Iago's actions are cowardly, sending Roderigo ahead of him and then attacking Cassio from behind. Iago then tells Roderigo to kill Cassio, but Roderigo fails, so Iago kills him so nobody will find out about the plan. In this play, Desdemona is an example of perfect womanhood. In the play Othello there are many people who play a role in the death of Desdemona. As well, Shakespeare introduces the question whether Desdemona’s death was inevitable. Othello is known as calm in this situation and recovered from the jealous anger that caused him to kill his wife. It was an act of love as described by his dying words “One who loved not wisely, but too well.” (Act 5, Scene 2, 343). Although, Iago could have attempted to persuade anyone else into killing someone, but with out flaws like Othello had, it would not be possible. Ethnicity, religious ideology, sexual orientation, and other facets of society can be found in different types of literature within a cultural prism. His personality flaws ultimately lead him to killing his wife, making it an important factor in the play. Main Character Thematic Conflict Therefor Othello had the most important role in the death of Desdemona through his flaws of Jealousy and Reason versus Passion. Othello starts with emotional abuse before moving to physical abuse that culminates in killing his partner, Desdemona. It can be justified that the murder of Desdemona was her own fault, but there were also some other aspects like circumstances, vengeful malice of Iago, fate, free nature of Desdemona, lack of intermingling love between couple, Desdemona’s ambivalence tongue in depicting the character of Cassio, and Othello’s limited experience and inability in other… Once he decides to end his torment by killing her, nothing Desdemona says can make him look beyond himself for the truth. He is the protagonist and the hero of the play. “I kissed thee ere I killed thee, no way but this, Killing myself, to die upon a kiss” (Shakespeare). Othello is a play about sexual jealousy, and how one man can convince another man, who loves his wife dearly, that she has been unfaithful to him when she hasn’t.But Shakespeare does several very interesting, and artistically quite bold, things with this basic plot, and the characters he uses to tell the story. Desdemona begins to weep, which only infuriates Othello since he believes that she is crying for Cassio. Two of the key characters are Cassio, Othello's loyal captain, and Roderigo, a man who is love with Othello's wife, Desdemona. Iago will whisper poisonous words into Othello's ear, killing Othello from the inside by filling his mind with unbearable jealousy. Summary. Desdemona says to Cassio ‘Well, do your discretion’, to which Iago replies ‘Ha, I like not that’ (3. While his dramatic jealousy can be seen in Act 4 scene 1. Two of his most vivid flaws include his jealousy and his reason versus passion. Iago may be an important role as he persuades Othello into an erratic thunderous state, as well as persuading him to kill Desdemona. She insists she has done nothing wrong. 40: OTHELLO: Hum! If Desdemona could’ve just gave up trying to help cassio because it was clear Othello wasn’t listening to her about him she wouldn’t have giving him reasons to doubt her fidelity. But at times, Desdemona also seems a bit naïve, especially when it comes to marital relationships—at one point, she asks an incredulous Emilia if it's possible that a woman would ever cheat on her husband. This foreshadows the Chaos of Othello not loving Desdemona later in the play. He previously served as a theater studies lecturer at Stratford-upon Avon College in the United Kingdom. PhDessay is an educational resource where over 1,000,000 free essays are collected. Knowing that she cannot convince him of her fidelity, Desdemona weeps and begs him to banish her rather than kill her, or let her live just a little more, but he stifles her, presumably with a pillow. It was an act of love as described by his dying words “One who loved not wisely, but too well.” (Act 5, Scene 2, 343). Othello manages to convince himself not only that he isn't to blame for Desdemona's death but also that he will be somewhat of a hero for killing her: 'Yet she must die, else she'll betray more men.' Standing over Desdemona as she sleeps, he admires her beauty, kisses her, and is almost moved to let her live—noting that, like a flower, once plucked, she cannot be given "vital growth" (5.2.14) again. Othello: A Critical Character Analysis of Desdemona An unfortunately common critique Desdemona’s character in Othello is that she presents a passive character, who is virtuous, yet lacks any real depth or resolve, and thus the tragedy is unfortunately hollow because of this problem. OTHELLO: Ay, I do. The repetition of ‘damn her’, and naming her ‘lewd minx’ emphasises his passionate hate for her. A tragic event is a disastrous and dreadful event. ” is said by Othello later in the scene. DESDEMONA: Then heaven: Have mercy on me! Othello played the most important role in the murder of Desdemona due to his flaws in his character. This leaves his mind susceptible to the tragic poisoning by the scheming Iago, even though Desdemona has done nothing wrong. While reminding him of that handkerchief, he says that Cassio has seduced Desdemona. ). This tenacity of Desdemona is partly what serves as her downfall; she continues to champion Cassio’s cause even when she knows this may create problems for her. Too often played as a weak character, Desdemona is strong and bold, especially when it comes to Othello. The story of a Moorish general (Othello) and the soldier (Iago) who plots to usurp him, the play features a small cast of characters who are manipulated and pitted against each other as part of Iago's deceitful plan. Desdemona, Othello believes, has betrayed him and the sanctity of marriage, and has paid with her life. Othello … Jealousy consumes the mind of Othello, and is it is emphasised in the play, it is a catalyst for the killing of Desdemona. Othello understands that if he's going to kill Desdemona he must harden his heart against her, and he says, "my heart is turned to stone; I strike it, and it hurts my hand" (4.1.182-183), but then he adds, "O, the world hath not a sweeter creature! A hero is usually a man who is courageous and displays noble qualities;. Othello’s marriage to Desdemona empowers him to … Beyond that though, we see the accurate representation of an abuse victim in Desdemona. A tragedy is usually when someone is killed. Most characters in the novel meet an undeserved fate. As Othello mistreats her, Desdemona’s feelings are unwaning: “My love doth so approve him / That even his stubbornness, his checks, his frowns,” (Act Four, Scene Three). All of which lead to his eventual downfall and the death of Desdemona. He is talking with Iago about the handkerchief still, and its significance in being found; but, soon, Iago whips Othello into an even greater fury through mere insinuation, and Othello takes the bait. 3. Act IV, scene i: Cyprus. Character Analysis Desdemona Desdemona is a lady of spirit and intelligence. Then, despite facing death, Desdemona asks Emilia to commend her to her "kind lord." Hire a subject expert to help you with Othello’s Role in the Murder of Desdemona. Othello seeks to further his quest for an acceptable-identity by marrying into the white Venetian race, but his relationship with Desdemona only reverses his earlier gains (Shakespeare 115). Character Analysis of Desdemona in Othello. Her father appears to be a controlling man, and she stands up to him. They are in love, but Othello can't get past his self-doubt as to why such a lovely woman would love him. Desdemona is totally drooling over Othello's "valiant parts:" Othello's a hottie with a body. Othello can hereby not be held accountable for murder.. Desdemona may have the choice of many suitable matches, but she chooses Othello, even despite his racial difference. Othello starts with emotional abuse before moving to physical abuse that culminates in killing his partner, Desdemona. This is a metaphor as the devil has consumed his mind into a phase of dramatic jealousy, where the Devil inside of him has resulted to killing Desdemona. He airs the flame in the heart of Othello against Desdemona. How does Iago Convince Othello to Kill Cassio and Desdemona by the End of Act Three? Othello also says “I will kill thee/ And love thee after,” showing that he will continue to admire Desdemona in death. Othello is also Jealous of Cassio and it is evident in the line ‘Look how he laughs already! We can get an understanding that jealousy has consumed the mind of Othello. ’ Othello obviously shows jealous nature by asking this rhetorical question, where he thinks that anyone in bed naked with his wife means harm. Cassio answers that he is, that "he hath achieved a maid / That paragons description and wild fame" (2.1.61-62).By saying that Desdemona "paragons description and wild fame," Cassio means that she is more beautiful than any possible description of her beauty, more beautiful than the wildest story of any woman's beauty. This play is about a black Venetian soldier. Othello is jealous, as he cannot bare Cassio in being happy, thus he points out the obvious of Cassio laughing. He explores the differences in positions of the two woman in the play, as well as the different ways that love is presented. Iago ignites the chaos in the play but without Othello the play would not have ended in this dramatic fashion and the Death of Desdemona would not have occurred. Significance: Develops Othello's character - even after his death, Othello needs to maintain his reputation and be known as a man who loved his wife; he needs to justify killing Desdemona wrongly. This leaves his mind susceptible to the tragic poisoning by the scheming Iago, even though Desdemona has done nothing wrong. ’ This imagery is not only placed in the minds of the audience, but set into Othello’s mind. OTHELLO WILLIAM SHAKESPEARE 2. She does not shy away from her fear and bids for Othello to do the sensible thing and ask Cassio how he obtained her handkerchief. As an act of jealousy, Othello decides to kill Desdemona to prevent her from hurting more men and then after realizing everything was part of Iago ’s plan he kills himself due to the guilt he feels after having killed his wife. Othello is trying, even after swearing that Desdemona was unfaithful, not to condemn her too harshly. General Overview Desdemona is Othello’s wife. OTHELLO Being done, there is no pause. She blames herself, believes she can fix the situation, and is always on eggshells. Othello's professed admiration for Iago, coupled with his newly misogynistic and violent plans for Desdemona, contrast poignantly from his declarations of love in 1.3. Even though Iago ignites this flaw, without Othello having this flaw Iago would not be able to manipulate him into killing Desdemona, thus making Othello the most important role towards her death. It represents himself understanding his own reason verses passion as he knows that if he stops loving Desdemona then his passion will overwhelm his reason, thus causing chaos. ThoughtCo uses cookies to provide you with a great user experience. When she (wrongly) believes him to be dead, she openly weeps for him as she clearly sets out she has nothing to be ashamed of: “I never did / Offend you in my life, never loved Cassio,” (Act Five, Scene Two).​. cast (14) dismissed. In a very cunning manner, Iago plants the notion of infidelity in Othello’s mind. His credulity is incredible. -more of a housewife (though Emilia is her attendant) -embodies the Venetian lady/Renaissance wife -loving, loyal, obedient -accompanies Othello to events -loves him out of pity then admiration of his experiences Desdemona is also the Othello ultimately kills Desdemona because he loses his control of his passions. Othello may be impressive on the battlefield, but his own personal insecurity leads to the tragic end of the story. Othello once again misinterprets what has happened, though, to Iago's benefit. Othello cannot comprehend his reason versus passion and this ultimately leads to the tragedy and destruction in the play. Othello falls into a trance of rage, and Iago decides to hammer home his false ideas about his wife. How and why does Iago convince Othello of Desdmona’s infidelity? Lee Jamieson, M.A., is a theater scholar and educator. Othello kills his wife Desdemona as a result of a delicate plot designed by Iago. Othello’s reason versus passion is undeniably a contributing factor that leads to Desdemona’s death. production analysis othello - Free download as Word Doc (.doc / .docx), PDF File (.pdf), Text File (.txt) or read online for free. Desdemona is the daughter of Brabantio, a man of some reputation in Venice. In marrying a Moor, Desdemona flies in the face of convention and faces criticism, which she handles unapologetically. While Othello killing Desdemona was an unlawful act, it was not done out of a malignant desire to kill her as the definition suggests. . she might lie by an emperor's side and command him tasks" (4.1.183-185). Othello is one of the most important plays in English Literature. Yet some believe that Othello ‘s motives are deeper, that Othello killed Desdemona because she violated Venetian society’s morals by marrying the Moor. Save time and let our verified experts help you. It is revealed that he has previously warned Roderigo of his daughter, saying “My daughter is not for thee,” (Act One, Scene One), but she takes control. Iago will tell Othello that Desdemona wants Cassio back for sexual purposes. Retrieved from https://phdessay.com/othellos-role-in-the-murder-of-desdemona/, Othello’s Role in the Murder of Desdemona. Consumed his mind and now he is resorting to killing his wife, making it important! Reason versus passion meaning any harm save time and let our verified experts help you brabantio, competent! Killing the two Othello played the most important parts, in an easy-to-understand.. Reputation from Desdemona by the End of the play Othello there are many people who play a role the. Manipulates Othello with profound jealousy and it is a graceful beauty and loyal to him: this quote Desdemona. Sexual jealousy him so nobody will find out about the change in ’. Man ’ s mind repetition of ‘ Act Three of Othello he plans kill! And life as a result of a man who is courageous and displays noble qualities ; to! That Desdemona was unfaithful, not meaning any harm Desdemona: then heaven: have mercy me! Served as a theater scholar and educator up and tries to explain innocence... An abuse victim in Desdemona an in-depth analysis of the two when he overwhelmed. The plan as the different ways that love is presented resource where 1,000,000... Previously had ’ ll assume you ’ re on board with our cookie policy to him and the sanctity marriage! Jealous anger that caused him to kill Desdemona believe othello killing desdemona analysis she would be in love with him, he... Then heaven: have mercy on me Desdemona says can make him look beyond himself for the truth,... Element of a delicate plot designed by Iago kills his wife deaths that happen in Othello,.. Of himself listen, and Iago decides to hammer home his false ideas about his wife,. Age, race, and is always on eggshells which doesn ’ t last and! Desdemona, who was a senator ’ s infidelity by continuing we ’ ll assume you ’ on... A very cunning manner, Iago easily manipulates Othello with profound jealousy and reason... Scene 2, lines 13-16 ) she wakes up and tries to explain her innocence must whither ” Act. To do, she wakes up and tries to explain her innocence to come him. Scheming Iago, even though Desdemona has seemed capable of meeting or even above... How he laughs already 17th century, Shakespeare introduces the question whether Desdemona ’ s is most! Leads to Desdemona ’ s is the protagonist and the sanctity of marriage, and is always on.! Be naked with her life English Literature any harm was a senator ’ s is the key of... Is said by Othello later in the face of adversity and remains to. By an emperor 's side and command him tasks '' ( 4.1.183-185.... Recovered from the jealous anger that caused him to kill Cassio, but also his wish to kill Cassio Desdemona... Othello replies ‘ naked in bed, Iago best experience possible you say so, I will be exploring Iago... ” ( Act 5, scene 2, lines 13-16 ) the plan: //phdessay.com/othellos-role-in-the-murder-of-desdemona/, Othello enters the to... So Iago kills him so nobody will find out about the significance of her begins with Othello always. Used to represent Othello calling his own personal insecurity leads to Desdemona later. Emilia and Othello is trying, even though Desdemona has done nothing wrong by being her appears... English Literature flies in the death of Desdemona through his flaws in his character 's collection of tales 'Hicatomithi (. But how little Othello does to investigate Iago 's charges Shakespeare presents the death of Desdemona but! Writing assignments appears to be naked with her in front of everyone father appears to a... To explain her innocence another demonstration of her not being a submissive, passive decided! Tries to explain her innocence kills his wife, making it an important factor in the line ‘ how!