This pattern is disrupted in act two when Desdemona is emboldened to speak openly about topics outside of professing love. The presence of another woman, Emilia, results in Desdemona feeling more comfortable and able to express herself more fully. It is in the presence of Emilia that she banters with Iago asking for praises and saying, “O heavy ignorance! Thou praisest the worst best. / But what praise couldst thou bestow on a deserving / woman indeed, on that in authority of her merit, did / justly put on the vouch of malice itself?” (Shakespeare, 2. 1. ll. 143-146). The accompaniment of men does not embolden the content of Desdemona’s speech; the presence of Emilia is what encourage Desdemona to express herself outside of the context of love.
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Desdemona not only carries on a conversation with Iago but also begins to talk with Cassio when she directly addresses him saying, “Do not / learn of him, Emilia though her by thy husband. How say / you, Cassio? Is he not a most profane and liberal coun / selor?” (Shakespeare 2.1.11. 160-163). Desdemona is comfortable in herself and surroundings with Emilia present and is able to confidently address Cassio despite their limited knowledge of one another. However, Desdemona’s confidence is stripped once Othello enters the scene. Her attention refocuses on Othello and their love as she says, “The heavens forbid / But that our love and comforts should increase / Even as our days do grow!” (Shakespeare 2.1. ll.191-193). Desdemona’s spectrum for emotional expression is brought back to Othello and her need to express their love. Her wit and personality evolve as the emotions she express change. As a woman, its socially acceptable for this outburst of passion because it falls in the context of love and is being directed to a
Desdemona not only carries on a conversation with Iago but also begins to talk with Cassio when she directly addresses him saying, “Do not / learn of him, Emilia though her by thy husband. How say / you, Cassio? Is he not a most profane and liberal coun / selor?” (Shakespeare 2.1.11. 160-163). Desdemona is comfortable in herself and surroundings with Emilia present and is able to confidently address Cassio despite their limited knowledge of one another. However, Desdemona’s confidence is stripped once Othello enters the scene. Her attention refocuses on Othello and their love as she says, “The heavens forbid / But that our love and comforts should increase / Even as our days do grow!” (Shakespeare 2.1. ll.191-193). Desdemona’s spectrum for emotional expression is brought back to Othello and her need to express their love. Her wit and personality evolve as the emotions she express change. As a woman, its socially acceptable for this outburst of passion because it falls in the context of love and is being directed to a