William Shakespeare’s Othello was first performed in November 1604 and is a play based on social ambiguity and the predominance of a marginalised society that reflects the real issues of 17th century England and the world. Through Shakespeare’s mastery use of language and form that appeals to contemporary audiences and contexts, issues that are still relevant today are conveyed. He represents these matters through the tragic hero, Othello, a Moor and the attenuated outrage received from Venetian society when he marries the white Desdemona.
Although, Venice was known for its civilised culture, he highlights that racism in Elizabethan society regarding Moors was universal; an issue that is still pertinent in many societies today. Additionally, reflections of the concept of individuals being manipulated by those subjected to the human conditioned desire for revenge and jealousy is evident with the relationship of Othello and Iago. Othello is oblivious to Iago’s Machiavellian character and nefarious nature and as a result leads to the tragic denouement of confusion and death among the protagonists.
A close interpretation of this play therefore, hinders the responder to self – question their involvement in the underlying issues of their societal context that has the supremacy to exasperate human emotions and feelings. The societal prejudice that can deeply affect the values and attitudes of an individual is an issue that is reflected through the dramatic scenes involving both Othello and Desdemona and is similarly conveyed throughout the world. The responders automatically identify with society’s perception and mistreatment of Othello from the beginning of Act 1, Scene 1, where Othello is metaphorically portrayed as ‘’an old black ram. ’ The association of animalistic traits refers to the belief in this historical context of a Divine Order, where attributing Othello to an animal meant he had a lower position in importance and ‘’spiritual value’’ in comparison to humans. It also depicts how Othello is equalised to an unhuman like status in Venetian society. This negative connotative imagery leads to Othello encompassing deep – seeded vulnerabilities and becoming an individual who invariably feels like he has something to prove.
The Essay on Dna Cloning Society Issues Human
Cloning: The New Trend of the Century "Any discovery that touches upon human creation is not simply a matter of scientific inquiry, it is a matter of morality and spirituality as well... Each human life is unique, born of a miracle that reaches beyond laboratory science... ." . This was printed on March 10, 1997 in Time Magazine in an article dealing with the controversial subject of cloning. ...
This idea becomes further exemplified when Othello marries the ‘’white ewe’’, Desdemona which acts as a catalyst for Othello to become more insecure and thus more arrogant because society discredited their relationship. The most important objective for Othello was to gain respect from Venice’s harsh society, having given up his conservative freedom and bachelordom for Desdemona, he expected complete loyalty and devotion from her. As shown when he emotively states ‘’But that I love the gentle Desdemona, I would not my unhoused free condition…’’ His long, successful career as a commander of an army also explains his expectation of loyalty.
His attitude towards Desdemona when he learns of her ‘infidelity’ as shown when he passionately and emphatically exclaims ‘’I will chop her into messes’’ are partially understandable because of those values that demanded women remain virtuous and obedient. This aspect of arrogance and pride in Othello is a significant issue that is prevalent in many individuals today and can greatly influence the extent to which they will go to, to protect their pride and reputation, even if it means hurting other individuals and losing their sense of self.
Undoubtedly, through dramatic texts such as Othello, concepts advocating important issues are portrayed. The issue exemplifying the unrelenting desire of revenge and jealousy that can influence an individual to become psychotic and malignant is evident within this text as well as contemporary societies. Shakespeare uses characterisation to represent this idea through the deceptive and wickedly ingenious character of Iago whom is satanically symbolised through his cryptic and elliptical manner and manipulates his acquaintances by targeting their vulnerabilities.
The Essay on Othello Review Iago Desdemona Cassio
Shakespeare has produced an incredibly large library of work, including 38 plays and countless sonnets. His plays are divided into four main sections: the Histories, the Tragedies, the Comedies, and the Romances. Othello falls under Tragedy, as it ends with the death of numerous characters, including the principals. Shakespeare's work has been produced since the Renaissance in all artistic mediums ...
Iago’s jealousy and his desire for revenge of Othello are provoked by the fact that Iago has been passed over for a promotion which has instead been received by Michael Cassio. This emphasis on materialistic values is also an issue reflected throughout societal contexts today. From the beginning of Act 1, Iago speaks using paradoxical imagery through phrases such as ‘’Were I the Moor I would not be Iago’’ and through the use of diacopes such as ‘’I am not what I am’’ to convey his articulation of deception in relation to other characters and the audience.
These phrases also illustrate that although he is psychotic, he is also intelligent hence why he has the competency to beguile all characters in this dramatic text. Additionally, Iago’s psychopathic motions espoused from human desires are apparent in Act 5, Scene 1 where his hypocrisy is ironically conveyed through his misogynistic values. He blames Bianca ‘’to be a party in this injury’’ in the affray involving Cassio and Roderigo where he in actual fact was soley responsible. This demonstrates his morally corrupted personality as he refers to Bianca as ‘’trash’’ and accuses her without any remorse or attempt at redemption.
It also exhibits how Iago takes advantage of those subjected to a patriarchal society, further undermining Bianca’s dignity. This moral corruption leads to tragic consequences and reflects the need for individuals to be perceptive about whom they trust because of the growing influence of an individualistic society. Through Shakespeare’s mastery use of language and form, the issues that are prevalent throughout diverse societies and contexts are effectively conveyed. The play is created timelessly through the use of unique techniques that connect to a contemporary audience.
For example, the use of a white handkerchief as a motif further assists Iago’s narcissistic plot through metaphorically symbolising Desdemona’s identity and fidelity. By taking possession of the handkerchief, Iago is able to convert it to act as further evidence to convince Othello of Desdemona’s act of adultery. This device authenticates the value and connotative meanings placed on tangible objects that are an issue identified throughout materialistic societies today where similar valuing can be placed on objects such as wedding rings.
The Essay on Contrast Between Iago And Othello Is The Most Important Contrast In The Play
How far do you agree with the view that the contrast between Iago and Othello is the most important contrast in the play? In the play Othello, there are many forms of contrast, one of which is the contrast between the characters of Othello and Iago, which could be argued as being the most important contrast in the play. In this essay I am going to discuss various contrasts between these two ...
Additionally, Shakespeare’s choice of language to characterise each individual is used to portray issues. For example, when Othello projects his aggravation towards Desdemona she responds through the use of biblical illusions such as ‘’Lord have mercy on me. ’’ This reflects her purity that is invariably being contradicted due to the fact that Othello is blinded because of his egotistical nature and vulnerabilities. This leads the audience into greater insights of the suffering of ‘innocents’ when individuals behave irrationally and allow animal instincts to takeover and is an issue often delineated throughout the world.
Othello conveys the real issues of human circumstance of 17th century England that are still reflected universally in contemporary contexts. Shakespeare’s clever use of language and form represents societal values through a medium that connects to any audience non – dependant on their context and further exemplifies that human emotions can become so predominant that it can strongly impact individuals decisions in relationships. This idea is reflected throughout the world and will continue to be demonstrated in dramatic texts due to the nature of human behaviour.
