Is Desdemona’s innocence and gullibility convincing?

Answer

Is Desdemona’s innocence and gullibility convincing? Discuss with textual reference. (2021)

Desdemona is one of the sweetest heroines in William Shakespeare’s (1564-1616) works. In “Othello” (1622), she appears as the symbol of love, purity, and innocence. She is gentle, kind, and deeply devoted to her husband. Yet her simplicity and blind trust become her weakness. Her innocence and gullibility make her tragic. Shakespeare presents her as a woman who loves truly but understands little of human deceit. Her purity touches every heart, and her helpless end makes her unforgettable.

Pure and Loving Heart: Desdemona’s love is pure and spiritual. She falls in love with Othello not for his beauty or wealth, but for his brave life and struggles. Othello himself says, 

“She loved me for the dangers I had passed, 

And I loved her that she did pity them.” 

Her love is sincere and full of admiration. She marries Othello secretly, risking her father’s anger. Her pure affection proves her innocence. She sees love as something sacred and honest.

Blind Faith in Othello: Desdemona’s innocence is most visible in her deep faith in her husband. She never doubts Othello, even when he grows angry and cold. Her heart cannot think that her husband could ever doubt her. When Othello hits her, she says softly, 

“I have not deserved this.” 

It shows her honest heart and loyal mind. Even in her last moment, she calls Othello “my kind lord.” Her faith remains unbroken till death.

Ignorance of Evil: Desdemona is too innocent to understand wickedness. She cannot imagine that Iago, who seems loyal, could be evil. She trusts him blindly and takes him as her friend. Her purity cannot see lies. She is so honest that she believes all men are honest. Even when Emilia warns her, she remains calm. Her tragic blindness comes from her saintly nature. Desdemona’s world is full of goodness. Hence, she fails to see the darkness of others.

Mistaken Judgment