Theme Of Complexity In Othello
Othello’s Complexity
In the play Othello by William Shakespeare, the main protagonist Othello may not be as simple of a character as you might think. This notion stems from two different ideas that create an aura of complexity around Othello’s character. The first idea is that even though Othello is a black man living in Venice during the sixteenth century (a predominantly white and racist city during that time) he is able to obtain a high status in society. The second idea is how drastically different Othello’s personality is at the beginning of the play compared to the end of the play.
Throughout the play, the fact that Othello could become the General of Venice becomes more and more astonishing. Even from the very beginning of the play when Othello’s character is first introduced into the play, he is exclusively referred to by his so-called ‘trusted’ colleague Iago as a “Lascivious Moor” (Othello 1.1.141), an “old black ram” (Othello 1.1.97), and even a “Barbary Horse” (Othello 1.1.124). It isn’t until after the ending of the first part of the play that we eventually learn Othello’s real name.
This unapologetic display of racism is only trailed by more even more racism. For example, when Brabantio confronts Othello in regards to his daughter, he proclaims that Othello “hast enchanted her” (Othello 1.2.284)by giving her “drugs or minerals that weaken motion” (Othello 1.2.294) because he did not believe that his daughter could fall for a “Moor” on her own free will. The
Othello Quote Analysis
394 Words | 2 PagesIn this quote the Duke is saying that if it is by the soul which people are judged then Othello is far more beautiful then he is black, for his virtue is far more prevalent than the color of his skin. When Brabantio goes on to ignore this advice, it is obvious how the characters of Othello ignorantly allow their perceptions of appearances to outweigh the true nature
Who Is Responsible For Othello's Downfall
882 Words | 4 PagesThe characteristics of Othello includes passion, obligation, courage, jealousy and intelligence. These are great characteristics to have, but proves to eventually lead to Othello’s demise. Othello was a foreigner from Africa who was sort of accepted into the Venetian society, only because of his excellent track record of winning wars, but he was an outsider and never fully accepted. Othello enjoyed the status and luxuries of being a General and leading the defense of Venice. He also understood that he
What Are The Interlopers In The Great Gatsby
312 Words | 2 Pageswhite have created conflict between the members of the play. Since the 16th century dictates that black people, or Moors, are inferior to white people, Othello is stuck in the darkness as an outsider; thus suggesting that interlopers are alone, not part of a community. Within these contrasting worlds, outsiders, like Othello, try to integrate into society, but can’t. For instance, this ingrained mindset portraying the inferiority of black people is further shown when Othello exclaims, “Her name, that was as fresh as Dian’s visage, is now begrimed and black / As mine own face.”
A Close Reading In Shakespeare's Othello: A Close Reading
1359 Words | 6 PagesOthello: A Close Reading This is an analysis of the lines 260-279 of the third scene of the third act of Shakespeare’s Othello. In an attempt to fulfill the incessant need for comfortable dichotomies, societies tend to be divided into two groups: the ‘in-crowd’ and the ‘others’. These strict dualities, constructed upon the inherent need for adversaries, are often as arbitrary as they are false and based on nothing but fear.
Othello Passage Analysis
923 Words | 4 PagesIago uses very clever methods of persuasion and manipulation aimed to use Othello’s hamartia against him, pointing out that “ “She (Desdemona) did deceive her father, marrying you,” so much so that Brabantio “thought ’twas witchcraft”. Through this, Iago is subtly raising the issues of Othello’s cultural differences with Desdemona; a root cause behind Othello’s insecurities with his wife – along with inadequacy due to race, degree of sophistication and age. As Iago prompts Othello to think the worst, his utterances are short and uneasy, revealing the beginning to his downfall, whilst Iago’s dialogue is at length highlighting his growing power of
Why Is Othello A Hero
1121 Words | 5 PagesThe play’s protagonist and hero. Othello is the highly respected general of the armies of Venice, although he is not a native of Venice but rather a Moor, or North African. He is an eloquent and powerful figure, Othello shows to be a fearless soldier and general. and has been in the army for many years. He is used to the work of military life.
Examples Of Desdemona's Jealousy In Othello
971 Words | 4 PagesOlson, Rebecca. “ Too Gentle: Jealousy and Class in Othello.” Journal for Early Modern Cultural Studies, vol. 15, no. 1, 2015, pp. 3–25.
How Othello's Character Changes
844 Words | 4 PagesOthello’s character undergoes a significant change due to a series of events at the hands of Iago, the play’s antagonist to enhance the fact that even a valiant heroes can become corrupt. In the beginning of the play, Othello adores
Overt Racism In Othello
1097 Words | 5 PagesWhen people of one race believe themselves to be superior to those of another, only catastrophe can result. In the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries, racism was extremely prevalent, and white supremacy was much more pronounced. In William Shakespeare’s play Othello, both covert and overt racism, assimilation, and jealous dispositions all foreshadow the untimely death of Desdemona and Othello. Most characters in Othello display both covert racism and overt racism towards Othello.
Theme Of Manipulation In Othello
944 Words | 4 PagesManipulation is shown in many ways such as politics, the media, misleading information and false advertising. To convey one’s thoughts to your own advantage is seen as crude and unnecessary. However, many people have their reasons in manipulating someone whether they are good or bad. In Shakespeare’s Othello, the concept of taking advantage of someone through manipulation leads to unnecessary, horrible events.
Things Fall Apart And Othello Comparison Essay
709 Words | 3 PagesDevelopment of Othello The character of Othello transforms during the course of the play from a respected and revered general to a fallen and easily fooled man, due to the unfortunate sequence of events that transpire through both coincidence and Iago’s evil designs. He said that he wouldn’t be the jealous type unless he had seen it happen right in front of him, but with the help of Iago and a lot of coincidences it had happened in front of him. His judgment of the coincidence over ruled facts that could have changed the way it had ended drastically (Nwabueze, 167).
Theme Of Racism In Othello
1225 Words | 5 PagesThe exploitation of Othello’s race leads to the manipulation Roderigo, Cassio, Brabantio, the Venetians, and the audience to see Othello as inferior although, the only difference between him and the Venetians is his lineage. In the first act of the play, Iago and Roderigo go to Brabantio’s house to rile him out of his sleep. This is seen as the first step of defaming Othello’s character. The two
New Historicism In Othello
1636 Words | 7 PagesWe find both racial attitudes towards Othello even though he is a man that works hard to get what he wants. The racial attitude is only because of the era that they live in, the Elizabethan era in
Theme Of Dishonesty In Othello
750 Words | 3 PagesIn the play Othello, William Shakespeare creates an elaborate tragedy with various in depth characters, enhancing the story with powerful characterization. Iago, the main antagonist of Othello, exemplifies Shakespeare’s use of characterization to create in depth and complex characters. Using his manipulative nature, intellectual mind, egotistical attitude, and dishonesty, Iago controls the other characters in order to achieve his goal, leading Othello to succumb to an overwhelming jealousy causing his downfall. In order for Iago to gain control of the characters in the play, he manipulates Othello, Roderigo, Cassio, and more to believe false information and turn on one another.
Theme Of Racism In Othello
1501 Words | 7 PagesThroughout history, societies have succumbed to the toxic concepts of racism, causing an unthinkable amount of chaos and devastation. While racism on its own can lead to many societal evils, racism coupled with jealousy can create a truly catastrophic force that can only lead to pure destruction. When someone of a different race and culture is placed in this kind of society, this destruction will only naturally follow. In the play Othello, William Shakespeare focuses on the tragic outcomes of Othello, a Venetian general and black Turkish Moor, and Desdemona, his white Venetian wife. Throughout the play, both covert and overt racism, assimilation, and jealous dispositions all foreshadow the untimely death of Desdemona and Othello.
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