Virtuosity in Othello :: Literary Analysis, Shakespeare,

The character Desdemona in William Shakespe bes play Othello holds on to her dignified behavior until the very end, when her life is taken by her avaricious husband, is indicative not only of her chaste mind, but also of her unadulterated fortitude. Women of that time were largely seen mostly one of two extremes either utter(a) or licentious. Desdemonas strength as a virtuous cleaning lady are clearly illustrated in two pivotal scenes in Shakespeares play in her poise when confronted with her husbands collapse of his refined facade and in the dignified way she faces her own demise head-on, listless on affirmations, yet overflowing with grace.In Act 4, Scene 2, Desdemona proves herself as a lady in her discussion with the evil Iago, who, unbeknownst to her, is the bring of her chagrin. Although she bewails that Othello has called her a whore, she herself does not stoop to insults. Proudly, she declares, Unkindness may do a great deal and, in a moment of disturbing foreshadowi ng, states And his unkindness may bolt down my life (IV.ii. 164-65). Though virtuous to a fault, she remains dignified and affirms, I cannot even say whore. / It does abhor me now I speak the ledger / To do the act that might the addition earn / Not the cosmoss mass of conceit could make me (166-69).During the tragic conclusion of the play, in Act 5 scene 2, Othello suffocates his adored Desdemona in the erroneous ruling of her infidelity. She nevertheless departs with dignity. She does not wail but instead she merely states O, wrongly, falsely murdered (130). One is left to wonder if she is referring to herself or to Cassio regardless, these words are simply matter-of-fact and are not the emotion-driven cries one would normally continue from a person facing her own execution. Through her dying breath, Desdemona states clearly, A guiltless death I die (136). Her mistress Emilia, obviously pass over with emotion, pleads to Desdemona to name the killer, crying, Help Help, ho Help O lady, speak once more (134) and O, who hath done this deed? (137).With a quiet composure on her deathbed, Desdemona enigmatically tells Emilia, NobodyI myself. Farewell (138). Was she a self-loving character who had the magnate to love others unconditionally? Or was she a fool who accepted her lay fate in the belief that, by doing so, she was being righteous? Othello appears to be more of a weak character to succumb to misguided vanity and jealousy than Desdemona in meeting her own end with dignity.