Othello Group
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readingbooks17
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josephkarlin Teacher
Posted by josephkarlin on Tuesday July 29, 2008 at 1:43 AMThe transition of setting from Venice to Cyprus puts Othello outside the immediate control of Venician authority and Desdemona beyond the disapprobation of prating Brabantio. It is the 'fleshing out' of sorts of their free will. An isolated military outpost symbolises both deliberate alienation from the norm and independance from control. Also, such liberty from primary influence serves as the vehicle for their respective natures to fully evolve and take hold.
But is such liberty too much? Here Othello's rashness and credulity- his double tragic flaw - is not held in check, for the 'veracity' of Iago and the sincerity of his friendship are never even put in question. As for Desdemona, her will melts before her idolation (and idealization) of her husband and she falls prey to Iago's perverse machination. She can no longer counter or even contest Othello's accusations once he is emported by rage. A subtle polarization of temperament has taken over. Whereas Desdemona weakens, Othello's hotheadedness now takes full rein and he loses control, he loses Desdemona, and he loses his life.