How is Othellos and Desdemonas relationship portrayed in Act 2, scene 1 from line 171- 205?

Authors Avatar by fizzy01 (student)

How is Othello’s and Desdemona’s relationship portrayed in Act 2, scene 1 from line 171- 205?

Act 2, Scene 1 starts off with a harsh storm indicating a symbol of unrest and of discord to come. It has destroyed the Turkish fleet and separated the Venetian ships. Cassio’s ship arrives in Cyprus first, then Iago and Desdemona join him. They wait for Othello. Finally, his ship arrives and Desdemona is very relived. They prepare a celebration. Othello’s reunion with Desdemona highlights their mutual love and affection. There is a mix of tones set in this scene; at first the tone is apprehensive as Desdemona is waiting for Othello anxiously. When he arrives, the tone is joyous since they’ve won against the Turks.

Othello highlights the equality in their relationship by calling Desdemona “my fair warrior”. The noun “warrior”, Othello associates her with his own military role and recognises that she’s put herself in danger by taking part in the masculine affair of war. The use of the possessive pronoun “my” is intimate and suggests he owns her. This is combined with the adjective “fair” which is very flattering so it appears Othello is faithful and loving towards Desdemona. Similarly, Desdemona highlights the love in her relationship by calling him “my dear Othello!” Again, the possessive pronoun “my” suggests she owns him, which is proceeded by the adjective “dear” implying her affection towards him. Also the exclamation suggests how nervous she was whilst waiting for his arrival. Othello dominates the conversation since Desdemona does not speak much within this passage. He uses the imperative “come Desdemona” showing that he is alternating between his private life and public life. He chooses to go off with Desdemona rather than celebrate his victory over the Turks. This shows that his love for her is greater than celebrating with his team and would rather spend his time with his wife.

Join now!

Despite the scandal of marrying outside their race, Othello and Desdemona initially appear happy and in love. Their courtship was mutual and their meeting in this act reveals the intensity of their relationship. Othello seems overcome with happiness: “I cannot speak… it is too much of joy”. Additionally, Othello’s excesses of emotion are clear after his arrival in Cyprus – he says he’s “most happy”. The superlative “most” conveys how happy he is winning against the Turks and his “soul hath her content so absolute” - these strong feelings hint about his loving relationship with Desdemona. He wants her to ...

This is a preview of the whole essay