She's Always a Woman to Me

(Othello, Shakespeare)

Desdemona and Othello's relationship is best described in Billy Joel's classic song "She's Always a Woman to Me", a song about a man declaring the free spirit of a woman and how he still loves her.

The entire song contains lyrics such as: "Oh, she takes care of herself, she can wait if she wants, she's ahead of her time. Oh, and she never gives out, and she never gives in, she just changes her mind." which define Desdemona.

In Act I, she leaves her father, going against traditions of the time and against woman's role at the time. She is noted that she loves Othello for his wit and adventure, not for his support and title. Once married, she is noted for her independent nature, such as in Act III, scene I she fights for Cassio, as she "Speaks for you stoutly". This action is foiled with Emilia shows weakness and simply gives away the handkerchief with questioning or thought. Desdemona is simply an open and free woman, which seems to be one of the reasons Othello and others love her. Othello accepts her nature and is truly hurt when he suspects that she is cheating on him.