Desdemona (/ ˌ d ɛ z d ə ˈ m oʊ n ə /) is a character in William Shakespeare's play Othello (c. 1601–1604). When her husband is deployed to Cyprus in the service of the Republic of Venice, Desdemona accompanies him. Woman is not allowed to raise her … Characterisation Desdemona. There are no subplots; everything revolves around this one central storyline, and the action is fast-paced and non-stop. The alliteration (the use of the same sound, usually a consonant, in successive words), also accentuates Desdemona’s good qualities. Every time I perform a Shakespeare role, I dive into the script already excited, but I’m also always surprised by how much I come to love my character. In Cyprus Montano asks Cassio if Othello is married. What he will do with it Heaven knows, not I. I nothing but to please his fantasy.” (Shakespere-3-3-334-344) This shows Emilia’s love and loyalty towards Iago even though handkerchief was very important to Desdemona it was Othello’s first gift to her she stole it anyways betraying Desdemona this will end up to be a giant mistake in the end. Desdemona, although an intelligent woman seeking liberation, fell into Iago’s trap because she loved Othello and was upset that he had considered her a “whore.” Desdemona’s naivety, deceptions with good intensions and her passivity all play parts in her downfall, with the help of iago’s evil schemes. . Thinking musical theatre, I would say Cathy in The Last Five Years. (IV, III, 21) As such, she is part of the upper class of Venetian society. She shows that she is unafraid to speak up before the Duke, and at one point she says “I do beguile the thing I am by seeming otherwise,” echoing Iago (of all people) and his “I am not that I am.” Maybe you could avoid over-emphasizing her innocence by also showing the toughness true innocence requires, Also-I am not sure who delivers the line “Divine Desdemona,” but I am going to guess it was a male referring more to her physical qualities than spiritual…. Probably lots more that I can’t think of right now, but you get the general idea. Working with Dennis has been such a treat! 179–180]) and her terse fury after Othello strikes her (“I have not deserved this” [IV.i. $24 INDIVIDUAL | $42 FAMILY. Cassio greets them all, especially praising Desdemona; somehow, Iago and Desdemona enter into an argument abou… She describes her commitment to him: She is described by another character as “the divine Desdemona,” and I think this is true: she is almost too good to be human. That Cassio.. Well my Lord finally arrived today and we had the most eventful night together. How is Desdemona like you? He must return to Venice and "with heavy heart" (371) relate "this heavy act" (371). . Feminists argue that women are denied rights of freedom, equality, and decision making. minister (8) a servant. Probably the most obvious is when her father tries to lay guilt on her for marrying Othello; a lesser woman would at least falter in such a situation, but Desdemona hangs tough. What do you enjoy most about playing the role? My initial interest was based primarily on knowing that Desdemona is a “juicy” dramatic role: performing characters who are going through intense situations and to whom intense things happen is a treat for me as an actor, so I was interested in telling Desdemona’s incredibly intense story. That’s quite a roller coaster ride for an actor! Conveying the TRUTH of each moment—not falling short of the needed intensity, but not wallowing in it either—is a fascinating but tricky tightrope to walk. A messenger enters, and confirms that the Turkish fleet was broken apart by the storm, and that Cassio has arrived, though Othello is still at sea. How is this production different from others you have done?Â. Othello gave to Desdemona, as an act of his love for her and her dropping of it perhaps symbolizes the break in their love. This story has it all: love, jealousy, prejudice, betrayal, anger, sorrow, violence, death. Richard III Themes: God's Judgement. General Overview Desdemona is Othello’s wife. Desdemona has been criticised as a two dimensional character who is simply too good to be true; a paragon of virtue who embodies everything that is pure and true in humanity. Arguments that see Desdemona as stereotypically weak and submissive ignore the conviction and authority of her first speech (“My noble father, / I do perceive here a divided duty” [I.iii. She is so focused on being truthful that the possibility of deception and betrayal in others doesn’t strike her until too late. “Have you prayed tonight, Desdemona?” This is one of the most haunting and memorable lines of Shakespeare’s Othello.The titular and main character’s engagement in murder, jealousy, and betrayal could easily portray him as the villain; however, in Othello Shakespeare creates one of literature’s best villains, Iago. The female protagonist in the tragic play “Othello”, Desdemona is truly one rare character who astonishes the readers as much with her outer beauty as with her inner grace. A terrible storm has struck Cyprus, just as the Turks were about to approach. This enrages Othello, and he strikes Desdemona and commands her to leave. Character Analysis of Desdemona in Othello. How is she different? Desdemona occupies contradictory positions in Othello; she is both 'half the wooer' (I.3.176) (an active female who makes her own choices – to marry Othello and to defend Cassio) and the passive prey or victim. The Daughter of the Venetian senator Brabantio.Having been charmed by Othello 's tales of exotic lands and military exploits, Desdemona elopes with him before the play begins (although they do not consummate their marriage until they have received sanction from the Duke and, reluctantly, her father). Cassio answers that he is, that "he hath achieved a maid / That paragons description and wild fame" (2.1.61-62).By saying that Desdemona "paragons description and wild fame," Cassio means that she is more beautiful than any possible description of her beauty, more beautiful than the wildest story of any woman's beauty. The Desdemona Community Note includes chapter-by-chapter summary and analysis, character list, theme list, historical context, author biography and quizzes written by community members like you. The divine Desdemona. Over and over, until I’m too old. Having made the accusation and been denied, he reacts with anger rather than reassessment. The process has suited the dense, frill-free structure of the play: these first few weeks have been solely about text and character and relationships. He asks for the curtains to be drawn, for Gratiano to administer the Moor's estate, and for Iago to be punished. The Divine Desdemona " So would not I: my love doth so approve him That even his stubborness, his checks, his frowns- Prithee, unpin me- have grace and favour in them." Desdemona Analysis Too often played as a weak character, Desdemona is strong and bold, especially when it comes to Othello. Pingback: Leaving Cert English- “Desdemona–a saint?” | Lit & Comp Resources, ” and laments giving up his single status “, When Desdemona enters, full of concern for her beloved “, “, he says he has a  headache and she is gentle and loving “. ​I’ve been rather ridiculously fortunate, in that I have already played some of my dream roles, Juliet and Viola being among them. Juliet again. No one is perfect, including you. Such work serves the story well; furthermore, it will provide us a strong foundation as we start to layer on all those other elements that are necessary to putting on a show, but can be distracting if brought in too early. Desdemona immediately and completely denies the accusation, and her husband speaks scornfully and bitterly, throws money at her, as if she were a prostitute, and goes out. However, though I do try to live thusly, I’m afraid I fall rather short of Desdemona’s standard in many ways. Throughout the process, though, I have fallen increasingly in love with each new discovery: her depth of strength, purity of purpose, and openness of heart are staggering. Or Belle. The article “a feminist critique of the character Desdemona” offers an analysis of the character of Desdemona from the theoretical framework of feminism. But at times, Desdemona also seems a bit naïve, especially when it comes to marital relationships—at one point, she asks an incredulous Emilia if it's possible that a woman would ever cheat on her husband. The world is beautiful, but it has some smelly bits, which you ignore to your peril. As we know that it is a domestic tragedy. Cassio is showing his courtly behaviour, however he is hypocritical as he treats Bianca differently in further Scenes. Once again, I return to the intensity. The daughter of a Venetian senator, Desdemona is greatly loved by Othello, an honoured and heroic Moorish general in the service of What is it like to work with our guest artist, director Dennis Henry? When you find out that the dazzling, multi-talented Ruth Nelson will be playing Desdemona, there are just some things you want to know. In essence, it means that Desdemona has so much goodness in her that she will generously and freely assist anyone who seeks her help. Desdemona tells Iago and Cassio about Othello’s rage, and Iago offers to intervene with Othello. What would you choose to be Desdemona’s theme song? ” despite his coldness. ‘Cause . It has been refreshing to focus on these complexities without having to think about technicalities. Also, it is possibly the most straightforward and tightly constructed Shakespeare play I’ve worked on. Regarding both the story and actor safety, I am grateful to be working with a director whom I can trust. I LOVE IT. CASSIO She that I spake of, our great captain's captain, Left in the conduct of the bold Iago, Whose footing here anticipates our thoughts Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. 🙂, Othello opens at the 1897 Poe House on June 1 and runs through June 18.Â, I like what you say about Desdemona’s innocence and your indication that although the word “innocent” is often taken as a synonym for “naive,” it actually means “absence of guilt.” An innocent person can understand the way the world works, including the smelly bits, without becoming smelly herself, and I see many indications that Desdemona has such understanding. time in many relationships when you realize that love is not enough to stay together. Analysis of Quotes Act 2 Scene 1 • ‘ The divine Desdemona’ Definite article followed by an adjective(pre- modifier). Desdemona, fictional character, the wife of Othello and the object of his unwarranted jealousy, in William Shakespeare’s tragic drama Othello (written 1603–04). In this play, Desdemona is an example of perfect womanhood. But in Act IV, he crumbles Desdemona is a more plausible, well-rounded figure than much criticism has given her … (IV, III, 21) Thursday, 15 December 2011. Othello and Desdemona: An Analysis 'The Merchant of Venice' Act 1 Summary. Feminism tends to highlight the oppression of women and their position in a male dominant society. . Not only is it a pleasure to bring such a character to life, but it is also an honor. Table of Contents: 04:33 - Marker 07:19 - Marker 09:22 - Marker 10:10 - Marker 11:17 - Marker Add that to the variety of character relationships: Desdemona’s deep love for and devotion to Othello, her kinship with Emilia, her camaraderie with Cassio, and even her (woefully misplaced) trust in Iago all weave together to provide a rich, nuanced tapestry of scene dynamics. In Toni Morrison’s creation, Desdemona is no longer a teenager but a mature woman with perspective and the opportunity to gradually recognize and let go of her own illusions. . Just then, Desdemona enters with Lodovico, an envoy who is carrying orders from the Duke of Venice that Othello is to return to Venice and leave Cassio behind to govern Cyprus. She is described by another character as “the divine Desdemona,” and I think this is true: she is almost too good to be human. Desdemona is a model wife, if perhaps too trusting of Iago. Emilia warns that jealousy can be irrational and uncontrollable. Desdemona protested that was accompanied by Emilia but he ignores her and asks her to wait for her in the bedchamber tonight. Learn how your comment data is processed. Poor Desdemona is so in love, so thrilled to be married, and so determined to be the perfect wife to Othello that she sometimes misses the bigger picture, to the detriment of her own safety. The Female Protagonist. Leaving Cert English- “Desdemona–a saint?” | Lit & Comp Resources, Justice in King Lear – how to construct an answer…. This is the moment when she drops her handkerchief & by the end of the scene, her husband is plotting her murder! Glossary. As with much of Shakespeare, we think it probably has several meanings at once. Personally, I think this portrayal doesn’t do her justice. Sometimes the aforementioned “roller coaster” visits several emotional extremes in just one scene, which requires a great deal of focus and energy. Here’s everything you never wanted to know about her. This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Rosencrantz or Guildenstern in Rosencrantz & Guildenstern Are Dead, or Nina in The Seagull. Fortunately, Ruth was kind enough to answer some questions about the role and how she’s preparing for it. For instance, Othello refers to her as “gentle Desdemona” (Shakespeare, 1.2.25), 2 Cassio calls her “divine Desdemona” (2.1.73) as well as “virtuous Desdemona” (2.3.311, 3.1.34), Iago names her “fair Desdemona” (4.2.224), while Emilia refers to her as “[s]weet Desdemona” (5.2.122). She makes a playful reference to Othello’s origins, suggesting that the sun in his native land made him impervious to jealousy, and therefore he is an exception to the typical Venetian tendency to be suspicious of women’s behavior. Desdemona is a more plausible, well-rounded figure than much criticism has given her credit for. Desdemona's reaction to … Desdemona insists to Emilia that Othello is not a jealous man. Wake up and start sniffing.”. If you were Desdemona’s best friend, what advice would you give her?Â, Throughout rehearsals, I have realized increasingly that Desdemona’s decisions stem from the fact that she is a newlywed trying to figure out how to be a wife. Hence, I would probably say: “Relax. Desdemona is the daughter of Brabantio, a man of some reputation in Venice. Desdemona is an astonishing teenager but is suffocated before she or we have a chance to learn her thoughts or feelings. Top Three Shakespeare Villains 'A Raisin in the Sun' Act III Plot Summary and Study Guide. It’s 4,500 words long – an exam length essay is between 1000 and 1200 words so bear in mind that this is four times more detailed than any discussion of Desdemona you need to offer! I have felt completely safe the entire time. Plot Summary of Shakespeare's "Much Ado About Nothing" Description of Enargia. I can certainly relate to Desdemona’s innocence, her fierce devotion to those she loves, her deep faith, and her driving desires to do the right thing and to see the good in everyone. Desdemona’s handkerchief was a gift given to her by Othello upon their marriage. Again, the intensity of the circumstances makes this such a fun role to play. • ‘…our great Captain’s Captain’ Iago suggests Desdemona has power over Othello or that at least they are equal in rank. It was an object given to his mother by an Egyptian mind reader and then believes to maintain undying love between the owner and their lover. Meanwhile, Iago convinces Roderigo that if he wants Desdemona he should kill Cassio. College Essay Topics It is a domestic calamity In the end, Othello stifles the speech that made Desdemona so powerful. The Turkish attack may have been quelled, but it also bodes badly for Othello's ship. They spot a ship coming forth; but Iago, Desdemona, and Emilia are on it, not Othello. I suppose that would be another difficult aspect of the role, to return to an earlier question: finding Desdemona’s humanity and portraying her as a richly nuanced PERSON, rather than a paragon, is a tricky mission in which I am determined to succeed. Green Tea & Little Green Tea Youth & Childrens Companies, STIR UP THE TICKET HERE. Analysis Of Othello And Desdemona 1045 Words | 5 Pages. I mean, it’s Belle.​ Thinking beyond Shakespeare or musical theatre, I might say . If we’re sticking with Shakespeare, I would say . What Is an Antagonist? Othello is one of the most important plays in English Literature. 236]). In Othello by William Shakespeare, the play is set in Venice in the sixteenth century and focuses on the war between Venice and Turkey and the people who it affects. MONTANO What is she? . The sight of Othello, slumped against Desdemona's bed, "poisons sight" (364). Desdemona is totally drooling over Othello's "valiant parts:" Othello's a hottie with a body. Knowing that Desdemona is on the same ship as Iago, Cassio rejoices, and declares that the jagged rocks and dangerous sands "As having sense of beauty, do omit [forget] / Their mortal [deadly] natures, letting go safely by / The divine Desdemona" (2.1.71-73). Promethean heat (12) divine fire. I think everyone who attends will see themselves in at least one facet of the mirror this play holds up to society. Let’s have a look at her main appearances in the play and attempt to establish if there might be a psychological complexity lurking beneath the surface of her squeaky clean exterior. Desdemona, of a Venetian origin, is the daughter of Brabantio (a senator) who elopes to marry a Moorish Army General, Othello. Dear Desdemona is rather put through the wringer in this story. Desdemona and Othello have fought and Othello accuses her of being a whore. Is there any aspect of the role that is difficult? Shakespeare's Desdemona is a Venetian beauty who enrages and disappoints her father, a Venetian senator, when she elopes with Othello, a Moorish man several years her senior. They are treated as inferior and dependent on men. You can be innocent, but you also need to learn to be wise. I’m never bored! The story takes us through every extreme of human emotion, from utter bliss to paralyzing fear to fathomless sorrow. Desdemona waits for him while sends Emilia away. Desdemona as the object of men’s lust & a puppet in Iago’s scheme: early that night, following a party to celebrate the destruction of the Turkish fleet in the storm, Othello whisks Dedemona away and implies that they are about to have sex for the first time “Come, my dear love, the purchase made, the fruits are to ensue, that profit’s yet to come twixt me and you“. This is a powerful story, and an important one for our time. I noticed immediately his depth of knowledge about and care for this story, these characters, and the audience, and so I knew from the start that we were in good hands. Desdemona mentions to Lodovico the falling out between Othello and Cassio, and how much she wants to heal it. . In other words, Desdemona's beauty is so great that even the rocks and sands are in awe of it, and let her ship pass safely. Furthermore, Desdemona is the victim of some violence in this story, so he’s had to guide me and my fellow actors through those scenes. 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