Strength Of Desdemona As A Character In Shakespeare’s Othello
Desdemona stands for the women who go beyond the norms of sexual morality laid down for women of Venetia during the 1600s. The first step that exemplifies the strength of her character as a woman is her decision to move out of her dad’s house to get married by the Moor, Othello. Desdemona did not ask for consent from her dad; she made an independent decision, took the risk and went ahead to marry the man of her choice. Despite her father, Brabantio, being a very authoritarian person, Desdemona is not scared and for this reason, she is able to rise above her father’s ego. Desdemona thinks it is pointless for her father to interrupt in such vital decisions since they affect her and not him. Desdemona’s independent character was strong since it destroyed the gender obstacles in the Venetian society and posed threats to the men in that society.
The other characteristic that shows Desdemona’s insubordination is her role in the marriage to Othello; she takes after her father’s authority. The kind of man she chooses to marry does not give a true reflection of a Venetian woman of her time. This aspect of Desdemona sharing part of her father’s authority is well elaborated by when Iago tells Desdemona’s father that he has lost a portion of his spirit to her daughter. Due to her father exercising so much authority, Desdemona gets interested in having power just like her father and exercises authority over her own life; she becomes rebellious. Her father and other men become threatened by the belief that she might be taking away her father’s power and going against the cultural norms.
Desdemona’s interest in power drives her into falling in love with a man that is strong since she envied playing the role of men just like her dad. Desdemona’s strive for authority and power is a reflection of what women feel the society has been denying them; equal rights as men. Marrying a strong man meant that Desdemona was also strong enough and equally sophisticated to play an active role in the society unlike other women who were forced to remain passive by the Venetian society. However, Desdemona does not allow her love of freedom and authority to jeopardize her relationship; even in the middle of many barriers, she continues to stand by her husband Othello both spiritually and realistically.
Desdemona is also a great luminary to many women especially to Emilia. Since Desdemona is highly educated, she chooses to lead an impartial life that does not politicize racial differences. She goes through difficult challenges without turning back. For example, when Iago convinces her husband that she is having an affair with Cassio, she tries to remain composed. Othello, a man who at the beginning loved her without doubting her faithfulness to her, changes his opinion about her and believes the allegation; ironically, Cassio was so trustworthy to Othello to do such an awful act with Desdemona. To Cassio, Desdemona is a woman who is trying to realize her dreams. Desdemona is compelled to go and consult advice but unfortunately, she falls on the same man who has trapped her; Iago hides his intentions and pretends to be comforting her ye he is the man behind the scheme against her, her husband and Cassio; Iago considers all of them his enemies.
Though at times Desdemona was driven by emotion, and for that reason was entrapped by Iago, her emotions also led her to the right path; she tells Othello to consider the fact that she has been a good partner and the fact that she is always ready to do anything her husband wants done. Desdemona is also exhibited as an intelligent woman since she does not just agree to all accusations leveled against her; she tries to stand her ground and explain her position to her husband. Desdemona continues to stand her ground even before the senate and her rebellion, which was the only way to liberate her society from gender disparity, leads to her death. Her husband murders her as he is unable to bear the insecurity of losing power to his wife and the demands of Iago.
In conclusion, Desdemona’s role in Othello is outstanding and she plays an active role in driving the plot forward. Desdemona represents women who are not afraid of fighting for their position in the society and she opens doors for other women in Othello. With a price of death to pay, her role in liberation of the Venetian society cannot be undermined.
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