Othello Essay Example

Othello Paper The audience, having been introduced to Othello by Iagos motiveless malignity,1 expects this man to be professionally bombast and animalistic. In fact Othello is not named until the third scene, thus dramatising his blackness and bestiality. However this preconception of Othello is immediately undone when he successfully calms the angry Brabantio and satisfies the suspicious Duke and Senators. Othellos heroic nature cannot be doubted due to the solidity of his character in the first two acts of the play; as Rebecca Warren notes, Othello possesses a mythical and monumental quality that cannot be denied; he speaks and acts powerfully in a way that inspires confidence in his character. 2 This essay will explore the extent to which Othellos heroism is interdependent with his love for Desdemona, and what implications this dependency will have on the power of both. Othellos first action in the play is to convince Brabantio, the Duke and the Senators that he genuinely loves Desdemona, not that he has used mixtures, a dram or a practice of cunning hell to seduce her. Shakespeare allows Brabantio to speak before Othello, immediately creating a confident and superior character in the latter. When Othello does make his case, he uses linguistic devices befitting a hero with great control over both himself and others, Most potent, grave, and reverend seigniors rude am I in my speech and little blessed with the soft phrase of peace. We will write a custom essay sample on Othello specifically for you for only $16.38 $13.9/page Order now We will write a custom essay sample on Othello specifically for you FOR ONLY $16.38 $13.9/page Hire Writer We will write a custom essay sample on Othello specifically for you FOR ONLY $16.38 $13.9/page Hire Writer Othello is polite to those who threaten to persecute him, and he is modest whilst also reminding the Duke of his services to Venice through military endeavour. This mixture of manners and cunning is reminiscent of great heroes in ancient literature, such as Odysseus in Homers Iliad. 3 Shakespeare also uses small instances of black comedy to reinforce Othellos heroic nature, Keep up your bright swords, for the dew will rust them. The word dew is ironic as it is in the place of blood, thus implying that Othello is mocking those who put up a ceremonial facade instead of facing genuine danger and threat. This is suggestive of his heroic nature as traditionally heroes are weathered fighters in contrast to the cowardly noblemen and kings above them, such as the characterisation of Achilles as opposed to Agamemnon, to take another example from the Iliad. From this scene, it becomes apparent to the audience that, that which makes Othello a hero, is also what makes him a powerful lover. Even Iago admits in Act 2 Scene 1 that Othello is of a constant, loving, noble nature which makes him a most dear husband to Desdemona. Shakespeare draws this parallel between heroism and love by using the same meter in both Othellos attempt to resolve a fight between Cassio and Roderigo, and his greeting to Desdemona at Cyprus; My blood | begins | my safe|r guides | to rule; and My soul | hath her | content | so ab|solute. 4 Othello, through iambic pentameter, always gives the impression of being in control, as he is a hero in both love and discipline. This meter also allows the audience to compare expressions of love and heroism said in the same meter, I do| confess | the vice|s of | my blood How I | did thrive | in this | fair lady|s love. Othello poeticises himself to embody both leadership and love, as his blood enables him to thrive in this fair ladys love, as well as to rule with equal passion. Othellos love for Desdemona is, in and of itself, an example of not only its power, but also his heroic character. Brabantio considers their relationship to be against all rules of nature, and that Desdemona could not possibly be in love without being deficient, blind or lame of sense. Despite societal conventions and pressures, Othello remains in love with Desdemona, and it is a mark of his heroism that he continues to pursue such a passion against all the odds. Achilles risked an early death to transcend mortalitys ephemeral existence through being poeticised, just as Othello poeticises himself in order to transcend the societal limitations of his love and the baseness of language from the likes of Brabantio and Iago; my services shall out tongue his complaints for know, Iago, but that I love the gentle Desdemona. Othello wilfully entwines his political and military identity with his love for Desdemona, thus risking both for what may be an attempt at the poetic remembrance which Achilles sought; an action both heroic and loving in its own right. This essay will also explore the implications of Othellos self-poeticisation. Therefore, as Othello comes to embody heroism and unconditional (and unconventional) love, his relationship is viewed by others to be the marriage between these two qualities, She that I spake of, our great captains captain. Cassio refers to their love in military terms, on the one hand showing how much Othello respects Desdemona, whilst also giving him the heroic characteristic of being a great captain. Shakespeare then uses linguistic and stage devices to portray the power of Othellos love for Desdemona later in Act 2 Scene 1, O my fair warrior, My dear Othello! Othellos choice of the word warrior and Desdemonas reply of dear is representative of how the two have become one flesh, as if their epithets are now interchangeable. In terms of stage devices, after Othello is rendered speechless by his content at seeing Desdemona, the two are instructed to kiss repeatedly. In a formal situation surrounded by A ttendants, one kiss would be unusual, let alone multiple kisses. Moreover, the stage direction, they kiss, is atypical of Shakespeare, as it is normally, he kisses her. This reinforces the idea that they are one flesh, as they are oblivious to those around them and are mutually involved in each others love. This leads A. C Bradley, among other critics, to conclude that Othello is the most romantic figure among Shakespeares heroes [he] does not belong to our world. By extension I think Desdemona is equally unfit for this world, because she becomes possessed by the poetry of Othellos vision (1. 3. 127-169), and in turn poeticises herself as a warrior. As they both transcend in poetry, their love becomes vulnerable to Iagos designs, because it is, by definition, unrealistic and unlikely. Therefore this interdependence between heroism, love and self-poeticisation results in Shakespeares portrayal of Othello and Desdemonas relationship being rather unconventional, and even unconvincing; Wherein I spake of most disastrous chances of hair-breadth scapes ithimminent deadly breach she gave me for my pains a world of sighs. Desdemona is first attracted to Othello because of his promise of adventure, and his heroic encounters on his travels. Being daughter to a Venetian Senator, she would have seen very little of the world, and so her refusal to be apart from Othello in Act 1 Scene 3 can be explained in terms other than unconditional love. Moreover, the quotation, She loved me for the dangers I had passed, and I loved her that she did pity them, shows how Othellos love for Desdemona can be seen to be derivative and shallow, like that of a comedian for an audience who laughs at his jokes. This interpretation is supported by Iago in Act 2 Scene 1 with the words, She first loved the Moor but for bragging and telling her fantastical lies. This is certainly a divorce from the common, clichi d convention of falling in love with someone for the same reason (that they are soul mates). Shakespeare thus encourages the audience to believe that Othellos stories and poems are love, because he offers all that he is to Desdemona in their relation. Therefore, heroism and love must be intertwined. Without Othellos heroism, his love for Desdemona cannot be realised, and it is his love for Desdemona which contributes towards his heroic nature. Othellos heroic nature allows Desdemona to decide between the divided duty between Othello and her father, and ultimately accompany Othello to Cyprus against Brabantios wishes. However, it is also a result of Othellos heroism that the tragedy is set in motion, as Desdemonas reverence of Othello allows Shakespeare to reduce her from an archetype to a passive victim, subject to his form of justice just like all his other subordinates (such as Cassio). Othellos heroism even compels Desdemona to encourage the audience to forgive him, moments before her death, A guiltless death I die ommend me to my kind lord. The interdependence between heroism and love is very interesting in the context of this tragedy. Othello concludes that to destroy Desdemona, he must also destroy himself because his identity and his love have become inextricably linked. However, the final kisses of the play prove that he never succeeded in destroying his love. This is the true indication of heroism; although Othello dies, the love he represents survives. Therefore he embodies the idea that poetry is part of love, thus achieving Achilles poetic remembrance. Othello Essay Example Othello Essay Every tragic hero has a promising outlook before some fatal flaw destructs their future. Othello is introduced as a genuine character who is determined to prove his worth as a husband and noble soldier. As the general of Venice, he starts out in the play as honorable. He received the position of general by his outstanding excellence in the field of war. His courage, intelligence, and skill of command earned him the respect of his troops as well as his wife, Desdemona’s, love. Unfortunately, his position is questionable as he is easily misled and manipulated, making the play end in tragedy. Othello has three main flaws that lead up to his downfall. His flaws are allowing himself to fall for Iago’s malicious plot, his raging jealousy, and his mistrust in his wife, Desdemona. The villain Iago, who appears to be an honest and trustworthy friend, manipulates Othello into believing that his wife is guilty of infidelity. He does this because Othello appointed Cassio, who is of military knowledge, to be his lieutenant over Iago. Iago feels that he was more deserving of a promotion over Cassio. Having done so, Iago comes up with what he believes is a deserving revenge plan against Othello. We will write a custom essay sample on Othello specifically for you for only $16.38 $13.9/page Order now We will write a custom essay sample on Othello specifically for you FOR ONLY $16.38 $13.9/page Hire Writer We will write a custom essay sample on Othello specifically for you FOR ONLY $16.38 $13.9/page Hire Writer Since he feels that Othello committed injustice against him, he plans to destruct Othello’s marriage by using Cassio as the key to his villainous scheme. Iago’s plan of action involves the beloved handkerchief, which Othello presented to Desdemona as one of his first gifts of sentimental value. This is a key feature in Othello’s changing perceptions of Desdemona. With this handkerchief, Iago sets up Cassio. He leads Othello to suspect that his wife is having an affair by creating a lie on Desdemona and Cassio. He tells Othello that he saw Cassio wiping his beard with the exact same handkerchief that was given to Desdemona. Iago: Nay, but be wise. Yet we see nothing done; She may be honest yet. Tell me but this: Have you not sometimes seen a handkerchief Spotted with strawberries in your wife’s hand? Othello: I gave her such a one. ‘Twas my first gift. Iago: I know not that; but such a handkerchief- I am sure it was your wife’s- did I today See Cassio wipe his beard with. (3. 3. 448-453) Othello then lets his mind be poisoned by Iago and the false accusation of his wife’s infidelity. In Readings On Othello, it states, â€Å"his whole nature was indisposed to jealousy, and yet was such that he was unusually open to deception, and if once wrought to passion, likely to act with little reflection, with no delay, and in the most decisive manner conceivable. † Pg 88 Othello fails to recognize Iago’s malicious plot against him and Desdemona. Othello’s beliefs of Desdemona’s infidelity lead him into a rage of jealously resulting in Desdemona’s death. Othello turned on Desdemona only after he let Iago’s foolish lies be heard. His actions were solely led by outside influences. Iago drives Othello to jealousy and directs him to believe that Desdemona loves another man. In Readings on Othello, â€Å"he put entire confidence in the honesty of Iago, who had not only been his companion in arms, but, as he believed, had just proved his faithfulness in the matter of the marriage†(Nardo 91). He was fooled by his opinion of Iago and everyone else who knew him. Othello already believed that his wife’s love for him was too good to be true, causing even more doubt. He is completely preoccupied with the mission of avenging himself on Desdemona and Cassio for an adulterous affair of which they were entirely innocent of. The proximate cause of Othellos change of heart is the poisonous deceits that Iago pours into his ear. Iago hints that Othello is being cuckolded, arising his jealousy towards Cassio and Desdemona even more. He then attempts to convince Othello to not become jealous and to stay calm. Iago: O, beware, my lord, of jealousy. It is the green-eyed monster which doth mock The meat it feeds on. That cuckold lives in bliss Who, certain of his fate, loves not his wronger; But O, what damned minutes tells he o’er Who dotes, yet doubts, suspects, yet fondly loves! 3. 3. 179-183) As Iago tells this to Othello, he is really implying the opposite. He is telling Othello lies to suggest Desdemona is in fact guilty of infidelity, therefore manipulating Othello. The â€Å"green-eyed monster† is used as a metaphor to represent the feeling of jealousy Othello is keeping inside. By this time, Othello strongly believes Iago and creates a rough tone towards Desdemona when he speaks to her. In the beginning, Othello loved Desdemona with all his heart and would not let anyone take this love away from him. In Othello, A Critical Study, the author states, â€Å"we discover all the beauty and dignity of conjugal faith, and perceive a strong mutual capacity for making of wedded life a helpful and a passionate moral harmony†(Turnbull 346). Othello’s first gift ever to Desdemona was a handkerchief of sentimental value that once had belonged to his mother. It had symbolized the love that he had for her and their marriage. â€Å"Desdemona is to him the emblem and the hope of eternity†(Turnbull 347). At first, Othello confidently said that Desdemona was faithful to him and that he would not doubt her without having any proof. It was then that Iago continued to feed lies of Desdemona’s fidelity into Othello’s head until it resulted in Othello’s destruction. As Iago continued to inform Othello of Desdemona and Cassio’s supposed meetings, Othello changed immensely in his treatment towards Desdemona. He changed to such an extent that he could no longer live with a woman of unmoral behaviors. His mind had been clouded by bad judgment due to Iago’s shady plan. Once Othello began to believe Iago’s stories, he would not let himself believe that Desdemona was in fact pure and virtuous. He becomes distrusting of Desdemona and treats her poorly. Othello’s rage of jealously ended by the murder of his once beloved wife. As a result, Iago succeeded in the destruction of Othello and Desdemona’s marriage. In conclusion, Othello saw his act of murder as an expression of justice, that by which he had balanced out the punishment of his wife’s wrong doings. By killing Desdemona, he has destroyed the best in himself. Othello judged himself and performed the execution to die with his love. His high ranking in military came with a certain amount of pride. An affair is humiliating to any man, but especially to a veteran war hero. The belief of his wife’s infidelity left him feeling that he had no other choice but to protect his dignity and reputation by a violent execution. In Readings on Othello, â€Å"Othello’s nature is all of one piece. His trust, where he trusts, is absolute. Hesitation is almost impossible to him. He is extremely self-reliant, and decides and acts instantaneously†(Nardo 91). The tragic hero, full of promise, certainly feel victim to his own failings and uncertainties in his own inevitable destruction. The elements of Othello’s character allow Iago to successfully manipulate him into doing the most appalling act imaginable. Othello is a tragic hero whose flaws led to his ultimate downfall. Works Cited Nardo, Don. Readings on Othello. San Diego: Greenhaven Press. 88-91. Print. Shakespeare, William. Othello, The Moor of Venice. Backpack Literature: An Introduction to Fiction, Poetry, Drama, and Writing. Ed. X. J. Kennedy and Dana Gioia. 4th ed. New York: Longman, 2012. 816-826. Print. Turnbull, William Robertson. Othello, A Critical Study. William Blackwood and Sons, 1892. 346-47. Print.