that the two women hold very different views towards life. Quotes from the play are included throughout the paper.
From the Paper "Desdemona remains loyal to her beloved husband; "twas that hand that gave away my heart", "your true and loyal wife" and other such phrases prove her devotion to Othello; it appears that he, in his jealousy, is the only one who cannot see this in her. As Emilia expects her to "wish you had never seen him", Desdemona remains faithful and goes on to speak of her love for the man who has treated her so poorly. "His scorn I approve" was not in the original "willow" song, but Desdemona is clearly thinking of her husband as she sings this, accepting his mistrust of her and his unfair attitude towards her."
