Desdemona is a young Venetian noblewoman, who falls in love with a general in the army who works for her father, a senator. As a child she finds herself infatuated with Othello, and the childhood lust grows into love. Their elopement begins a downward course for them both. In spite of her youth and inexperience, she's strong enough to stand up to her father's disapproval of her marriage, and is loyal to Othello until she dies. Whether it is her father Brabantio, or husband Othello, she is objectified. Desdemona is in the risky position of attempting to reconcile her true sexual identity with the sexual identities in which others attribute to her. Brabantio and Othello misinterpret Desdemona's assertiveness and desire while simultaneously attempting to repress any signs of desire within her. In addition to Desdemona being a woman of appetites, the object of her affections is a moor. This choice of mate further strays from the role in which Venetian society would like to cast Desdemona. The location of Venice is essential to the text of sexuality and power because Venice was known for its sexual permissiveness. Desdemona's body is considered her father's possession until she elopes, then she is Othello’s. She defies Brabantio by marrying Othello, taking charge of her own destiny. Brabantio's symbolic death of Desdemona foreshadows her literal death at the hands of Othello and conveys his sense of loss as he realizes that Desdemona's body is her own domain, not his. Othello also attempts to control the sexuality of Desdemona and once again she is viewed as property.Desdemona manages to constantly display her intellectual prowess whether it is addressing the Senate, debating Iago or pleading on behalf of Cassio, she is not afraid of a public forum and is constantly striving for her voice to be heard. Desdemona levels the playing field as she speaks for herself and defends her marital match. Her ability to address the ...
