Desdemona And Othello Controversy

“Othello”, one of the most successful literature of William Shakespeare, elaborates a tragic love story between a black soldier, Othello, and his white wife, Desdemona. The causes of Desdemona’s death have evoked controversy. It is undoubted that Othello’s bravery, intelligence, and ability on the battlefield that have gained him a prestigious honors as a soldier. However, Othello, as a soldier, is ill prepared for the war of love, which is reflected in the weak foundation of the love between himself and Desdemona, and Othello’s overwhelming expectations on Desdemona. The love between Othello and Desdemona is vulnerable and impulsive. First, there are significant differences between the couple such as race, culture, age, appearance, and family
Even Othello is not certain about Desdemona’s love; when a perfect young soldier exists, Othello thinks it is reasonable that Desdemona will betray him because of this gentleman’s preferred position in Venetian. He immediately relates her “betrayal” to his color and background. Moreover, their love is based on simple admiration for each other. For Othello, he believes in truth, kindness, and beauty. When a young upper-class woman desires to marry him, she is like a faithful, kind, and beautiful angel. He falls in love with his belief and idea rather than a woman. He describes, “lov'd me for the dangers I had passed, And I lov'd her, that she did pity them." (I.3.190-1) For Desdemona, she falls in love with a brave, heroic soldier. She listens to his stories on the battlefield; how he runs away from death, how he fights back enemies. Desdemona has gradually exaggerated Othello’s ability and deified his image. She says, “My heart's subdu'd Even to the very quality of my lord; I saw Othello's visage in his mind, And to his honors and his valiant parts. Did
In the exposition of the story, Othello is referred as “ the Moor” (Act I, Sc1, 57), “thick-lips” (I.1.66), and “ an old black ram” (I.1.88). Later on, he has brought into collision with his faithful friend, Cassio and the greatest admirer, Brabantio as he persists in marrying Desdemona. As the story progresses, he becomes more isolated in Venice and later he begins to question his identity in the society. Desdemona’s father, Brabantio says,"She is abused, stol’n from me, and corrupted. By spells and medicines bought of mountebanks; For nature, so preposterously to err, (I.3. 60-64) Brabantio plays a symbolic role in “ Othello”; despite he appreciates Othello’s talent, he still refuses to let him be a family member. Brabantio’s opinion can represent the rest of Venetians; although Venetians respect Othello to become their new leader, they are not willing to admit him as a part of their society. Deep in Othello’s heart, he understands he is an “outsider” in this white society. He is self-abased and humiliated by his “black identity”. However, Othello is ambitious. He is eager to establish high social status and achieve self-values in the Venetian society. He believes his great contribution to the state has guaranteed support from Venetians. His comment on Brabantio reveals his confidence:” Her father loved me; oft invited me;Still question’d me the