Desdemona as a Moral Heroine Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Desdemona as a Moral Heroine - Essay ExampleShakespeares Othello was first performed in the year 1604. It is one of Shakespeares greatest tragedies. The play deals with issues that have been written ab bulge out since time immemorial. It depicts, as the saying goes, the fall of the mighty. The death of Othello, the Moor of Venice, is perhaps one of the Bards close to poignant stories.The play is a tale of treachery, revenge, greed and over-reaching ambition. It depicts Iagos machinations as he brings about Othellos fall. In this play, not only did Shakespeare succeed in creating one of his most famous tragic heroes, but he also created one of his most charismatic and self-sacrificing heroines. Desdemona is perhaps one of the most construe Shakespearean heroines. This is her story as much as it is Othellos.In Othello, Shakespeare created a society that is quintessentially patriarchal. Women have almost no voice and all their decisions are do for them, either by their fathers and br others or their husbands. It is in such a situation that Shakespeare places his willful heroine, Desdemona.It must(prenominal) be understood that Desdemona is vital to the unfolding of events within the play. She is the gumwood that holds the five acts together. She is the key to Iagos success. In fact, it is her marriage to Othello that allows Iago to proceed with his plans. Very early in the play, Iago perceives the need to make Desdemona a very important instrumental role in his political games.Desdemonas character is not expendable. The entire play depends on her presence. She is not discarded by the playwright as in the faux pas of Ophelia in Hamlet. Desdemonas eventual death in Act V is a classic example of the way women are treated in patriarchal societies. Women must either submit to higher authority or suffer a fate similar to Desdemonas.Desdemona is one of Shakespeares most self-sufficient and strong-minded heroines. In the very first act, we find her making a choice. She chooses to marry Othello, a highly respected general in Venice. It is a decision made out of free will. A decision that eventually inspires Iago to sow the seeds of doubt in Othellos mind.