“Desdemona is presented in the play as a sexual subject who hears and desires, and that desire is punished because the non-specular or non-phallic sexuality it displays is frightening and dangerous.”

Karen Newman: Femininity and the monstrous in Othello.

To what extent do you agree with this view? 

The only time Desdemona is spoken about by other characters is as a sexual object, Iago is crude about her and  Roderigo and Othello are obsessed with the idea of her. When Cassio innocently kisses her hand Iago sexualises it. Even though Desdemona is completely pure and cant even say the word 'whore' the male characters ignore this and create and over sexualised version of her to fit to their own ideas of what women are like. Because Desdemona cant understand thats shes being seen in this way she doesn't understand what  impression she creates by acting in certain way eg letting Cassio kiss her had or by asking Emilia to put the wedding sheets on the bed . The men in the play see her in a sexual way but when she actually acts like that she is punished for it, she is killed for having an affair that Othello has made up she has given up her life for him and adhered to everything he has told her to do but he still thinks that she is disloyal because he would rather listen to Iagos view of her than to Emilia - the person closest to her , because he already holds the view that women are deceitful . I don't think she's punished for being a promiscuous woman , I think she is killed for being an attractive woman that has been oversexualised by every man in the play to the point that its easier to kill her than to confront their own views about how they see women.

Desdemona and Emilia

What differences are there between Desdemona and Emilia?

Desdemona is a higher class and Emilia works for her this puts a social barrier in their relationship. Although they are close Emilia still has to fulfill her duties and obey Desdemona. Emilia is also a lot older than Desdemona, she is more wise and less niave and less passive towards her husband. They both have different attitudes towards men and love,Desdemona is more romantic whereas Emilia sees that it is flawed and unequal. 

Why do you think Emilia does not mention the handkerchief to Desdemona? Use what you hear in the video, as well as your own ideas. Consider the relationship between Iago and Emilia, as well as the relationship between Desdemona and Emilia.

Emilia doesn't mention the handkerchief to Desdemona because she sees it as a chance to make  her and Iagos relationship better. Emilia doesn't think the handkerchief is that important but she can see It is too Iago so sees it as an opportunity to gain his affection she doesn't think that it will have any large impact on Desdemona. Emilia and Desedemona also aren't very close its still a professional and unbalanced relationship it may seem an insignificant thing to tell Desdemona or it may make Emilia look unprofessional . 

Othello Act 4 Scene 2 Questions

1) What does Othello ask Emilia at the beginning of the scene, and how does Emilia respond? 
He asks Emilia if she has seen anything suspicious between Cassio and Desdemona. Emilia is very defensive of Desdemona and is certain of her innocence although Othello still refuses to believe shes telling the truth.

2) What does Othello say to Desdemona and how does Desdemona respond? Is Othello treating Desdemona fairly? 
Othello calls her a whore and compares her to a weed and tells he that he wishes she had never been born. Desdemona is confused and says to Othello that to him she is 'your true and loyal wife'.She also admits to a sin even though she is unaware she has done anything 'what ignorant sin have I committed?' she does because she cant understand his anger. He isn't treating her fairly as he has no proof that she has been disloyal, the audience know this and can see how much she loves him but she doesn't try to defend herself to him making her look guilty in his eyes. This doesn't excuse how he's treating her but it could have been easily resolved if she could have diminished his doubt earlier.

3) When Desdemona and Emilia tell Iago about Othello’s behavior, how does Iago respond? What does Iago say he thinks is the cause of Othello’s anger? What does Emilia think is the cause? 
Iago acts shocked and sympathetic towards Desdemona and dismisses Othellos anger as work stress. Emilia however can see that for Othello to act so irrationally someone else must be reaffirming his doubts. Iago obviously wants to avoid any discussion of the truth as it risks his exposure so tries desperately to keep his wife quiet.


4) Why is Roderigo angry and how does he threaten Iago? In response, what does Iago say Roderigo must do and why? According to Iago, what will be Roderigo’s reward if he follows Iago’s advice
Roderigo is angry because he has given Iago the majority of his wealth and his saw little reward. Desdemona seems no more interested in Roderigo. He  threatens to demand for the jewels to be given back from Desdemona but she cant give them back because she never received them, this would reveal that Iago has been stealing his money. Iago says that he must kill Cassio so that Desdemona cant leave Venice with Othello. Iago tells him that it will help him win the affections of women and the respect of his peers.