Desdemona Flashcards

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1
Q

Describe how Desdemona is an assertive character.

A
  • 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.
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2
Q

Describe how Desdemona is a submissive character.

A
  • 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”.
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3
Q

Describe how Des is naive.

A
  • 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”.
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4
Q

What emphasises Des’s innocence?

A
  • 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.
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5
Q

What makes her seem childlike?

A

Her bewilderment - she admits “I am a child to chiding”

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6
Q

What does critic Harold Bloom argue?

A

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.

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7
Q

What do other critics argue?

A

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.

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8
Q

Why is the symbolism of Des’s murder ironic?

A

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.

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9
Q

What does Desdemona mean in Greek?

A

Unfortunate

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10
Q

Give evidence to suggest she is treated unfairly by most men.

A

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.

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11
Q

Give a quote that suggests how she emphasises her own innocence repeatedly?

A

“I never did/offend you in my life”

“a guiltless death I die”

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12
Q

Give three interpretations on Des’s last words.

A

“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
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