DESDEMONA QUOTES Flashcards
Desdemona as virtueous?
“a maiden so tender, fair and happy”-Brabantio
“excellent wretch”- Othello
How does Desdemona respond to the conflict between Brabantio and Othello? analyse
“I do perceive here a divided duty” implies patriarchal pressure from the idea of marriage as a transaction between father and husband. Women are dependant on men for social and financial security. Women could be disowned if they didn’t follow their duties.
who is a “maiden”?
a virgin of higher moral standard, symbolic for innocence for male fantasy.
How does Desdemona react to Cassio using her?analyse
“He hath left part of his grief with me/ to suffer with him” Exploitation affects her identity. Shakespeare shows women role as subservient
Desdemona challenging men? analyse
“I challenge that I may profess”- to Brabantio
“A guiltless death I die”- to Othello She liberates herself through death (her only path way from patriarchy)
Desdemona listening to Othello’s tales? analyse
“She’d come again, and with a greedy ear/ Devour up my discourse”- Othello Motif of consumption connotes carnal desire of female sexuality.
Desdemona as a romantisier? analyse
“that heaven had made her such a man” She romantisises his heroism implying his exotic tales provide a imaginative escape for her against the patriarchy. She could be seen as a fetishised of the other.
Desdemona recognising her naivety? analyse
“we must think men are not gods” implies marriage is idealistic and should be about understanding a partners flaws
Desdemona’s obedience to Othello despite his violence? analyse
“His unkindness may defeat my life/ But never taint my love” juxtaposition shows how women had to sacrifice for their husbands, prioritising her duty as a wife than her duty to herself. Conveys how domestic abuse was a silent killer and taboo.
Desdemona as property(economic property)?
“Where hast thou stowed my daughter?”
Desdemona objectifying herself
“preverse this vessel for my lord”
Desdemona’s sexual banter with Iago
“come, how wouldst thou write of me, if thou shouldst praise me”
Cassio refers to Desdemona as
“our Captain’s captain”
Desdemona wanting to experience Othello’s life
“If I be left behind, a moth of peace, and he go to the war, the rites for which I love him are bereft me”
