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Jeffrey Wu

Mrs. Buchichio

Sophomore 10

22 March 2011

Babe In The Woods

Though many readers conceive that Desdemona was the sole reason of her own collapse,

and that she is an infantilized woman, in reality, Desdemona is a tragic victim of circumstance.

She is introduced as a woman of admirable courage and bravery; however, at the end of the play,

Desdemona is enveloped in Othello’s hatred, a result of Iago’s manipulation.. The con artist Iago

creates a masterful web of falsehood that leads Desdemona's husband to rid himself of his love

for his wife and thus, causing Desdemona to lose her last wing of support.

During the introduction of the fair mistress, Desdemona became the epitome of the

characteristics that define a strong ,adventurous and independent woman.. She demonstrates her

strong will and dedication by not only defying her father, but also defying normal society values

by marrying interracially, thus showing that she has her own morals and her own mind. Her first

words, in which she challenges that she “may profess, due to the Moor, my lord,” are firm and

strong (I.iii.188-189).Drawn to Othello's exciting militaristic past, she seeks action by requesting

the senate to allow her to accompany her new husband on a military expedition. Moreover, while

other women would cower in obedience and be unable to speak their mind, Desdemona is open

about her mindset and plainly tells the senate to “let [her] go”
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A slew of abusive events follow the arrival of Cyprus, pummeling Desdemona into a

shell of her previous form. Despite Desdemona's undying loyalty and fidelity, Othello physically

and verbally abuses her as he yells that he is "glad that see [her] mad" ( IIII.i.238). He blatantly

calls her a whore and proceeds to strike her in public. Her marriage and happiness made the

sudden turn of events shocking to believe. This numbness engulfs her as Othello continues to

confront her, repeatedly bashing her with remarks, comparing her to Satan and saying she is an

"impudent strumpet." (IIII.ii.82). These uncertainties that Othello faces surfaces through Iago's

deception and treachery causing Desdemona to become so beaten down the point of submissive

and passive obedience.

By the play's end, Desdemona's spirit breaks and she has become a completely different

person from the woman who defied her own father , the society and stood in front of the senate

and pleaded her cause. Before Desdemona's last confrontation with Othello, she sings a

despairing song she learned from her mother's maid: She was in love; and he proved mad / And

did forsake her. She had a song of willow. / . . . / And she died singing it. That song tonight /

Will not go from my mind” (IV.iii.27–30). Along with the willow song, and Desdemona's

request to have Emilia bury her in the wedding sheets laid on her bed if should she die first,

proves that she is aware of her imminent death. She goes along passively still obeying Othello's

orders because Desdemona realizes after being abandoned by her own father , she has nothing

left, but Othello ,who has emotionally abandoned her. As Othello approaches her and his

intentions become clear she remains rather passive when Othello strangles her .. So, with her

dying breath, she takes the blame for her husband's abuse by stammering , " Nobody [murdered

me], I myself. Farewell. ." ( V. ii. 123 ). This is a stark reminder that Desdemona is the real

victim in this tragic play.

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Tragically, Desdemona dies playing her part as a pawn of Iago's plans and a outlet of

Othello's inner turmoils. Her shell of bravado and tenacity shatters under the immense conditions.

Losing her father to gain Othello meant she had lost all connections to any type of family or

support, leaving only Othello. As the story progresses and Othello's position on Desdemona

changes and her last wing of support breaks, Othello made sure that bird never flew again.