What is Desdemona's view of Othello?
Desdemona's view of Othello is complex in nature, as
her love is underestimated at first glance. The
audience first suspects the relationship is one of
pure girlish admiration, but as the play progresses
the true nature of Desdemona's love grows evident.
Desdemona understands her choice in marrying Othello
and believes he is a just and honest man. She plays
the role of the conventional housewife and obedient
companion of the early 17th century, treating her
husband as her master and showing him utmost repect
(thought to be the main element of love at the time).
However contemporary audiences would find this 'love'
questionable and wonder if it has more to do with
Othello and Desdemona's own idealistic views reflected
in each other's minds, than with love itself
'I saw Othello's visage in his mind
and to his honours and his valiant parts
Did I my soul and fortunes consecrate.'
Desdemona loves Othello for his strength and wishes
for hers to be proved; Othello loves Desdemona for
this very perception of strength she sees in him.
'She loved me for the dangers I had passed,
And I loved her that she did pity them.'
In her dying speech Desdemona proves unconditional
love and respect for Othello as she tells a lie on her
deathbed to save his repetoire. Modern audiences would
find this unrelenting obedience frustrating as she is
completely passive to Othello's dominance.
Yr 11 St George Girls
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