Users' questions

How would you describe Desdemona?

How would you describe Desdemona?

Desdemona is at times a submissive character, most notably in her willingness to take credit for her own murder. The play, then, depicts Desdemona contradictorily as a self-effacing, faithful wife and as a bold, independent personality.

How is Desdemona presented in the play Othello?

Desdemona is presented as an independent woman, who is headstrong and determined to live the life she choose. As we have seen, she has no problem with marrying a man, even a moor, against her father’s will and in a time, where racial prejudice was normal.

Who is Desdemona in the play Othello?

Desdemona, fictional character, the wife of Othello and the object of his unwarranted jealousy, in William Shakespeare’s tragic drama Othello (written 1603–04). The daughter of a Venetian senator, Desdemona is greatly loved by Othello, an honoured and heroic Moorish general in the service of Venice.

What does Desdemona symbolize in Othello?

The handkerchief initially is a gift given to Desdemona by Othello as a love token. It is subsequently symbolically transformed into Desdemona’s bedsheets, which she uses to reveal her true innocence and fidelity to Othello; and finally, Desdemona requests that the bedsheets be used to cover her as a death shroud.

Is Desdemona a weak or strong character?

Desdemona is one of the central characters in this play and many situations portray her as a strong female character; showing herself as being independent by standing up to the men, obedient to her husband Othello and as well as loyal throughout the whole play.

Why did Desdemona decide to marry Othello?

Desdemona marries Othello because she is intrigued by his adventurous past as a soldier who has been to exotic lands. She overhears his stories about his exploits in foreign lands and later asks him to tell these to her in person.

Why did Othello kill Desdemona?

Othello killed Desdemona because he believed that she had become unfaithful. This was because of Iago’s plot to ruin Othello’s life, because Othello had snubbed him for a job position.

Why did Othello believe Iago instead of Desdemona?

Othello believes Iago over Desdemona because of Iago’s “proof ,” such as Cassio leaving Desdamona very quickly and then right after Desdemona’s pleading on his behalf. The hankerchief that Iago plants with Cassio, that once belonged to Desdemona, only cements Othello’s trust in Iago.