Marriage In Othello's Marriage

Merriam-Webster defines marriage as; “the state of being united to a person of the opposite sex as husband or wife in a consensual and contractual relationship recognized by law.” As in architecture which withstands the tests of time, lasting unions must be built on solid foundations. When tested, by nature, or other malevolent influences, failings will come to light quickly. The following is a comparison of two such occasions, and how outside influences led to the dissolution of each marriage. Othello was a proud, well respected, black General who entranced Desmedona with his life stories of tragedy and resilience. He often recited his stories to her father Brabantio as she listened from afar. Being of high stature, Brabantio would

Once in place, Iago consulted Othello and hinted of the handkerchief’s location, which caused Othello to question Desdemona. Knowing she had misplaced such a valuable treasure, Desdemona lied when asked of its whereabouts. Unbeknownst to her, Emilia picked up the handkerchief, gave it to Iago, who placed it in Cassio’s room. Soon after Othello witnessed Cassio give it to a whore Cassio had been sleeping with. The handkerchief was Othello’s wedding gift to Desdemona which symbolized their love and devotion to one another, as it had for his father and

Cassio confessed it, And she did gratify his amorous works With that recognizance and pledge of love Which I first gave her. I saw it in his hand, It was a handkerchief, an antique token My father gave my mother” (Shakespeare 1385 ). [sic] Othello’s fire became a raging inferno and he convinced himself to kill Desdemona that evening. In the privacy of their room, Othello made accusations, Desdemona denied them. Regardless of her continual assertions that she was faithful; “And yet I fear you, for you’re fatal then When your eyes roll so. Why I should fear I know not, Since guiltiness I know not. But yet I feel I fear” (Shakespeare 1379). Othello strangled her to death in their bed. Just as Iago believed his plan had been a complete success, Emilia rushed to Othello, proclaiming Cassio’s had stabbed Roderigo in the streets. Othello closed the bed curtains and Emilia opened the bedroom door. As she spoke of the stabbing, she heard Desdemona make one last declaration; “A guiltless death I die.” When asked who has done this to her Desdemona states; “Nobody .I myself. Farewell. Commend me to my kind lord. Oh, farewell” (Shakespeare 1382)! Unfortunately, it was too late for Desdemona. However, on her death bed she protected