Othello's Presentation Of Desdemona
Towards the start of the play Desdemona is presented as a very prized and desirable woman with her father, Brabantio, referring to her as “so tender, fair and happy” – the rule of three shown within the quote is used in emphasis of how appreciated and desirable she is seen as by her father. We also see the character of Cassio describe her as a “most exquisite lady” showing how high she is held by those she knows and that she, unlike other woman at the time is regarded for her character rather than her husband or role within society.
Even before we are introduced to the character of Desdemona we are told she is a very positive and independent lady which once again differentiates her from the stereotypes that would’ve surrounded the audience
at the time of the play. When we’re first introduced to her character Brabantio shows his disbelief in her being married to ‘the moor’, with him assuming she’s too modest and concerning of others to do this. However, instead of her being independent her father may be suggesting that she’s a very young woman and that she’s not yet developed her own opinion on matters such as this and is reliant on him to make them for her.
It is also possible that Othello’s acting as a role model as well as a husband figure to Desdemona as shown through the quote; “She loved me for the dangers I had passed, and I loved her, that she did pity them”, this suggests that she looked up to him for his bravery and dedication to his role, and that he loved her for her respect for what he’d done. Later on in the play she’s presented with Othello going to Cyprus to fight, at which point she’s determined to join him on this adventure; “I saw Othello’s visage in his mind” acts as a reminder that she’s respectful of what he’s trying to do and dedicated to their relationship, despite what society the audience may have thought. A contrasting assumption that could be made from this is that Desdemona’s using this as a way to mould herself into society as a respectable and brave figure despite what woman were seen as at that time.
Even before we are introduced to the character of Desdemona we are told she is a very positive and independent lady which once again differentiates her from the stereotypes that would’ve surrounded the audience
at the time of the play. When we’re first introduced to her character Brabantio shows his disbelief in her being married to ‘the moor’, with him assuming she’s too modest and concerning of others to do this. However, instead of her being independent her father may be suggesting that she’s a very young woman and that she’s not yet developed her own opinion on matters such as this and is reliant on him to make them for her.
It is also possible that Othello’s acting as a role model as well as a husband figure to Desdemona as shown through the quote; “She loved me for the dangers I had passed, and I loved her, that she did pity them”, this suggests that she looked up to him for his bravery and dedication to his role, and that he loved her for her respect for what he’d done. Later on in the play she’s presented with Othello going to Cyprus to fight, at which point she’s determined to join him on this adventure; “I saw Othello’s visage in his mind” acts as a reminder that she’s respectful of what he’s trying to do and dedicated to their relationship, despite what society the audience may have thought. A contrasting assumption that could be made from this is that Desdemona’s using this as a way to mould herself into society as a respectable and brave figure despite what woman were seen as at that time.