Othello’s final speech is an important aspect of this reading. Additional materials, such as the best quotations, synonyms and word definitions to make your writing easier are Iago, the antagonist of the play, interrupted the play by convincing Othello that Desdemona is unfaithful. The issues of class and power could be visually presented to the audience by the use of costume, dressing the characters, especially those who hold power, in business suits. It tells the tale of Othello, a general from Moorish (North Africa) who marries a Venetian … However, his speech, albeit elegant […], The themes of jealousy, pride, and revenge have consistently interested scholars throughout Othello’s critical history. The focus scenes, according to this reading, are Act 1 Scene 3, Act 3 Scene 3 and Act 5 Scene 2. The two obvious ways are, one the title and the repetition of jealousy in the chorus and in […], This last speech of Othello is his way of expressing to viewers how he would have liked them to see the events of the play. Don't be confused, we're about to change the rest of it. Strictly Necessary Cookie should be enabled at all times so that we can save your preferences for cookie settings. You can find out more about which cookies we are using or switch them off in settings. Introduction. Moral order restored. Shakespeare’s tragedy Othello has been brought to the stage hundreds, thousands of times with many different interpretations and readings due to its vast history of literary debate and analysis. Othello cannot be excused from the murder of his wife. The “moor” Othello (a military general from North Africa) and Desdemona, the white daughter of a Venetian nobleman, fall in love and marry in secret. Help! A feminist reading would give voice to the play’s three female characters: Desdemona, Emilia and Bianca (the play’s only female survivor), provoking sympathy within the audience for them and portraying them as the true victims of the avoidable tragedy. It is said to be part of the response to James I’s heroic poem, ‘Lepanto’. By doing this, she ultimately pays a price: her life. He is different from those around him, due to his origins and his life history, but he shares their religion, values, and patriotism to Venice. STUDY. We've changed a part of the website. Othello: Study Guide | SparkNotes. In the context of this reading, Iago would be portrayed as a cynical sociopath, as opposed to inherently evil Machiavellian, willing to do whatever is required to get what he wants. This eulogy should help him regain nobility in the state’s eyes, as he, unlike Iago, accepts his guilt and shows remorse, and the audience’s sympathies lie with Othello. Essentially, Iago might […], Jealousy is explored in the song Jealousy by 702 in numerous ways. The story of an African general in the Venetian army who is tricked into suspecting his wife of adultery, Othello is a tragedy of sexual jealousy. The Moor hath killed my mistress! Help! By continuing we’ll assume you’re on board with our cookie policy. In this soliloquy or passage (Act 5, Scene 2, line 1-24), Othello is about to commit the murder of his beautiful wife, Desdemona on false prefixes. The focus scenes, according to this reading, are Act 1 Scene 3, Act 3 Scene 3 and Act 5 Scene 2. The play Othello comprises 5 acts each playing a significant part in the development of the plot. Othello’s Integrity . Murder! Many feminist critics have noted how female characters in Jacobean tragedies are victims who have limited power and are punished for their sexuality. This text is NOT unique. A terrible storm has struck Cyprus, just as the Turks were about to approach. This can be visually and dramatically demonstrated by Iago’s physical dominance over Othello, as Othello writhes on the floor, and symbolises the role and power reversal that has taken place with Othello’s compliance, but without his knowledge. She clearly outlines the nature of women’s status: “You are lord of all my duty, / I am hitherto your daughter. "Othello is both a fantasy of interracial love and social tolerance, and a nightmare of racial hatred and male violence. When the violence settles and the Senate members, including the Duke, regain control at the end of Act 5 Scene 2, Lodovico’s closing speech should echo this, shifting the blame entirely onto Iago, reinforced by the lines “Look on the tragic loading of this bed:/ This is thy work”. She, as a woman, is a designated prize or asset to her father (owner), and then husband, as reflected Brabantio’s question, “Oh thou foul thief, Where hast thou stow’d my daughter?” as one “stows” their possessions. It is based on the story Un Capitano Moro by Cinthio, first published in 1565. She clearly outlines the nature of women’s status: “You are lord of all my duty, / I am hitherto your daughter. Thou has done a deed –. Othello Character Analysis in Othello by Shakespeare - In the play Othello, the character of Othello as the main protagonist towers above other characters in terms of nobility and power. In the context of this reading, Iago would be portrayed as a cynical sociopath, as opposed to inherently evil Machiavellian, willing to do whatever is required to get what he wants. Othello, in his speech to the Senate, which is usually considered noble and dignified, says “For such proceedings I am charged withal – I won his daughter.” (Act 1, Sc 3, 93-94). Shakespeare’s tragedy Othello has been brought to the stage hundreds, thousands of times with many different interpretations and readings due to its vast history of literary debate and analysis. Iago essentially writes the play’s main plot, takes a key part in it, and gives first-hand direction to the others, most notably to Othello. Your Answer is very helpful for Us Thank you a lot! The stillness of the bedroom scenes preceding Desdemona and Emilia’s murder are essential to this reading, both beautiful and dreadful, as the women are completely blind to their fate. This website uses cookies so that we can provide you with the best user experience possible. Iago is motivated not merely by jealousy, but by a lack of power and status, as demonstrated in his wife’s poor social status and his role as an “outsider” from the hierarchy of Venetian society and the army. This means that every time you visit this website you will need to enable or disable cookies again. The audience should be left in no doubt, this is not merely Iago’s work, but also the state’s, by way of negligence. Ho! William Shakespeare’s Othello takes place in 16th-century Venice and also Cyprus. Further, in Act 4 Scene 1, where Othello’s rage leads to an epileptic fit. The Turkish attack may have been quelled, but it also bodes badly for Othello's ship. A feminist reading stems from the fact that in Shakespeare’s times, women, whether married or not, fell roughly into two categories: that of a fair, innocent and virgin, or a cuckolding whore. Iago asserts the power of his (apparent) friendship over Othello, resulting in Othello’s swift move to jealousy, and begins constructing a power structure of his own by guaranteeing Othello reliant on his opinion and ensuring that Othello cannot discuss the issue with his wife or his friend and lieutenant, Cassio. This kind of reading places emphasis on the class and power themes inherent in the play and its Victorian war setting, drawing attention to the villainy of the politicians and Senate of Venice, to whom Othello is just a slave to the state, and who fail to recognise the foul plot being played out in his army by Iago. Othello, in full Othello, the Moor of Venice, tragedy in five acts by William Shakespeare, written in 1603–04 and published in 1622 in a quarto edition from a transcript of an authorial manuscript.The text published in the First Folio of 1623 seems to have been based on a version revised by Shakespeare himself that sticks close to the original almost line by line but introduces numerous substitutions of … Dolan says that Othello can be linked to all these ‘spectres of disorder’. She also challenges chastity by pardoning women who cheat on their husbands saying that men “slack their duties” and “break out into peevish jealousies” (Act 4, Sc 3, lines 87 and 89). The only way she can gain independence from her father is by submitting to another man, her husband. Shakespeare’s tragedy Othello has been brought to the stage hundreds, thousands of times with many different interpretations and readings due to its vast history of literary debate and analysis. She, as a woman, is a designated prize or asset to her father (owner), and then husband, as reflected Brabantio’s question, “Oh thou foul thief, Where hast thou stow’d my daughter?” as one “stows” their possessions. The character's origin is traced to the tale "Un Capitano Moro" in Gli Hecatommithi by Giovanni Battista Giraldi Cinthio.There, he is simply referred to as the Moor. Act 1 Scene 1 establishes the context of a patriarchal society, and this is continued in Act 1 Scene 3 with Desdemona summoned to the Senate to defend her new marriage. Othello is convinced to ignore his conscience and generosity of spirit in favour of the self-aggrandisement that Iago suggests. One of Othello’s admirable qualities is that he believes that men should be transparent and honest as he is; “Certain, men should be what they seem” (Act 3 Scene 3 Line 134). Although he was a man who was a leader, of high military/social standing, he was still simply a man. Shakespeare’s tragedy Othello has been brought to the stage hundreds, thousands of times with many different interpretations and readings due to its vast history of literary debate and analysis. Othello is an outsider who is intelligent and confident in military matters but socially insecure. Emilia challenges the traditional female characteristic of silence, after Desdemona’s death expressing her anger saying, “As ignorant as dirt! Retrieved from http://studymoose.com/two-interpretations-of-othello-essay, Copying content is not allowed on this website, Ask a professional writer to help you with your text, Give us your email and we'll send you the essay you need, Please indicate where to send you the sample. Essay by redlauren, High School, 11th grade, September 2004 . The main themes of the play include love, an inconsistency of the military heroism, and fear of isolation. A feminist critic would consider the roles of the male and female characters in relation to the patriarchal context of the play. He cannot hold on to his authority with any confidence or security because he is different from the Venetians. Write a critical analysis of the relationship of Othello and Desdemona in Shakespeare`s tragedy Othello. (Act 5, Scene 2, 165-68). Is Iago evil? Act 1 Scene 1 establishes the context of a patriarchal society, and this is continued in Act 1 Scene 3 with Desdemona summoned to the Senate to defend her new marriage. Othello’s final speech is an important aspect of this reading. In Act 4 Scene 3 the two characters to voice their opinions about men, Desdemona fully reveals her childish innocence with her question about faithfulness: “Wouldst though do such a deed for all the world?” Emilia reveals her sense of humour and practical realism: “The world’s a huge thing: it is a great price for a small vice” and “Nor I neither by this heavenly light: I might do’t as well I’th dark.” Emilia’s conclusion that it is men who commit adultery without moral punishment and her statement of sexual equality is an important message within the play. Indeed, not only is “seeing” and the gap between appearance and reality a central theme of the play, it overlaps with other major thematic strands and sheds light on still others, including the theme of patriarchy and the political state. Consequently, at the conclusion of Act 5, Othello should not be portrayed as a tragic hero, nor she he regain his prior noble stature, given his murderous and unwarranted actions, and the audience’s sympathies should lie with the play’s women. Gravity. The audience should be left in no doubt, this is not merely Iago’s work, but also the state’s, by way of negligence. Attention must also be paid to Bianca, who plays an unknowing role in Othello’s jealousy. His is the longest part with 1,070 lines. A messenger enters, and confirms that the Turkish fleet was broken apart by the storm, and that Cassio has arrived, though Othello is still at sea. The issues of class and power could be visually presented to the audience by the use of costume, dressing the characters, especially those who hold power, in business suits. Modern audiences, too, have certain expectations and ideas about the play, and it is vital, when producing a play like Othello to take these expectations into consideration. Keywords Shakespeare, Controversy, Tragedy, Othello, Iago. It is based on the Cinthio short story Un Capitano Moro (‘A Moorish Captain’), and it is one of Shakespeare’s most popular plays, dealing with such themes as jealousy, envy, undeserved reputations, gossip, and the issue of racial prejudice.. On this last issue, it is necessary to examine the unclear … The trait Iago abuses in Roderigo is his naive nature. Othello is a brave and competent soldier of advanced years and Moorish background in the service of the Venetian Republic.He elopes with Desdemona, the beautiful daughter … Othello, the Moor of Venice, is a tragedy Shakespeare is believed to have written in about 1603. A feminist reading stems from the fact that in Shakespeare’s times, women, whether married or not, fell roughly into two categories: that of a fair, innocent and virgin, or a cuckolding whore. Attention must also be paid to Bianca, who plays an unknowing role in Othello’s jealousy. Othello, despite his stature as a powerful and strategic army general, could never, for racial reasons, quite reach the top or fit in. (2016, Jul 14). Further, in Act 4 Scene 1, where Othello’s rage leads to an epileptic fit. This allows the play to end in a reassertion of the moral world which is part of the raison … Her outburst at Cassio gives the on looking Othello what he thinks is proof of Desdemona’s infidelity while displaying her strong character and standing up to a man, behaviour which does not follow the stereotypical expectations of women of the time. Surname 1 Student’s name Professor’s name Course Date Critical analysis of Shakespeare’s Othello Introduction Othello was first crafted on 1604 (Jowett andJohn), motivated by the complex geopolitical issues of that time that the historicists are seeking to unravel by placing the literary works in an historical framework. The comparison might suggest that Othello, as a result of his crimes, now sees himself as an outcast who deserves to die in the same way, or it might imply that by voluntarily punishing himself for his crimes, he acts in a way that is consistent with his previous military valor. If you disable this cookie, we will not be able to save your preferences. She receives Desdemona’s handkerchief from Cassio and gives it back to him when she discovers it is another woman’s. At the beginning of the play, during the Senate scene, the Duke should barely recognise Othello’s presence, Othello is a servant, a hired gun sent to Cyprus to do the Venetian state’s dirty work. She also suggests Othello is in an ambiguous position because of his race. Cassio greets them all, especially praising Desdemona; somehow, Iago and Desdemona enter into an argument about what … Othello, despite his stature as a powerful and strategic army general, could never, for racial reasons, quite reach the top or fit in. In Act 4 Scene 3 the two characters to voice their opinions about men, Desdemona fully reveals her childish innocence with her question about faithfulness: “Wouldst though do such a deed for all the world?” Emilia reveals her sense of humour and practical realism: “The world’s a huge thing: it is a great price for a small vice” and “Nor I neither by this heavenly light: I might do’t as well I’th dark.” Emilia’s conclusion that it is men who commit adultery without moral punishment and her statement of sexual equality is an important message within the play. The first two impressions conflict greatly, the […], Elizabethan and Jacobean dramatists used his theatrical convention to evoke the inwardness of their characters, a soliloquy provides the audience with accurate access to the character’s innermost thoughts and we […], Just what is “wicked” in Shakespeare’s play? Dolan defines him as a ‘domestic tyrant who murders his wife on spurious grounds’. Othello, in his speech to the Senate, which is usually considered noble and dignified, says “For such proceedings I am charged withal – I won his daughter.” (Act 1, Sc 3, 93-94). Created by. Students looking for free, top-notch essay and term paper samples on various topics. Though I lost twenty lives. Consequently, at the conclusion of Act 5, Othello should not be portrayed as a tragic hero, nor she he regain his prior noble stature, given his murderous and unwarranted actions, and the audience’s sympathies should lie with the play’s women. Special offer for LiteratureEssaySamples.com readers. Just give us some more time, By clicking Send Me The Sample you agree on the, Act 3 scene 3 is a Pivotal Scene In The Play Othello, Discuss the dramatic impact of Act 1 Scene 3 and its importance to the whole play of Othello, How Desdemona is presented as acharacter and perceived by others in Othello. Murder! When Othello realises his jealousy was groundless he regains his faith in human nature and kills himself as an expression of morally deserved retribution. But here’s my husband;/ And so much duty as my mother showed/ To you, preferring you before her father, / So much I challenge…” In doing this, Desdemona shows simultaneously her strong will by “challenging” her father, and her reliance on the patriarchal structures inherent in her life. Perhaps he could give his eulogy speech in an upright stance, to symbolise this. The Moor hath killed my mistress! Though I lost twenty lives. We are using cookies to give you the best experience on our website. The villain Iago from " Othello " is a central character, and understanding him is key to understanding Shakespeare's entire play. Othello, the protagonist of the tragedy, the moor of Venice is trapped in the conspiracies of his competitors and subordinates. Iago’s cunning strength lies in his ability to undermine every single character through their weaknesses. Iago is motivated not merely by jealousy, but by a lack of power and status, as demonstrated in his wife’s poor social status and his role as an “outsider” from the hierarchy of Venetian society and the army. This eulogy should help him regain nobility in the state’s eyes, as he, unlike Iago, accepts his guilt and shows remorse, and the audience’s sympathies lie with Othello. May … Shakespeare’s tragedy Othello has been brought to the stage hundreds, thousands of times with many different interpretations and readings due to its vast history of literary debate and analysis. Since its onset to date, Othello has become one of the few plays by shake sphere to be … She receives Desdemona’s handkerchief from Cassio and gives it back to him when she discovers it is another woman’s. In his first speech he subconsciously acknowledges the social pressure he is under" Power balance, or lack of, in Iago and Othello’s relationship is best demonstrated in the temptation scene, when Othello is so easily convinced of Desdemona’s infidelity. Get a verified writer to help you with Two interpretations of Othello. A feminist reading also recognises that it is the men’s deplorable attitudes in regard to women and gender that in part caused the tragedy, for instance, Othello’s response to Emilia insistence that Desdemona is honest, “She says enough; yet she’s a simple bawd/That cannot say as much” (Act 4 Sc 2). Adaptations and Interpretations: Othello in Art, Plays, and Opera (Part 1) As with nearly all of William Shakespeare’s plays, Othello is an artistic and cultural touchstone. Cookie information is stored in your browser and performs functions such as recognising you when you return to our website and helping our team to understand which sections of the website you find most interesting and useful. Spell. Indeed, not only is “seeing” and the gap between appearance and reality a central theme of the play, it overlaps with other major thematic strands and sheds light on still others, including the theme of patriarchy and the political state. Perhaps when one […], Imagery, as defined by Webster’s Dictionary, is the use of vivid figurative language to represent objects, actions, or ideas. Critical Approaches to Othello There have been numerous interpretations of Othello over the last 400 years. Analysis of the Significance of Othello’s last speech, Critical Study – Othello – Jealousy Essay Question, The Theme Of Evil In Shakespeare’s Othello, Explore Shakespeare’s Use of Soliloquy in ‘Othello’. Boosta Ltd - 10 Kyriakou Matsi, Liliana building, office 203, 1082, Nicosia, Cyprus. Iago asserts the power of his (apparent) friendship over Othello, resulting in Othello’s swift move to jealousy, and begins constructing a power structure of his own by guaranteeing Othello reliant on his opinion and ensuring that Othello cannot discuss the issue with his wife or his friend and lieutenant, Cassio. Othello is the brave General of the Venetian army who by listening to the deceitful Iago becomes falsely jealous of his wife, Desdemona. Murder! Character Analysis Of Iago In Othello 1340 Words | 6 Pages. Read a character analysis of Othello, plot summary, and important quotes. For these reasons, I am proposing two potential readings, or interpretations of the play, a feminist reading and a reading based on the themes of class and power. Many other interpretations are offered, e.g. Emilia challenges the traditional female characteristic of silence, after Desdemona’s death expressing her anger saying, “As ignorant as dirt! Ho! 0 Like 0 Tweet. This also accentuates the fact that, although very business-like and matter-of-fact, the Venetian state is playing with people’s lives. n. the protagonist of a tragedy by Shakespeare, Othello , a Moor who is tricked into believing that his wife Desdemona is unfaithful. The story revolves around its two central characters: Othello, a Moorish general in the Venetian army, and his treacherous ensign, Iago. Given its varied and enduring themes of racism, love, jealousy, betrayal, revenge, and repentance, Othello is still often performed in professional and community theatre alike, and has been the source I care not for thy sword; I’ll make thee known. Help! This article discusses four recent critical approaches: feminist, new historicist, marxist and post-colonial. This can be visually and dramatically demonstrated by Iago’s physical dominance over Othello, as Othello writhes on the floor, and symbolises the role and power reversal that has taken place with Othello’s compliance, but without his knowledge. Feminist readings of the play explore the gender politics of Othello. Othello (/ oʊ ˈ θ ɛ l oʊ /) is a character in Shakespeare's Othello (c. 1601–1604). that it is a Christian tragedy––Othello’s fall is a version of Adam’s, while the fate of Desdemona is an inversion of Eve’s ; or that its plot is incredible––or that the plot has ‘surrealistic rightness’. Its thematic concerns are expansive and open to interpretation: they range from tragedy, love, power, jealousy, trust, class and race, and the actions of its characters often provoke controversy and harsh criticism, from Othello’s “fatal flaw” of envy, to Desdemona’s trivial persistence and Iago’s sinister and deadly plotting. How and why does Othello's language change over the course of the Play. Match. Othello is manipulated by the truly evil and duplicitous Iago who has so … Othello cannot be excused from the murder of his wife. The three focus scenes here are Act 1 Scene 3, Act 4 Scene 3 and Act 5 Scene 2. Her outburst at Cassio gives the on looking Othello what he thinks is proof of Desdemona’s infidelity while displaying her strong character and standing up to a man, behaviour which does not follow the stereotypical expectations of women of the time. Description of the Battle of Lepanto in Knolles's History of the Turks. Help! Iago’s character is consumed with hatred and envy. Help! Othello is a tragedy by William Shakespeare, believed to have been written in 1603. Othello, a classic tale of love, jealousy and deceit, is considered one of the greatest dramas of Shakespeare. She also challenges chastity by pardoning women who cheat on their husbands saying that men “slack their duties” and “break out into peevish jealousies” (Act 4, Sc 3, lines 87 and 89). Get tips and ideas in OUTLINE. Test. Pay special attention to the interracial character of this relationship and the use of racist […], Shakespeare’s character, Othello, was definitely a believable character. A feminist reading would give voice to the play’s three female characters: Desdemona, Emilia and Bianca (the play’s only female survivor), provoking sympathy within the audience for them and portraying them as the true victims of the avoidable tragedy. Othello synonyms, Othello pronunciation, Othello translation, English dictionary definition of Othello. download word file, 6 pages, 3.3. Modern audiences, too, have certain expectations and ideas about the play, and it is vital, when producing a play like Othello to take these expectations into consideration. Critical Interpretations of Othello. This juxtaposition between Othello’s transparency and Iago’s duality identifies him as a sympathetic character despite his actions. Its thematic concerns are expansive and open to interpretation: they range from tragedy, love, power, jealousy, trust, class and race, and the actions of its characters often provoke controversy and harsh criticism, from Othello’s “fatal flaw” of envy, to Desdemona’s trivial persistence and Iago’s sinister and deadly plotting. Murder! Shakespeare took the idea for Othello from a tale of doomed ... Postcolonial reading: ‘something from Cyprus’. Critical approaches to Othello. Iagos will for “vengeance” on Cassio, who has been promoted to a greater army rank than himself? He leads an intense life, swinging between triumph and dread. Its thematic concerns are expansive and open to interpretation: they range from tragedy, love, power, jealousy, trust, class and race, and the actions of its characters often … Power balance, or lack of, in Iago and Othello’s relationship is best demonstrated in the temptation scene, when Othello is so easily convinced of Desdemona’s infidelity.