Desdemona Flashcards
How is desdemona presented as an active female who makes her own choices?
She is “half the wooer”
How is desdemona presented as a passive prey or victim with brabantio?
She is abused by Branbtio “I have done” - he rejects her
How is desdemona abused by Roderigo?
“Tho shalt enjoy her” seeks an adulterous relationship
How is Desdemona abused by Iago?
He uses her innocence “her own goodness makes the net”
How is desdemona abused by othello?
Ignores her protestations of innocence and kills her “cunning whore of Venice”
What does Shakespeare’s suggest about women with desdemona being abused?
A woman’s character can be manipulated and distorted by men
How is desdemona first presented by brabantio?
A “jewel” afraid of marriage
How does desdemona contradict her first impression?
She is presented as brave who speaks openly about her sexual relationship “let me go with him”
How is desdemona character presented as troublesome?
Her participation in crude talks with iago in (2:1)
How does iago manipulate desdemonas loyalty?
He makes a big deal that she decided her father “she has deceived her father and may thee”
How is desdemona presented as a domestic harpy?
Trying to bring about reconciliation between othello and Cassio “all my abilities on thy behalf”
How is desdemona presented to submit to Othello?
“My hearts subdued”
What is ironic about desdemonas “nagging”?
She is doing it out of Othellos best professional interests and is worried about his health
How does desdemona contradict her being a faultless paragon?
She lies about the handkerchief “this hand is moist”
What is increasing annoying about desdemona?
She falls into iagos plans - she becomes more vulnerable and impotent
How does desdemona respond when othello strikes her?
“I have not deserved this” but she then accepts and defends his actions to montano
How is desdemonas unwordly innocence presented?
She does not understand why women would commit adultery in 5:3
How does desdemona refuse to blame othello?
She views his jealousy as a “wretched shame”
How is desdemona presented as both an innocent victim and trying to protect othello?
She becomes a sacrifice and powerless but still tries to fight for her life
How does desdemona respond when Emilia explains men can be filled with rage?
She is disappointed that “men are not gods”
