Familial Relationships In Shakespeare's Othello

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Though not the first relationship that is brought to light in Othello, familial relationships - the relationship shared between family members - are the ones that people are first exposed to in their own personal lives. In Shakespeare’s tragedy, there is only one depiction of a familial relationship: the one between Desdemona and her father, Brabantio. Most of the interaction the audience sees from the two is during the time when the legitimacy of Desdemona and Othello’s marriage is called into question. Similar to what is expressed in other families, it is suggested that, prior to the start of the play, Desdemona and Brabantio shared a companionate love, one characterized by intimacy and commitment (Sternberg). This explains his shock when

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