Compare and contrast the two characters Desdemona and Emilia from the play Othello.

Discuss the setting of “The Yellow Wallpaper”, “A Rose for Emily”, “Greasy Lake” and “Cask of Amontillado”
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Discuss what the audience learns about Iago from his soliloquy, and how it relates to Iago’s overall understanding of himself and his actions.
August 3, 2019

Compare and contrast the two characters Desdemona and Emilia from the play Othello.

Question Description

In an essay of a minimum of 1,000 words, please address one of the following:

  1. With regards to the play Othello, poet W. H. Auden (1907–1973) famously remarked of Desdemona, “Everybody must pity Desdemona, but I cannot bring myself to like her.” Carefully evaluate this statement by examining Desdemona’s character. You can explore issues of gender, gender roles, social constraints on gender, and the like. Feel free to include other women depicted in the play as part of your discussion, if needed. If you find Auden’s statement either inaccurate or incomplete, specifically describe why you feel that Desdemona is simply someone to be pitied and nothing more.
  2. Compare and contrast the two characters Desdemona and Emilia from the play Othello.
  3. What is it about how Iago is characterized in the play Othello and how he acts that makes him such a vivid villain, even today? We still use the expression “an Iago” to describe someone evil and underhanded.

In addition to using specific quotes from the story or stories, you should utilize at least one additional outside credible source.

  • Essays must be in MLA format