ENGLISH LITERATURE (CBSE/UGC NET)

Detailed explanation-1: -Desdemona, fictional character, the wife of Othello and the object of his unwarranted jealousy, in William Shakespeare’s tragic drama Othello (written 1603–04). The daughter of a Venetian senator, Desdemona is greatly loved by Othello, an honoured and heroic Moorish general in the service of Venice.

Detailed explanation-2: -The name derives from Greek + , which means “ill-fated, unfortunate", i.e. the antonym of Eudaimonia. Léone Teyssandier notes that it may indeed be how Othello views his wife, calling her an “ill-starred wench".

Detailed explanation-3: -’ He goes on to call her an ‘impudent strumpet’ and ‘a whore. ‘ Strumpet is another word for whore. Desdemona is heartbroken and confused, but no matter how she defends herself and swears her fidelity, Othello does not believe her.

Detailed explanation-4: -Desdemona is a strong and independent woman. She spoke for her herself, refused to be crushed under the feet of patriarchy. However, her position as a woman made her vulnerable. Though she asserted her individual personality but under the impact of a male dominant society she could not exercise her freedom.

Detailed explanation-5: -Desdemona and Othello are secretly married before the play begins. While in many ways stereotypically pure and meek, Desdemona is also determined and self-possessed. She is equally capable of defending her marriage, jesting bawdily with Iago, and responding with dignity to Othello’s incomprehensible jealousy.