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In all fairness, this argument has merit because Desdemona is submissive in the sense that she does what Othello says without hesitation. Indeed, Desdemona does give in to Othello. But her courage to stand up to others is more significant than her passiveness. Desdemona has the courage to speak out against powerful men, which was not only against traditional norms but was also unheard of. It is also revealed that Othello’s physical abuse in Act 4, Scene 1 presents Desdemona’s these characteristics, in which she is not afraid to proclaim herself innocent. In this scene, Othello and Desdemona both state, “ Desdemona: Why, Sweet Othello!/ Othello: (striking her) Devil!/ Desdemona: I have not deserved this” (4.1.269). That said, Desdemona may put up with Othello’s physical and emotional abuse, but that does not come without Desdemona professing her innocence and standing up for