At the start we initially learn of there being a relationship between Othello and Desdemona when Iago and Roderigo are telling Brabantio (Desdemona’s Father), that ”an old black ram is tupping your white ewe”. This is an explicate reference to Othello and Desdemona having sexual intercourse, and shortly after hearing this, we become educated that Desdemona is ”Tying her duty, Beauty, Wit, and Fortunes In an extravagant and wheeling stranger”.
This advocates to us that Desdemona is considering the idea of marrying Othello. This thought is confirmed at the beginning of Act one Scene Two, during a conversation between Othello and Iago. Additionally, another aspect for the marriage to be reflected unnatural is the fact that Othello is so much older than Desdemona, and of a dissimilar race. As a modern audience this may not seem unnatural, but at the time of an archaic audience, this was very uncommon.
Even those in the play, who are not racist, would find it more natural for Desdemona to be attracted to a younger, white man, similar to herself. The Venetians were racist, which makes it a very unnatural marriage in their eyes. This causes most people to feel that the marriage is wrong. Contrastingly, Othello and Desdemona have very strong characters who have a rooted perception of their relationship (so far). They are both sure of their love for each other. Neither Othello nor Desdemona is ashamed of the relationship.
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Desdemona is a strong character, and many people do not appreciate this, while others do. She demonstrates to us her strong character when she stands up to her own opinion by informing the Venetian council that she wants to go Cyprus with her newly wedded husband, because she wants to be with him. Likewise, later on in the play when she keeps pushing Othello to reinstate his lieutenant, even though this clearly annoys Othello. Desdemona seems to be weak and naive in the eyes of her father, Brabantio.
We can tell this from what he says about Desdemona; ‘a maiden never bold of spirit so still and quiet that her motion blushed at herself’. Brabantio doesn’t seem to know his daughter at all, especially when he claims she is “never bold” and that she “fear’d to look on” Othello. As we know, Desdemona is bold – she runs off with a man her father doesn’t approve of and defends her actions when confronted by Brabantio and the Venetian court.
