How is Othello and Desdemonas relationship doomed from the beginning of the play?
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Introduction
How is Othello and Desdemona's relationship doomed from the beginning of the play? Othello and Desdemona's relationship is doomed from the beginning of the play due to many reasons. Some of which being, racism in 18th century Venice, Brabantio's attitude, and the vengeance and deceit of Iago, all these themes that Shakespeare has used leads up to a tragic ending to the play. Racism plays a crucial part in Othello, as it was looked down upon for a black person to marry a white person. We can tell this from when Iago tells Brabantio "an old black ram is tupping your white ewe" and if this was not accepted Iago would have not said it. Brabantio is outraged by this and claims that Othello has stolen Desdemona; he even says that Othello has poisoned or put a spell on her "she is abused, stol'n from me, and corrupted. ...read more.
Middle
Unlike most black people in the 18th century Othello had some respect from high society because he is described as "valiant Othello" by the duke, by having this respected black character in the play Shakespeare is creating contrast because it is unusual and conflict as people do not want to respect Othello because he is black but they do anyway because he is a great fighter, also the country needs him to win the war against the Turkish. Iago is a key character in this play as he slyly causes the downfall of Othello and Desdemona's relationship. Iago is also compared to Janus the two faced god, which tells the audience he is trouble. Throughout the play Iago plots against Othello with Rodrigo to make Othello and Desdemona split up, because Iago wants revenge on Othello 'I hate the Moor... ...read more.
Conclusion
'The story of my life, from year to year - the battles, sieges, fortunes that I have passed.' This indicates Othello's experiences and shows that he is older than Desdemona and has done many things. Shakespeare uses this difference in their ages to show the audience that their relationship is doomed. In contrast to Othello's wisdom Desdemona is a very na�ve young girl. Brabantio describes 'Her delicate youth'. Desdemona is very fragile and innocent this is also another hint that her bond with Othello will not last as Othello is a man of the world and has seen and done many things, unlike Desdemona who has hardly ever stepped out her home let alone left Venice and the guard of her father. Though language, character descriptions, dramatic effects and plot lines Shakespeare obviously tells the audience that the relationship will not work. And is likely not to last. ...read more.
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