Question

When Barbantio confronts Othello about the taking of his daughter, he suggests that his daughter would never have willfully gone with Othello. What does he hint at as to his reason?

1) Othello is black.
2) His daughter was going to be a nun.
3) His daughter had already been pledged to another.
4) His daughter would never disobey him.

Answer 1

Brabantio suggests that Desdemona would not willingly go with Othello because of Othello's race, which is implied when he accuses Othello of using witchcraft to win her over.

Step-by-step explanation:

When Brabantio confronts Othello in Shakespeare's play, he suggests that his daughter Desdemona would never have willingly gone with Othello due to Othello's race, which is hinted at when Brabantio implies that Othello must have used some sort of witchcraft or deceit to win Desdemona's affection. Brabantio cannot fathom that his daughter would defy social norms and expectations of race and elope with a black man. The societal prejudices of the time are a key element in understanding the reasoning behind Brabantio's accusations.