Describe how Desdemona is an assertive character.
- Her marriage contradicts Brabs view of her as “A maiden never bold/Of spirit, so still and quiet”.
- She takes up Cassio’s cause and tries to persuade Othello of his lieutenant’s virtues.
Describe how Desdemona is a submissive character.
- She seems to blame herself for Othello’s anger and accepts his abuse - even when he strikes her, Des acknowledges his authority and continues to be obedient: “We must not now displease him”.
Describe how Des is naive.
- She refuses to believe that unfaithful wives exist: “I do not believe there is any such woman”.
- She doesn’t understand Othello’s anger, and is confused by his accusations: “I understand a fury in your words/ But not the words”.
What emphasises Des’s innocence?
- Because the idea of infidelity is unthinkable to her, she doesn’t realise that Othello suspects her.
- Her frequent association with the light and heaven: “the divine Desdemona”. Christian imagery.
What makes her seem childlike?
Her bewilderment - she admits “I am a child to chiding”
What does critic Harold Bloom argue?
Desdemona died without ever consummating the marriage. If they had consummated it, Othello would have realised she was a virgin and did not have an affair with Cassio.
What do other critics argue?
That they did consummate their marriage and Iago persuades Othello to believe in the racist idea that he polluted Des’s purity because he was black: “Her name that was fresh/.. is now begrimmed and black/ as mine own face.
Why is the symbolism of Des’s murder ironic?
She is smothered while in her wedding sheets - the sheets that would’ve been associated with love and consummating are now linked with death and the end of their marriage.
What does Desdemona mean in Greek?
Unfortunate
Give evidence to suggest she is treated unfairly by most men.
Brabantio - disowns her for marrying Othello
Roderigo - wants to commit adultery with her
Iago - uses her goodness for his own revenge
Othello - assumes she’s guilty and murders her.
Give a quote that suggests how she emphasises her own innocence repeatedly?
“I never did/offend you in my life”
“a guiltless death I die”
Give three interpretations on Des’s last words.
“Nobody - I myself - farewell”
- she’s taken ownership for her own death and blames herself for Othello’s behaviour
- she’s a loyal wife, even in death she tries to protect her husband.
- she forgives Othello for his treatment and still loves him
