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
