How Is Desdemona Unethical

Desdemona is trapped by societal boundaries and expectations of women in the Elizabethan Era, supposedly assuming the role of a dependent, innocent and honest wife. However, despite this expectation, Desdemona is rare in that she openly voices her opinions about her circumstances, being shown as a flawed character from Act I, Scene I; eloping secretly without her father’s knowledge. Desdemona’s flaws are apparent from her first presence in Othello, clearly overthrowing her prior image of perfection and purity; when Brabantio is told of Desdemona’s deception replies with “Have you lost your wits?” in disbelief of Desdemona’s betrayal.

“I am hitherto your daughter. But here’s my husband.” From her first moment of speech, Desdemona shows her
In comparison to Iago, the antagonist of the play, who acts selfishly and emotively, bordering on signs of sociopathic behavior; Desdemona looks at an overall spectrum and acts for those around her, as well as herself. This is often stated as an argument for her innocence and purity, rather it is a sign of natural human behavior, consideration and empathy for others frequently occurring, regardless of the ‘good and evil’ spectrum.

Othello’s fickle view of Desdemona allows the audience to intake her flaws and strengths, in her ability to withstand Othello’s constant changes in action and speech toward her; he shifts from being completely infatuated with her, to hating her every fiber, within an instant. Othello’s love for Desdemona could be more accurately described as infatuation, Othello falling more in love with the idea of Desdemona, her purity, innocence, inventiveness, the minor qualities assumed and attached to her, rather than Desdemona