Throughout the play Othello’s feelings for Desdemona seem to change, from feelings of pure adoration to jealousy and betrayal. Othello promises to do so soon, but won't give a definite time, much to Desdemona's annoyance. Just her mention of Cassio sends him into an unreasonable rage; every little thing he regards with suspicion, even if he has no cause. The final scene opens with Othello going into Desdemona’s bedroom carrying a candle. He asks Emilia, who is closest to Desdemona, to find out is she knows anything. Badger, 1916. The contrast between The Moor Othello and the gentle Desdemona in Shakespeare`s tragedy Othello … This quality makes Iago an extremely important character as he serves to highlight other’s flaws. Discuss the importance of setting in the play, paying close attention to physical details that differentiate Venice from Cyprus and that define the particular character of each location as it pertains to the plot of the play. Discuss the role of Emilia. Get an answer for 'Examine Othello and Desdemona's relationship in William Shakespeare's play. It is the cause.” are almost a means of ‘psyching’ himself up to do the deed. Othello is jealous He calls Desdemona 'the fair devil'. Provide supporting quotes with response.' Marriage has made Emilia cynical about male-female relationships; she knows … surroundings. Desdemona considers him a chance to escape her oppressive father and explore her womanhood, in being the emotional support for … Last his sarcasm creates the assurances Othello needed to be duped. Othello and Desdemona’s relationship is based on admiration and pity rather than love;, eventually, the destruction of their relationship, due to Iago’s revenge for his own sundered relationship, leads to the downfall of Othello and the determination of many other characters’ lives. Othello cannot dispel Iago’s simplistic argument that Desdemona ‘be false’. Although she can say nothing to convince Othello of Desdemona’s innocence, Emilia passionately defends Desdemona, but cannot convince him. Emilia blames the man in the relationship for driving her to it. Boston R.G. Iago is able to lead Othello to the conclusion that Desdemona has been unfaithful to him with Cassio because Othello is insecure about his marriage to Desdemona. He sees her as a wanton whore who deserves the harshest of punishments, which is death. Later in this act, Othello offers to explain how he won Desdemona. Othello repeatedly uses the word “cause” in his opening quote. Shakespeare and Race: Othello's Relationship with Desdemona. To start, Iago uses rhetorical questions favorably to cause Othello to question Desdemona’s … How does Othello and Desdemona's relationship change? Emilia and Iago have a poor match, and Cassio doesn't want the 'bauble', a mere prostitute, to be seen with him in public. Othello says that he will deny her nothing, but asks for some time to himself. All rights reserved. Othello and Desdemona have a storybook beginning to their love. They are in love, but Othello can't get past his self-doubt as to why such a lovely woman would love him. The play starts with a conflict between Brabantio and Desdemona. Services, Othello: Character Analysis, Description & Sketch, Working Scholars® Bringing Tuition-Free College to the Community. Despite having to elope under her father's nose, they are both enthralled with each... Our experts can answer your tough homework and study questions. 179–180]) and her terse fury after Othello … In any given situation, for her, “even his (Othello’s) stubbornness, his cheeks and frowns have grace and favour in them.” Read More. Othello questions Emilia about Cassio and Desdemona’s relationship, acting as if Emilia is the mistress of a brothel and Desdemona one of her prostitutes. 2. Devolution of Relationships Inevitably in any story if it spans enough time, characters relationships change and either evolve or devolve. and when I love thee not, Chaos is come again." She stands by her decisions and knows her duties.