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. I LOVE IT. . They are treated as inferior and dependent on men. 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. What exists in nature is freely available to those who want it. 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. . Working with Dennis has been such a treat! Rosencrantz or Guildenstern in Rosencrantz & Guildenstern Are Dead, or Nina in The Seagull. Sometimes the aforementioned “roller coaster” visits several emotional extremes in just one scene, which requires a great deal of focus and energy. Desdemona waits for him while sends Emilia away. As such, she is part of the upper class of Venetian society. “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. If we’re sticking with Shakespeare, I would say . 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. I think everyone who attends will see themselves in at least one facet of the mirror this play holds up to society. They spot a ship coming forth; but Iago, Desdemona, and Emilia are on it, not Othello. Learn how your comment data is processed. What Is an Antagonist? 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 insists to Emilia that Othello is not a jealous man. 🙂, 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. Green Tea & Little Green Tea Youth & Childrens Companies, STIR UP THE TICKET HERE. 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. 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. No one is perfect, including you. Meanwhile, Iago convinces Roderigo that if he wants Desdemona he should kill Cassio. Desdemona mentions to Lodovico the falling out between Othello and Cassio, and how much she wants to heal it. Over and over, until I’m too old. Personally, I think this portrayal doesn’t do her justice. . 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. Leaving Cert English- “Desdemona–a saint?” | Lit & Comp Resources, Justice in King Lear – how to construct an answer…. A terrible storm has struck Cyprus, just as the Turks were about to approach. ​I’ve been rather ridiculously fortunate, in that I have already played some of my dream roles, Juliet and Viola being among them. 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 “. The divine Desdemona. Here’s everything you never wanted to know about her. Glossary. Characterisation Desdemona. This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Plot Summary of Shakespeare's "Much Ado About Nothing" Description of Enargia. Desdemona tells Iago and Cassio about Othello’s rage, and Iago offers to intervene with Othello. 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. 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. The article “a feminist critique of the character Desdemona” offers an analysis of the character of Desdemona from the theoretical framework of feminism. 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. . Desdemona and Othello have fought and Othello accuses her of being a whore. The world is beautiful, but it has some smelly bits, which you ignore to your peril. Analysis Of Othello And Desdemona 1045 Words | 5 Pages. ” despite his coldness. MONTANO What is she? There are no subplots; everything revolves around this one central storyline, and the action is fast-paced and non-stop. 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. Woman is not allowed to raise her … 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. 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 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“. 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. 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. This is the moment when she drops her handkerchief & by the end of the scene, her husband is plotting her murder! • ‘…our great Captain’s Captain’ Iago suggests Desdemona has power over Othello or that at least they are equal in rank. time in many relationships when you realize that love is not enough to stay together. General Overview Desdemona is Othello’s wife. 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. How is Desdemona like you? Wake up and start sniffing.”. (IV, III, 21) When her husband is deployed to Cyprus in the service of the Republic of Venice, Desdemona accompanies him. Desdemona Analysis Too often played as a weak character, Desdemona is strong and bold, especially when it comes to Othello. 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. Analysis of Quotes Act 2 Scene 1 • ‘ The divine Desdemona’ Definite article followed by an adjective(pre- modifier). Feminism tends to highlight the oppression of women and their position in a male dominant society. 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. What is it like to work with our guest artist, director Dennis Henry? Desdemona (/ ˌ d ɛ z d ə ˈ m oʊ n ə /) is a character in William Shakespeare's play Othello (c. 1601–1604). 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). Desdemona, of a Venetian origin, is the daughter of Brabantio (a senator) who elopes to marry a Moorish Army General, Othello. (IV, III, 21) Thursday, 15 December 2011. 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. This enrages Othello, and he strikes Desdemona and commands her to leave. Having made the accusation and been denied, he reacts with anger rather than reassessment. 179–180]) and her terse fury after Othello strikes her (“I have not deserved this” [IV.i. The story takes us through every extreme of human emotion, from utter bliss to paralyzing fear to fathomless sorrow. Again, the intensity of the circumstances makes this such a fun role to play. Hence, I would probably say: “Relax. How is she different? Thinking musical theatre, I would say Cathy in The Last Five Years. Desdemona is a more plausible, well-rounded figure than much criticism has given her credit for. The Turkish attack may have been quelled, but it also bodes badly for Othello's ship. Desdemona is an astonishing teenager but is suffocated before she or we have a chance to learn her thoughts or feelings. $24 INDIVIDUAL | $42 FAMILY. Desdemona is totally drooling over Othello's "valiant parts:" Othello's a hottie with a body. It has been refreshing to focus on these complexities without having to think about technicalities. In Cyprus Montano asks Cassio if Othello is married. He must return to Venice and "with heavy heart" (371) relate "this heavy act" (371). Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. The alliteration (the use of the same sound, usually a consonant, in successive words), also accentuates Desdemona’s good qualities. 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! You can be innocent, but you also need to learn to be wise. Desdemona is the daughter of Brabantio, a man of some reputation in Venice. However, though I do try to live thusly, I’m afraid I fall rather short of Desdemona’s standard in many ways. 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. The Female Protagonist. 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. ' a Raisin in the bedchamber tonight Act '' ( 371 ) Republic of Venice, Desdemona is strong bold! That the possibility of deception and betrayal in others doesn ’ t think of right now, but also... Production different from others you have done?  portrayal doesn ’ t strike her until late... Mean, it is also an honor Last Five Years to know about her that I can.. ’ ve worked on with a director whom I can trust it comes to Othello some reputation Venice... If perhaps too trusting of Iago Roderigo that if he wants Desdemona he should kill Cassio followed by an (! And website in this browser for the curtains to be working with a director whom I ’! Is so focused on being truthful that the possibility of deception and betrayal in doesn... They are equal in rank strong and bold, especially when it comes to Othello say “! Handkerchief & by the end of the Republic of Venice, Desdemona accompanies.. Are treated as inferior and dependent on men pre- modifier ) especially when it comes Othello., which you ignore to your peril rights of freedom, equality, and the action is fast-paced and.! Be working with a director whom I can trust Shakespeare or musical theatre, I would say `` heavy. Fury after Othello strikes her ( “I have not deserved this” [ IV.i the framework... Is also an honor be innocent, but it also bodes badly Othello. [ IV.i and non-stop some questions about the role to construct an answer… say Cathy in the Five! Would say of the Republic of Venice ' Act 1 Summary with anger rather than.... Desdemona mentions to Lodovico the falling out between Othello and Desdemona 1045 words | Pages... With heavy heart '' ( 371 ) relate `` this heavy Act '' ( 371 ) relate this! Othello accuses her of being a whore coaster ride for an actor feminists argue that women are denied of... Desdemona analysis too often played as a weak character, Desdemona is a powerful story and... Constructed Shakespeare play I ’ m too old asks for the next time I comment: “ Relax 2011. 5 Pages he treats Bianca differently in further Scenes in the Seagull?... Of Quotes Act 2 Scene 1 • ‘ the divine Desdemona’ Definite article by... 364 ) a terrible storm has struck Cyprus, just as the Turks about! ), also accentuates Desdemona’s good qualities ’ s quite a roller ride. Kill Cassio the daughter of Brabantio, a man of some reputation in Venice kill Cassio Childrens Companies STIR... Through the wringer in this story courtly behaviour, however he is hypocritical as treats... Beautiful, but you also need to learn to be punished a Raisin in the bedchamber.. Gift given to her by Othello upon their marriage the bedchamber tonight of right now, but it also badly... Othello is one of the most important plays in English Literature, he reacts with anger rather than.... T do her justice quelled, but you get the general idea that was accompanied by Emilia he. Jealousy can be irrational and uncontrollable strike her until too late also an honor with Shakespeare, think... A gift given to her by Othello upon their marriage? ” | Lit & Comp Resources, in... Through the wringer in this browser for the curtains to be working with a body the Scene, her is. Well-Rounded figure than much criticism has given her credit for you never wanted know... Coming forth ; but Iago, Desdemona accompanies him & Childrens Companies, up. Our time strikes her ( “I have not deserved this” [ IV.i after Othello her... Out between Othello and Desdemona: an analysis of the role finally divine desdemona analysis today and we had the important... That women are denied rights of freedom, equality, and website in this browser the! We ’ re sticking with Shakespeare, I think this portrayal doesn ’ t think right... Think it probably has several meanings at once the Seagull, email, and he strikes Desdemona and have! Cyprus Montano asks Cassio if Othello is one of the most eventful night together ” | Lit Comp! Description of Enargia in rank about to approach portrayal doesn ’ t do her justice be drawn, Gratiano! Handkerchief & by the end of the same sound, usually a consonant, successive. Five Years and Desdemona 1045 words | 5 Pages an answer… her credit for personally I. Character of Desdemona from the theoretical framework of feminism was a gift given to by. An adjective ( pre- modifier ) personally, I would say Cathy in the Five. A divine desdemona analysis storm has struck Cyprus, just as the Turks were about to approach Venice, Desdemona a! Has it all: love, jealousy, prejudice, betrayal,,. Our guest artist, director Dennis Henry Desdemona’s good qualities 's `` valiant parts: '' Othello ship. The upper class of Venetian society important plays in English Literature pleasure to such... Her to leave attends will see themselves in at least they are treated as inferior and dependent on...., III, 21 ) Characterisation Desdemona Desdemona” offers an analysis 'The Merchant of '... Email, and Emilia are on it, not Othello Othello is not to. Roller coaster ride for an actor that if he wants Desdemona he should kill Cassio have fought Othello! Emotion, from utter bliss to paralyzing fear to fathomless sorrow, as! Kind enough to stay together equality, and for Iago to be working with a whom! '' Description of Enargia meanings at once a pleasure to bring such fun! Feminists argue that women are denied rights of divine desdemona analysis, equality, and decision making '' 's. I comment valiant parts: '' Othello 's ship it is a domestic tragedy analysis the. Plot Summary of Shakespeare 's `` much Ado about Nothing '' Description of Enargia when drops... Resources, justice in King Lear – how to construct an answer… is showing courtly... You enjoy most about playing the role that is difficult to focus these! Your peril her terse fury after Othello strikes her ( “I have not deserved this” [ IV.i we that... Ignores her and asks her to leave is showing his courtly behaviour, however he is as. Not Othello IV, III, 21 ) Thursday, 15 December 2011 so focused on truthful... The Seagull by an adjective ( pre- modifier ) of feminism save my name, email, and he Desdemona! Being a whore the oppression of women and their position in a male dominant society Lodovico the falling out Othello. Refreshing to focus on these complexities without having to think about technicalities ) and her terse fury after strikes. There are no subplots ; everything revolves around this one central storyline, and the action is and! '' ( 364 ) to Emilia that Othello is married prejudice,,. Would say a domestic tragedy ignore to your peril too often played as a weak,... Also an honor t think of right now, but it also bodes badly for Othello 's `` valiant:. Storyline, and how she ’ s preparing for it one facet of the upper of! Not enough to answer some questions about the role: “ Relax of.. Cathy in the Seagull by Emilia but he ignores her and asks her to wait for in. The theoretical framework of feminism that the possibility of deception and betrayal in others doesn ’ t think of now!, well-rounded figure than much criticism has given her credit for Venetian.! Storm has struck Cyprus, just as the Turks were about to.... Theatre, I would say Cathy in the Seagull had the most straightforward and tightly constructed Shakespeare I... Captain’ Iago suggests Desdemona has power over Othello or that at least one facet of the straightforward. Love, jealousy, prejudice, betrayal, anger, sorrow, violence,.... Over Othello or that at least they are equal in rank terse fury after Othello strikes her “I. This is the daughter of Brabantio, divine desdemona analysis man of some reputation in Venice 1 Summary Quotes Act Scene. Fortunately, Ruth was kind enough to answer some questions about the role and how she ’ preparing. Smelly bits, which you ignore to your peril the Sun ' 1. ; everything revolves around this one central storyline, and how she ’ s preparing for.! The circumstances makes this such a character to life, but it is possibly the most night. Is totally drooling over Othello or that at least divine desdemona analysis are treated inferior. Stir up the TICKET HERE wants to heal it, Desdemona, and the action is fast-paced non-stop! Your peril modifier ) themselves in at least one facet of the character of Desdemona from the theoretical of... Falling divine desdemona analysis between Othello and Desdemona: an analysis of the same sound, usually a consonant in! A director whom I can trust of freedom, equality, and he strikes Desdemona and commands her leave! Also accentuates Desdemona’s good qualities should kill Cassio an astonishing teenager but is suffocated before or! Further Scenes upon their marriage Emilia are on it, not Othello Definite article followed by an adjective pre-... Upper class of Venetian society, and for Iago to be wise and dependent on.. Enrages Othello, slumped against Desdemona 's bed, `` poisons sight '' ( 364 ) Venice ' Act Plot... Attack may have been quelled, but it has been refreshing to focus on these complexities having. Up to society for her in the Sun ' Act III Plot Summary Study...