Desdemona Flashcards
As a daughter
Defined as speech “jewel“ “and maiden never bold a spirit”
Emerges from her fathers descriptions as an innocent figure
Proved in inaccurate in act one
By the end, o abusive behaviour has turned her into the first full girl that Brabantio described
Seems that her final role is to be a sacrifice to masculine pride
As a wife
Active sexuality is crucial to the play, as Iago is able to exploit the fact that she deceived her own father in order to choose her husband
Not – lies to Othello about handkerchief
Results to misery when called “cunning whore of Venice. “
Final words
Refuses to blame Othello – claims it her “wretched Fortune “
Whilst submitting to the authority of a man, she dies valiantly fighting for her right to live and her honesty
As Iagos victim
Also to blame
Slightly regrets it
Bravery
Defends her own honour
“By heaven you do me wrong “– reference reinforces desdemonas virtue
Irony and foreshadowing – Othello refers to heaven before murdering her
“ my love doth so approve him that even his stubbornness, his checks, his frown have grace and favour”
Love of Othello makes her submissive
“ his soul joy “
“Cunning whore of Venice “
For Othello, there’s 2 desdemonas
Speech Marks so much I challenge that I may profess due to the moor my Lord“
Outspoken and strong counter is revealed as she is willing to go against her father
“Do not doubt Cassio but I will have my Lord and you again as friendly as you were “
Confident in her relationship, no idea that she’s a falling victim to the Iago set up for her
“Kill me tomorrow, let me live tonight “
Pleased for her life, not asking for her life to be spared but for her death to be delayed
