The quote is an example of dramatic irony in that Desdemona thinks she is being kind and helpful, but has no idea that she is about to fall victim to the trap Iago has laid. We are left to infer why Desdemona claimed that she was to bame for her murder and can only surmise that she understands her innocence left her open to the manipulations of those around her. By the play's end, Desdemona is so beaten down that she's pretty passive when Othello strangles her and when, with her dying breath, she blames herself for Othello's physical and emotional abuse. He died in a sword fight. #2: “She, in spite of nature, Of years, of country, credit, every thing, To fall in love with what she feared to look on! Even when Desdemona does speak out, she seems to accept that Othello has the right to kill her if he wants to. Tags: Question 8 . Emilia says "Who hath done this deed?" Emilia. Desdemona says this line when she realizes she is torn between her father and her new husband. It seems most likely that she still clings to the belief of being able to persuade Othello of her innocence, and does not yet understand how much danger she is in. She makes a playful reference to Othello’s origins, suggesting that the sun in his native land made him impervious to jealousy, and therefore he is an exception to the typical Venetian tendency to be suspicious of women’s behavior. EMILIA : The world's a huge thing: it is a great price. Instead she assumes that everyone will see her integrity and purity. Who does desdemona say is responsible for her death? Although Othello actually murders her and Iago had set the whole thing up making Desdemona appear unfaithful, causing her death. "O falsely, falsely murdered!" How many candles are on a Hanukkah menorah? Desdemona, of a Venetian origin, is the daughter of Brabantio (a senator) who elopes to marry a Moorish Army General, Othello. Emilia sees herself as a witness and will tell what she has seen, and Othello declares that he has killed Desdemona because of her infidelity. Says Cassio killed Roderigo and Cassio is alive; Othello is surprised (Iago actually killed Roderigo) Whom does Desdemona say is guilty of her death? SURVEY . Emilia’s role in Othello is key, her part in taking the handkerchief leads to Othello falling for Iago’s lies more fully. Desdemona declares she is guiltless, but when Emilia asks her who murdered her, she refuses to name Othello. Othello answers "O, ay; as summer flies are in the shambles, / That quicken even with blowing" (4.2.66-67) . Tags: Question 9 . Emilia starts confronting Iago in front of everyone and does not obey what he is saying. He stifles her. She never put two and two together..... she just rolled along and acted like the innocent she was. So, long as she's around, she can act as what Iago regards as a dangerous influence on her husband, and Iago can't stomach such a prospect. In her conversation with Cassio right before Othello leaves, what does Desdemona say she will make Othello's every moment about? Commend me to my kind lord. Even when Desdemona does speak out, she seems to accept that Othello has the right to kill her if he wants to. Desdemona says this line to Emilia and Iago as she explains how she will remain faithful and loving to Othello even if he insists on accusing her of infidelity. what, ho! OTHELLO: Ay, I do. Desdemona may not understand all of Othello's speech, but she does know that he has accused her of being false, and so she says "I hope my noble lord esteems me honest" (4.2.65). It is a judgment maimed and most imperfect That will confess perfection so could err Against all rules of nature.” #3: “She loved me for the dangers I had passed, And I loved her that she did pity them.” She doesn’t ask that her life be spared, but only that her death be delayed. He bends down to kiss her once before he does the deed, she wakes, and he tells her to prepare to die. Desdemona does not believe there is anything wrong with a woman standing up to a man when she thinks he is wrong. Does Emilia believe her? What does Gratiano say killed Brabantio? Her last words are in response to Emilia's demand that she name her murderer. Her last words are in response to Emilia's demand that she name Othello. Emilia says "Who hath done this deed?" Desdemona is a threat to Iago because she doesn't trust him. She discovers Othello as Desdemona’s murderer and uncovers her husband’s plot which she exposes; “I will not charm my tongue. Holding a candle, Othello stands over the sleeping Desdemona and prepares to kill her. 900 seconds . Who does desdemona say is responsible for her death. Old age. "Nobody. normally smothers her with a pillow. her murderer. Desdemona is murdered by Othello her husband. OTHELLO Being done, there is no pause. Othello says it is ‘your husband, Iago”. She is unwittingly responsible for her friend’s death because, she never mentions the handkerchief until Desdemona has been killed. 40: OTHELLO: Hum! Copyright © 2020 Multiply Media, LLC. All Rights Reserved. This loyalty will later endanger Desdemona because she refuses to defend herself or challenge Othello’s authority over her. I am bound to speak” (Act 5 Scene 2, Line 191). Farewell. Even so, she cares a great deal for those under her command, often to the ire of her second-in-command, Dr. Carrington. His inability to comprehend his reason verses passion is mainly represented in Act 3 scene 3. Desdemona’s innocence is part of her undoing because she never stops to think about how her behavior might appear to someone who is viewing it with suspicion. Although, Iago is the master mind behind Desdemona’s death and Othello is the person who murdered her if then, it were not for Emilia who initiates Iago’s plans Desdemona would still be alive. Othello then swears to have Cassio dead, and to be revenged upon Desdemona for the … I myself," Desdemona says. The material on this site can not be reproduced, distributed, transmitted, cached or otherwise used, except with prior written permission of Multiply. In changing her story, Desdemona tries to spare Othello from the punishments he will receive, proving her love and devotion to him to the very last. Photo by Carol Pratt. strangles her, or: Whom does Desdemona blame for her death? Desdemona swears she would love him even if his mistreatment was responsible for her death, but we don’t know how seriously she takes this possibility. Despite her loyalty to her husband, Othello physically and verbally abuses Desdemona, slapping her and calling her a whore in public. Desdemona only comes to understand her husband’s murderous intentions at the last instant, because she cannot believe he would actually harm her. Here, Desdemona cheerfully reassures Cassio that she will bring about a reconciliation between him and Othello. herself. smothered by accident and it's not a likely method of suicide. Desdemona is the current leader of the mysterious and secretive organization known as the Railroad. she says weakly (5.2.118.1). At this time, a woman was expected to show total obedience to the male authority in her life, but Desdemona is now transitioning from loyalty to her father to loyalty to her new husband. He drowned at sea. blood from virgins’ hearts: How does Iago trick Cassio into confirming the fictional affair with Desdemona? When did organ music become associated with baseball? DESDEMONA : Wouldst thou do such a deed for all the world? If we say that Desdemona herself is responsible for herself due to innocence, then we have also to say that Iago has also hand in the death of Desdemona. On the night of her death, what does Desdemona ask Emilia to do? She does not shy away from her fear and bids for Othello to do the sensible thing and ask Cassio how he obtained her handkerchief. Othello is incensed to hear that Desdemona would give away something so valuable, and is persuaded by Iago's insinuations and claims to believe that Desdemona is guilty. DESDEMONA Kill me to-morrow: let me live to-night! Commend me to my kind lord. What interruption occurs while he is doing it? and Desdemona responds "Nobody. I myself. Othello is furious to realize that Cassio is still alive. The Daughter of the Venetian senator Brabantio.Having been charmed by Othello 's tales of exotic lands and military exploits, Desdemona elopes with him before the play begins (although they do not consummate their marriage until they have received sanction from the Duke and, reluctantly, her father). Desdemona insists to Emilia that Othello is not a jealous man. However, they are not to be held as responsible for Desdemona's death. Why don't libraries smell like bookstores? OTHELLO Down, strumpet! What does Desdemona use her last breath to say? Desdemona remains true to Othello, even to the point of her death at his hands, when she tells Emilia with her last words (Act 5, scene 2) that she is responsible for her own death! Emilia goes into shock and starts screaming murder a nd calls the people of the town into Othello’s room. DESDEMONA: Talk you of killing? Emilia … answer choices . Desdemona explains to Emilia that she would never consider being unfaithful, no matter the circumstances. O, farewell." In the final act, Othello tells her that he knows she has been unfaithful, and is going to kill her. Desdemona is a model wife, if perhaps too trusting of Iago. responds "Nobody. As the leader of the Railroad, Dez is in charge of day-to-day … Here, Desdemona pleads for her life in the moments before Othello kills her. 70: EMILIA : Nor I neither by this heavenly light; I might do't as well i' the dark. (Othello) Choose the correct answer: Put ribbons in Desdemona’s hair sing Desdemona to sleep Put Desdemona’s wedding sheets on the bed embroider Desdemona a new handkerchief skip question » Ask a friend DESDEMONA: If you say so, I hope you will not kill me. She says that Cassio has killed Roderigo. Active Themes Though Emilia does not appear to suspect him, Othello voluntarily (and almost proudly) admits that he killed her for being unfaithful to him. Q. Desdemona says that she is innocent, denies that anyone has killed her, and dies. Desdemona. OTHELLO It is too late. Desdemona's intention is clear in telling Othello that his story could win her love: "[I]f I had a friend that lov'd her, I should but teach him to tell my story, and that would woo her" (164-166). a. the Duke and his lusty advances b. Iago and honesty c. Cassio and his faithfulness d. herself and her purity Who is the longest reigning WWE Champion of all time? Kirstie Alley ridiculed after voicing support for Trump. Then Desdemona's voice is heard from the bed, saying "falsely murdered" and Emilia calls for help. DESDEMONA : Wouldst thou do such a deed for all the world? answer choices . Desdemona combines rationality and tenacity in her final conversation with Othello. realized Othello is the one that killed Desdemona and asks who manipulated him into doing this. Here, Desdemona pleads for her life in the moments before Othello kills her. Grief because of Desdemona's marriage. This is a transparently disguised declaration of her love for him and her encouragement for his proposal. Desdemona is deeply upset by her husband's attacks but continues to assert her love. Use up and down arrows to review and enter to select. Desdemona (Janie Brookshire) and Emilia (Karen Peakes) in Othello at Folger Theatre, 2011. Because she said “for the love I bear to Cassio”. Emilie remains silent when Desdemona was being killed, when she had information that Desdemona was innocent. Who does Desdemona say was responsible for her death? Despite Desdemona's claims of innocence, Othello refuses to believe her, and when he tells her that Cassio has been killed, Desdemona cries out. EMILIA : Why, would not you? She is so innocent that when Othello inquired about the handkerchief she does not even know where it is, and this thing creates doubt in the mind of Othello, but this is the plan of Iago to create disturbance between their married life. However, Othello is in too emotional a state to listen, and he has already ordered the lieutenant's murder. The quote shows that Desdemona is so virtuous she cannot even understand why a woman would betray her husband. Growing frightened, Desdemona asks her husband why he means to kill her, and Othello responds that she has been unfaithful to him with Cassio—he has seen the proof in the handkerchief. EMILIA [Within] My lord , my lord! I myself. Iago. Farewell. 'The Glove' interested in NBA coaching gig The quote reveals that Desdemona is very aware of, and eager to honor, social expectations of showing loyalty to her husband. What does contingent mean in real estate? OTHELLO Nay, if you strive--DESDEMONA But half an hour! The Female Protagonist. DESDEMONA O, banish me, my lord, but kill me not! DESDEMONA: Then heaven: Have mercy on me! Missing Zion National Park hiker found alive after 12 days. DESDEMONA : No, by this heavenly light! What justification does Othello try to give the murder of Desdemona in Scene 2? Not that anyone is going to believe her--she wasn't The quote shows Desdemona’s naïve and trusting nature, since she does not realize just how jealous her husband is capable of being. SURVEY . Her cautious nature and professional demeanor are indicative of the nature of the Railroad itself, as infiltration or discovery could and has proven disastrous. and Desdemona Her real killer is Emilie. 1) To establish her innocence 2) To protect Othello. Emilia and Othello confront each other. she is a ***** How does Othello kill Desdemona? The quote shows that at this point Desdemona feels confident in her relationship and sure that she can persuade her husband to share her perspective. But so is Desdemona—for at least three more seconds. Iago may have set up the death of Desdemona, but Othello has the most important role of her death due his flaws acting upon him and making himself kill his wife. 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