"Othello and Desdemona's marriage doesn't stand a chance." Discuss.

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Suhila Malik

“Othello and Desdemona’s marriage doesn’t stand a chance.”

 Discuss.

From the time we learn of Othello and Desdemona’s marriage, Desdemona manages to convince the audience of their strong relationship. Although there are many reasons to believe that Othello and Desdemona’s marriage is eternal, it will be necessary to analyse both, their weaknesses and strengths to know if “Othello and Desdemona’s marriage doesn’t stand a chance”.

One reason for the breakdown of Othello and Desdemona’s marriage could be Brabantio. The quote “your heart is burst, you have lost half your soul”, (1.1.84), shows the love and special bond between father and daughter. Iago must be aware of the love between them and in this quote he describes Desdemona as “half your soul”, which has many deep spiritual connotations, but also signifies her importance in Brabantio’s life. We know Brabantio’s feelings towards Desdemona are very strong and from this I feel even though he is disturbed by this marriage his love for his daughter proves that he would not deliberately try and damage their marriage. However, Brabantio may cause harm to Othello and Desdemona’s marriage unintentionally.

Even though we know that Brabantio ended his relationship with his daughter, I think that it may not have been his intent to do so, but instead, was emotionally blackmailing her in effort to gain her pity. The quote “For your sake jewel, I am glad at soul I have no other child”, (1.3.193), shows the way in which Brabantio is attempting to make Desdemona feel guilty and very low. However, to his surprise Desdemona is not affected and sides with her husband, and Brabanto’s only way to win back his daughter fails, but this plan may come into effect later on in the story, after we read about the other obstacles they face. As the story progresses and especially when Iago’s plan is put into action we may see a change in Othello’s behaviour, which may make Desdemona feel at fault for leaving her loving father for a man who love for her is dying. When she reminisces back to the harsh, but sentimental words said by her father, for example, “I had rather to adopt a child than to get it” will have the most emotional impact as she was an only child and this quote shows the disappointment her father is going through, because she has shattered all his dreams and because of this has lost faith of his blood, as well as the quote “I here do give…I would keep from thee.” shows how Brabantio is sacrificing his happiness for the sake of his daughters, she may feel responsible. As a result of the resentment, which gradually grows toward Othello, the love given to her by her father may pull her back.

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However, Desdemona was clear when justifying her love for Othello, to her father. She was very courteous when trying to make him understand, but was also very tactful by comparing her and Othello’s relationship with her mothers and fathers (1.3.184). She is well aware of her duties and is prepared to choose Othello over her father. Not only does this show that she is truly devoted to her marriage and her love for Othello, but also that she is keen to make her marriage a success.

I also noticed that Desdemona was not emotionally affected or influenced ...

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