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The Symbolism of Desdemona's Handkerchief, 2006.
Analyzes the significance and symbolism of Desdemona's handkerchief in William Shakespeare's "Othello".
1,621 words (approx. 6.5 pages), 1 source, MLA, $ 52.95
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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."
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Desdemona, the Ideal Woman, 2002.
Examines how the character of Desdemona in "Othello" depicts the male concept of the ideal feminine role of a woman.
950 words (approx. 3.8 pages), 1 source, $ 33.95
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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."
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Desdemona and Juliet, 2002.
Compares the female characters Desdemona and Juliet from plays by William Shakespeare and looks at the role perception plays in these texts.
1,650 words (approx. 6.6 pages), 2 sources, $ 62.95
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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".
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Desdemona, Bianca and Emilia, 2008.
An analysis of the female characters of Desdemona, Bianca and Emilia from William Shakespeare's "Othello".
1,192 words (approx. 4.8 pages), 1 source, MLA, $ 40.95
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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.""
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Desdemona and Ophelia, 2007.
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".
3,164 words (approx. 12.7 pages), 4 sources, MLA, $ 91.95
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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)."
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"Goodnight Desdemona (Good Morning Juliet)", 2008.
An analysis of how Ann-Marie MacDonald undermines gender stereotypes in her play, "Goodnight Desdemona (Good Morning Juliet)."
1,269 words (approx. 5.1 pages), 3 sources, MLA, $ 43.95
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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."
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Iago, Desdemona and Cassio, 2002.
A look at the influences of Iago, Desdemona and Cassio on Othello in William Shakespeare's "Othello".
900 words (approx. 3.6 pages), 1 source, $ 35.95
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Abstract
This essay discusses how, in William Shakespeare's tragedy, "Othello", the characters of Iago, Desdemona, and Cassio shape the title character's actions.
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Desdemona's Deception, 2005.
This paper analyzes the character and actions of Desdemona, wife of Othello in Shakespeare's play "Othello."
2,025 words (approx. 8.1 pages), 5 sources, $ 80.95
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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)."
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Desdemona: Saint, Sinner or Fool, 2001.
Analyzes the character of Desdomona from Shakespeare's play "Othello". Paints a picture of Desdemona as a feminist hero victimized by life in an era hostile to women.
1,125 words (approx. 4.5 pages), 1 source, $ 39.95
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From the Paper
"The character of Desdemona in Shakespeare's "Othello" is one of the most puzzling and challenging characters in the entire Shakespearean canon. This is so partly because of the curious dramatic fact that, unlike other Shakespearean heroes and heroines whose soliloquies give us entrance to many aspects of their personalities, Desdemona is "known" more by what others think about her than for what she says or does. For instance, her saintly virtue is referred to throughout the play (II.iii.23; III.i.34; IV.i.14 to cite but a few) by everyone except her father and Iago."
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Desdemona and Othello, 2006.
A literary review of "Othello", by William Shakespeare.
1,287 words (approx. 5.1 pages), 0 sources, $ 43.95
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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."
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Ophelia Versus Desdemona, 2003.
This paper explores the parallels between the female characters from two of William Shakespeare's most famous works.
1,401 words (approx. 5.6 pages), 0 sources, $ 46.95
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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."
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"Othello" and "Goodnight Desdemona (Good Morning Juliet)", 2002.
A comparison of the main characters in these two works by Shakespeare and Ann-Marie MacDonald.
1,065 words (approx. 4.3 pages), 2 sources, MLA, $ 37.95
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Abstract
This research paper compares the character of Iago in William Shakespeare's tragedy "Othello" and in Ann-Marie MacDonald's 1988 comedy "Goodnight Desdemona (Good Morning Juliet)." To better understand the similarities and differences in both plays, a brief description of each character is given first. The writer claims that there is no doubt that "Othello" is a tragedy of intrigue in spite of the fact that it contains many of the elements of Shakespearean comedies -- the central theme of love, the conflicts between men and women, and the handkerchief, of course, may be seen as a comedic prop. In MacDonald's work, the author uses Shakespeare's work to reflect on her own relationships.
From the Paper
"In MacDonald's play the central character is Constance Ledbelly, an associate professor whose research involves trying to decipher an arcane text that she believes may have been the source for Shakespeare's "Othello" and "Romeo and Juliet." Constance's passion for her literary theory is only surpassed by the crush she has on Professor Claude Night, for whom she has become a factotum, ghostwriting his speeches and papers and doing his research."
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Picasso's "Weeping Woman With Handkerchief", 1995.
Analyzes this 1937 work in the context of this Modernist artist's stylistic, technical and thematic development.
1,350 words (approx. 5.4 pages), 6 sources, $ 47.95
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From the Paper
"Pablo Picasso's Weeping Woman with Handkerchief (1937) comes from one of his most productive periods, an era in which he was producing works demonstrating a new emotional tension, a brooding sense of foreboding, and a preoccupation with anguish and despair. His works display a concern with the mythological image of the Minotaur and the images of the dying horse and the weeping woman (Osborne 434). Picasso's works were involved with a new way of depicting perceptions, seeking the essence of a subject rather than a strict recreation of reality. Andre Breton stated that Picasso was an heir to Surrealism (Osborne 424). The art of the time was also much influenced by changes in science and society reflecting less reliance on tradition and a different view of the uncertainties of surface structure, and these conceptions were embodied in the idea of Modernism."
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Conflict in "Othello", 2003.
A brief analysis of the conflict between Desdemona and Othello in the play "Othello" by William Shakespeare.
908 words (approx. 3.6 pages), 0 sources, $ 32.95
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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."
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The Restricted Women of Shakespeare's "Othello", 2005.
Examines the characters of Desdemona and Emilia in "Othello" by William Shakespeare and argues how the violence imposed upon them by their husbands is a social statement of the women's restrained state in society.
1,723 words (approx. 6.9 pages), 0 sources, $ 55.95
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Abstract
This essay looks at marriage as a patriarchal institution, and shows how the violence that occurs against Desdemona and Emilia in "Othello" by William Shakespeare infers the dominance that men hold over women. The essay also looks at the dominant views about femininity, as expressed by Iago, and shows how these stereotypes dictate the fate of Desdemona and Emilia.
From the Paper
"Othello uses words like "greedy" and "devour" to illustrate how Desdemona hungered for him and chased after him. Othello does fear Desdemona will leave him once her curiosity is quenched, as he expresses through lines "She loved me for the dangers I had passed. And I loved her that she did pity them" (I.iii 165-167). In these lines, Othello shows through the use of the past tense and suggestive language that he knows Desdemona loves him for his exoticness, but that the thrill of it may soon wear off as the dangers dwindle."
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