Senate as an equal reinforces the power and danger of her role in Venetian society. Ironically and tragically, Desdemona's desire to be heard only feeds into Iago's web of deception. Even in the shadows of death Desdemona's need to have a voice emerges as she sings the willow song to Othello. Othello strikes his wife and eventually kills her in an effort to control her. When he no longer desires the sound of her voice he strikes her. When he no longer believes in her fidelity he smothers her. Brabantio and Othello need to control Desdemona because their own moralities are depraved and they cannot control their own wayward thoughts. When Desdemona's sexuality is deemed suspect by either her father or husband she must be punished with symbolic and literal death. Desdemona tears away the gender barriers of Venetian society posing a threat to male authority and unfortunately sealing her own fate. Desdemona is an exceptional woman. Besides the beauty and charm for which she is revered, she possesses a marked degree of mental idealism and emotional purity. Her love of Othello appears as a mental decision rather than a vital infatuation. She fell in love with the idea of a bold, courageous, romantic adventurer and her heart fully consented....
