Desdemona and Othello’s Marriage William Shakespeare’s play, Othello, sheds light on a variety of different relationships, between manipulative ones, to loyal ones, all of which elucidate the complexity of partnerships. However, one of the few “healthy” relationships portrayed - Othello and Desdemona’s marriage - is, in reality, quite shallow. The love that Othello and Desdemona have for each other is pure, yet the ultimately superficial basis of the relationship will cause it to crumble early, unable to withstand inevitable pressure from Iago’s scheming in combination with societal racist pressure. From the respect and gentleness displayed through their various encounters to their willingness to risk reputation for the sake of their love, there is no question that…show more content… Furthermore, they publically display their affections by openly proclaiming their love for each other, rather than hide it - as might be common for an interracial couple at that time - even whilst facing opposition. For example, when Desdemona’s angry father, Brabantio, confronted Othello and Desdemona, they both stood strong in their love: "She gave me for my pains a world of sighs. She swore, in faith, 'twas strange, 'twas passing strange, 'Twas pitiful, 'twas wondrous pitiful" (1.3.183-185). The gentleness of which they treat each other and the strength in which they face others is a clear sign of their love. However, despite these displays, the depth of Desdemona and Othello’s love is completely shallow, and as feelings of wonder and lust fade away over time, their relationship will cripple under pressure from society and Iago. Desdemona, as Othello declares in his monologue for Brabantio, became interested in Othello because of his stories - "the