Character Relationships In William Shakespeare's Othello

Othello was written circa 1600, when men were superior to women, and women’s loyalty was a must. However, William Shakespeare efficiently depicted three relationships that were not necessarily as perfect as society would have thought. Through the use of dialogue, characterization, and actions, Shakespeare reflects the distinct characteristics between the foil relationships of Othello and Desdemona, Iago and Emilia, and Cassio and Bianca. Criticism provided by experts as well as textual evidence from the play solidify the contrast between the relationships.
Shakespeare portrays Othello and Desdemona as the archetypical marriage that usually everyone would desire. Othello is a man who supposedly has all his trust on Desdemona’s love and purity.
Cassio and Bianca’s physical attraction is the only bond that connects them, however; Bianca has an emotional attachment towards Cassio even though he sees her as a nuisance. Bianca’s jealousy is significant because it evokes the theme of jealousy in the play. She says “This is some token from a newer friend. To the felt absence now I feel a cause. Is’t come to this? Well, well” (III.iv.180-182). Furthermore. Cassio commands Bianca “As like enough it will, I would have it copied. Take it do do’t, and leave me for this time” (III.iv.190-191), a demonstration that Cassio exploits her to copy Desdemona’s handkerchief because she is a woman, similar to what Iago does with Emilia. When first introduced, Cassio joyfully greets Bianca as “my most fair Bianca? I’ faith, sweet love” (III.iv. 170-171) then he contradicts his words “Not that I love you not.” (III.iv.196). This exposes that Cassio not only abuses Bianca, but he also toys with her emotions. Ironically, Cassio and Bianca are the only relationship that survives in Othello; Cassio proves that a man cannot be too jealous or attached to a woman whereas Bianca proves that a woman cannot be too naive or too