"" This relationship however, would be a disgrace to Desdemona's father, the senator. He could not have his daughter married to a black man, even if he was as highly respected as Othello. Iago now makes his first significant appearance in the play, to inform the senator of his daughter's actions. Upon hearing this, Desdemona's father brings Othello into court, and the relationship is revealed to the public. This is the first sign in the play that Othello is not as respected as once assumed. The senate and aristocracy of Venice love Othello for his heroics on the battlefield, but once he tries to move in and marry the daughter of a senator, their true racist believes come into play and try to forbid it. Othello at this point is even accused of using magic to persuade Desdemona into his arms by her father. Since Othello is black, a Moor, and was a believer in magic, many of the white Christians believed he was capable of magic himself. This also leads the reader to think Othello is not as wise as once believed at the beginning of the play. His believe in the supernatural makes Othello far more mysterious, and further discredits him as being a smart man.
Othello's supernatural beliefs, along with the newfound knowledge that a senator would be ashamed to have him as a son-in-law, were just precursors to Othello's true tragic flaw. Othello was completely nave to the fact that those around him could be corrupt. This is evident when he so readily believes Iago's notion that Desdemona is cheating on him. Again, Othello loses credibility to the reader when he believes the fate of his relationship lies in a "magical- handkerchief. Othello's mother gave him this and told him that when he is wed, to give it as a gift to his wife. As long as she has the handkerchief, their marriage will remain intact. Of course, it is silly to believe a handkerchief can keep a marriage together, but Othello takes this to heart, and immediately questions Desdemona regarding its whereabouts.
