Marriage and Power in Othello There is much more to Shakespeare's Othello than just the characters in the play. There is a message of power, of those who have it and those who want it. Two of the play's central characters are both married. Their "love" for each other is questionable. The message Shakespeare is sending isn't really about "love" but about the power held in marriage. Two of the main characters in the play are Othello and Iago. Othello married to Desdemona and Iago married to Emilia. Both marriages have some similarities and some differences. Before understanding the marriages of these four complex people, it is important to find out who these people really are. From this we can understand their actions. The main character, Othello, is a very interesting character. It is bold in every aspect. He is an insecure person. His only experiences are those he has had on the battlefield. He is a strong-willed and demanding General, in his own way. He is socially inexperienced and you can tell by his obvious marriage. Othello's treatment of Desdemona. You almost get the feeling that he has some sort of control over her. When Othello thinks and suspects that Desdemona is having an affair, he confronts her. This is then followed by his death. [scene 5 act 2]Desdemona “Oh drive me away, my lord, but don't kill me! Othello: Down, you slut! Desdemona: Kill me tomorrow, let me live tonight. Othello: Not if you try- Desdemona: But half an hour! Desdemona : But while I say a prayer!- Othello then proceeds to strangle Desdemona He was best described as “one who loved not wisely, but too well. It almost seemed like she had so much love and trust in D.." .... middle of paper ......Iago and Emilia are as much of a mystery as Iago's motivations are. However, it is clear that Emilia loves Iago and she tries to make him happy as much as possible. For example when she takes Desdemona's handkerchief, in an attempt to plot with Iago, against Othello Emilia is a quiet character, but in the end she admits what she knows, and in the end she is killed the role of a woman. Both Emilia and Desdemona are under the control of their husbands. They are almost forbidden to speak. Shakespeare is trying to show that that notion of "love" is not all it is cracked up to be life Desdemona defended her husband [act 4 scene 2] "I hope my noble lord thinks me honest." "O heaven forgive us!". It seems that in all Shakespeare's plays, love always ends in tragedy. This proves true in Othello.