Throughout the play Othello is convinced by Iago that Desdemona has been having an affair with Cassio, when in reality Iago is trying to bring as much misery into Othello's life as possible. At one point Othello, Desdemona and a few others are talking to Desdemona's cousin and everything Desdemona says helps convince Othello that she is in love with Cassio. Eventually Othello gets quite angry and slaps her, causing her to react in a very different way than most women of that period would have. “Othello: I am happy to see you angry. Desdemona: Why, sweet Othello - Othello: Devil! [He hits her.] Desdemona: I have not deserved this (4,1,217-220).” This is not the only time we see Desdemona tell Othello that he is wrong in his actions. Later in the fourth act, he calls her a "whore" and accuses her of sleeping around and instead taking the blame and dealing with the verbal abuse that Desdemona talks about. “Othello:...You impudent whore! Desdemona: By heaven, you do me wrong! (4,2,81-82).” Desdemona tries throughout the rest of the play to convince Othello that she is faithful to him and loves him, but no matter how hard he tries Othello doesn't believe it and ends up killing her. Shakespeare created this very outspoken female character to show women that even if they were to express their opinion and try to defend themselves, no man would ever believe it.