Othello's Feelings For Desdemona example essay topic

In Othello the character of Desdemona is meant to be an innocent, true and loyal character, which falls deeply in love with Othello, the moor (who is the general in charge of Venice) and marries him; despite that fact that her Father, Brabantio, a Venetian Senator, is deadly against this, as the moor is black. Desdemona 'appears' or is written to be a young, pretty lady and because of this many gentlemen throughout the play, including Casio, Roderigo and Iago, admire her. Before we even meet Desdemona, others describe her it is not until her Father, Brabantio, Roderigo, Othello and Iago have given their viewpoint of her that the audience sees her speak for herself. In act one scene one when we first meet Desdemona her father Brabantio describes her as being young, careless and easily misled: "A maiden never so bold". (1.3. 352) However, her father may only think this at the present time because he is angry with her for loving Othello, a man much older than her (as we can tell by the fact she is known as a maiden, i.e. an unmarried girl, a virgin) and who is black. Therefore because of her Father's prejudices we may logically assume that his depiction of her at this time is incorrect.

Especially being as he also refers to her as being: "Tender, fair and happy". (1, 2, 66) This description shows that he did see her as being innocent and pure before she ran off with the moor. This original opinion of her is more trust worthy than the later, i.e. misled etc, as his emotions are high when he produces this viewpoint. Nevertheless, we still cannot fully trust this judgement either as a parent will always think the best of their children. Iago also passes judgement on Desdemona in Act one, scene one when he says: "She must have change". (1.3. 352) In this context Iago is saying to Roderigo that Desdemona will eventually get bored of the Moor and will cheat on him, in the same way as she cheated her Father by marrying him.

This represents Desdemona as being a 'loose woman' and neither someone who is not in love with Othello nor someone who values love. However, we already know that this is untrue from the depiction her Father gave us. Also the audience know that she truly loves the moor as earlier in the scene, when the senators question Othello over his actions with Desdemona, she gives a report of her sympathy and interest for Othello's tales of bravery. This saves Othello from being punished by the Lords, as first. Then to ensure that Othello is not chastised, she continues to explain their story to the Lords with respect and politeness. This shows the great loyalty and love she feels towards Othello.

However, it also shows here shrewdness, as by flattering the Lords and showing them respect i.e. "Most gracious Duke" she knows that she will win them over and her and Othello's love will be saved. Throughout the passage of speech between Desdemona, Othello and the Lords of Venice, Othello professes his own ideals of Desdemona. He speaks of her as being "gentle" and has much respect for her. Othello's feelings for Desdemona are paralleled by her own feelings for Othello. "Even to the very quality of my Lord: I saw Othello's visage... his honours and valiant parts... my soul and fortunes consecrate... ". (1.3. 253-55) Othello's perspective of Desdemona is very different from that of Iago's.

This is because Iago dislikes women and sees them as being lesser creatures. Despite the fact that Iago appears to almost despise Desdemona he dares not refer to Desdemona in anything other than glowing terms in the presence of her father. Again we, the audience can detect his detest with Desdemona when he bad mouths her later on in scene one: "When she is sated with his body". (1.3. 351) Although this primarily appears to be a vulgar criticism of Othello it also provides a vile description of a pre-empted act, which involves Desdemona making her appear tainted. Roderigo is the final character in this scene to give us an insight toward Desdemona's character. Roderigo is in love wit Desdemona and therefore appears to idolism her.

He sees her as being "fair" and saying that she has "beauty, wit and fortunes". I think that in the first scene Desdemona is portrayed dominantly as being loyal, honest and kind hearted. She is shown to love the moor unconditionally, but at the same time respects others that are important to her, for instance her Father and the Lords. Despite Iago's coarse references, her father and husband describe her as being a gentle, loving woman; and I feel this is these are the characteristics that the audience except as being the truth. This depiction of Desdemona is one that is true throughout the entirety of the play. However, later on we also learn that she is also fairly weak and dependent on those close to her.

For example, when we are introduced to Emilia, Desdemona's maid we see that their relationship is much more than just servant and mistress but that Desdemona depends on Emilia for emotional support as well. Emilia's remark about the handkerchief - "she reserves it evermore about her, to kiss and to talk to" (3.3. 299/300) show that Emilia recognises her occasional, almost childlike behaviour. Desdemona also relies on the love she has and shares with Othello. Later on we see that as her marriage to Othello breaks down she becomes less and less sure of herself and relies more and more on others to help her 'save' their relationship.

In conclusion I feel that the portrayal of Desdemona in the first scene is accurate to her character throughout the play, except for the fact that it hide her emotional weaknesses.