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The females in Shakespeare’s plays are strong and independent. They do not let others define who they are or dictate their actions. Desdemona fits this pattern in several ways. In Act 4, Sc 3 of Othello, and earlier in the play, she exemplifies many characteristics of Shakespeare’s strong women. Desdemona has the courage to do as she wishes, no matter what the consequences may be. She marries a black man, against her father’s wishes. Furthermore, she married Othello behind Brabantio’s back. When he accuses Othello of bewitching his daughter, Desdemona insists that she loves Othello, and married him out of her own free will. In Act I, Sc 3, she says, “I am hitherto your daughter. But here’s my husband.” She lets Brabantio know that she is aware of her betrayal, but she doesn’t care what she thinks because she loves Othello.
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