Othello Desdemona Character Analysis

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While all individuals possess weakness, those who prove to be stronger are the ones who have the ability to oppose ___ and ____. Shakespeare 's Othello revolves around a deceiving man named Iago who is angered at his general, Othello for giving the role of lieutenant to a man named Michael Cassio. Othello, a black Venetian general, runs off to marry a young Venetian women named Desdemona. Desdemona, raised by a racist and powerful father, disappoints her father by her elopement. Angrily, Iago plots against Othello, by making him believe in his wife’s infidelity. Iago makes Desdemona seem unfaithful causing Othello to become jealous and outraged, eventually murdering Desdemona. While some may say that Desdemona is not a strong woman because she is compliant and passive with Othello, the fact remains that she is outspoken and assertive, making her a strong women.
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In all fairness, this argument has merit because Desdemona is submissive in the sense that she does what Othello says without hesitation. Indeed, Desdemona does give in to Othello. But her courage to stand up to others is more significant than her passiveness. Desdemona has the courage to speak out against powerful men, which was not only against traditional norms but was also unheard of. It is also revealed that Othello’s physical abuse in Act 4, Scene 1 presents Desdemona’s these characteristics, in which she is not afraid to proclaim herself innocent. In this scene, Othello and Desdemona both state, “ Desdemona: Why, Sweet Othello!/ Othello: (striking her) Devil!/ Desdemona: I have not deserved this” (4.1.269). That said, Desdemona may put up with Othello’s physical and emotional abuse, but that does not come without Desdemona professing her innocence and standing up for

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