Othello: ‘Typically, texts about husbands and wives present marriage from a male point of view.’ In the light of this view, discuss how Shakespeare presents the relationship between Othello and Desdemona in this extract and elsewhere in the play.

Particularly in an exam, breaking down the question helps us to understand what the examiners are looking for. We can then structure our answer in accordance. For example, in this question, there are various clues as to what is asked of us:

‘Typically, texts about husbands and wives present marriage from a male point of view.’ This quote is what we can set our argument against. Do you agree or disagree with the statement? Do you agree or disagree wholeheartedly? Perhaps you agree that marriage is presented from a male point of view, but this view is ironic or deliberately uncomfortable. 

'discuss how Shakespeare presents the relationship between Othello and Desdemona' This instruction is the way in which you can answer the quote above. For example, their relationship might indicate that marriage is presented from a male point of view, but it might also indicate that Shakespeare does this to demonstrate how negative male-centric society is. 

'in this extract and elsewhere in the play' This situates our discussion. The examiners want us to discuss the presentation of the relationship in the given extract, but also relate this to the play as a whole. We therefore must consider whether the extract is typical of the play, or if it presents a moment of subversion. Or perhaps it contains both the male view and the female view, thereby demonstrating that there is no one view of marriage in Othello. 

Now we have broken down the various parts of the question, we can put together an essay structure. In planning an answer, the first thing I would do is analyse the given extract to see whether it agrees with the quote. I would then consider the play as a whole. For example, in the extract Othello and Iago are talking, but elsewhere we hear Desdemona's point of view in monolgues and dialogue. Having considered both extract and play, I would then generate my argument, for example: 'the presentation of marriage is not always seen from a male point of view. Although we only hear male voices in this extract, we also are exposed to the female point of view in Desdemona's monologues and dialogue. However, in the play, the changing male view towards marriage controls the action of the plot. Therefore, although the audience hear tDesdemona's view of marriage, it has no control within the narrative of Othello.'

In this argument, I have used the given quote as a reference from which to base my own point of view. I have used both the extract and the play as a whole (importantly with consideration of the narrative and ending) to shape my argument. I have also indicated that my discussion of Othello and Desdemona's relationship will focus on their marriage and its dissolution.