Othello Analysis
- Othello shows the swiftness with which jealousy can take hold. Othello's tragedy arises from his inability to discern truth from false tales meant to elicit jealous rage. Thus Iago’s manipulations, unchecked, drive him to madness.
- The play offers an implicit note of caution about honor. The limits and perils of honors can be found in the actions of Othello and Desdemona, whose respective commitments to honor enable their tragic downfalls.
- Iago is a villain, but he cultivates a special relationship with the audience, with whom he is unusually forthright. This allows the audience to understand first-hand the effects of Iago's charms.
Analysis
Othello is a Shakespearean tragedy first performed circa 1604 that details the deteriorating relationship between the eponymous Moorish general and his noble wife, Desdemona. It shows how both grudges and jealousy can fester, leading to disastrous outcomes. In this way, the play is a comment on the role of resentment in human life. It shows the disastrous results of unchecked jealousy in the actions of Iago, who plots revenge for unclear reasons, and Othello, who allows himself to be manipulated and who ultimately kills his innocent wife.
One notable aspect of the play is the rapidity with which jealousy takes root. Iago need only plant the idea of Desdemona’s infidelity, and within one scene, Othello is convinced that she has been unfaithful. Seeing Othello’s rapidly growing jealousy, Iago plays upon it, changing his own story several times throughout the play. He begins only by suggesting that Desdemona and Cassio may have an interest in one another. But by the end of that act, he begins to make definitive statements, such as that Cassio is bragging about bedding Desdemona. Just as Othello grows more jealous, Iago grows bolder in his schemes and lies: at the start of the play, he is merely suggesting the possibility of infidelity; by the end, he has murdered several characters. Such seems to be the nature of Othello’s jealousy and Iago’s villainy. They, like the husbands in Emilia’s speech, “are all but stomachs, and we all but food; / To eat us hungerly, and when they are full, / They belch us.”
Just as jealousy and resentment are shown to lead to ruin, the play seems to offer a message of caution about the strict adherence to honor. For instance, the end of the play presents Othello as ambivalent about murdering his wife. In the past several scenes, he has been cruel to Desdemona, at one time striking her out of anger. It is surprising, then, that he would kiss his wife in the final scene. He is convinced of her dishonesty, but he no longer seems certain that he wants to kill her. He thus cites honor and justice as “the cause” that must be served by her death, and it is this same sense of honor that drives him to commit suicide when he realizes that Iago has been deceiving him all along.
Desdemona herself maintains the honorable role of Othello’s “true and loyal wife.” Though a number of characters question her relationship with Othello, especially Emilia and Lodovico, a sense of duty seems to compel her to remain true to her husband. Similarly, it is Cassio’s honor that is in question when he is spurred to fight with Roderigo, and which causes him to lash out at Montano. While Othello, Desdemona, and Cassio each might be considered heroes of the story for their adherence to honor and duty, it is this adherence that leads to a number of fatal decisions: to kill a wife, to adore an abusive husband, to attack a provocateur. While Othello seems to be about the follies of jealousy, it is just as much about how a strong sense of duty can be ruinous. If Othello represents staunch honorability, and Iago represents a dishonorable opposite, it may be that somewhere in the middle is the safest course.
It may be unfair to say that Iago is the polar opposite of Othello’s honor, and it is unclear how the audience is to feel about Iago. On the one hand, he is, by his own admission, a villain. On the other, he is intimate with the audience, speaking directly to them and letting them know his plans. The fact that he connects to the audience despite his villainy may be a way for the audience to place themselves in the play. Most of the characters in Othello seem taken in by Iago, and throughout the play, characters refer to the high value of his friendship and honesty. Given Iago’s ability to charm the audience, audience members may be better able to sympathize with the characters who are taken in by his trickery.
Something worth considering is that Iago serves the role of ensign, or flag bearer for Othello. This may have been a touchy subject for the English audience in 1604. King James IV of Scotland had succeeded Queen Elizabeth after her death a year prior, and with his succession, he brought many Scottish noblemen and family members to advise him. While he was generally considered a good leader, there were a number of plots to overthrow him early in his English career. He also changed the flag, combining the English, Scottish, and Irish flags into one to represent his reign. The fact that this had happened roughly during the time that Shakespeare was writing Othello, and the fact that Iago’s role in the play is to bear a flag, may have made viewers suspicious of Iago, creating a distance from him that would be difficult to understand in modern contexts.
Expert Q&A
What examples of ethos, pathos, or logos are present in Othello? What rhetorical devices does Shakespeare use?
In Othello, Shakespeare utilizes ethos, pathos, and logos to enhance Iago's manipulation. Iago builds ethos by appearing trustworthy to Othello and others. He uses pathos by playing on emotions, such as Brabantio’s anger and Othello’s jealousy. Finally, Iago employs logos through fabricated evidence, like Desdemona's handkerchief, to logically convince Othello of her infidelity.
What are some examples of foreshadowing, imagery, and metaphor in Othello?
In Othello, foreshadowing is evident when Brabantio warns Othello about Desdemona's potential betrayal, hinting at Othello's later doubts and jealousy. Imagery, particularly animal imagery, reinforces Othello's descent into primal instincts, with Iago referring to Othello as a "black ram." Metaphors abound, as Iago manipulates perceptions, calling Othello a "damned inhuman dog." These devices contribute to the tragic unfolding of events, highlighting themes of jealousy and mistrust.
What is the significance of rhyming couplets, especially Iago's, at the end of scenes in Othello?
In Othello, rhyming couplets, especially Iago's, summarize the key thoughts or themes of a scene, adding emphasis and clarity. Iago's lines, "'Tis here but yet confused. / Knavery's plain face is never seen till used," encapsulate his deceitful plans against Othello. Shakespeare uses these couplets for a striking effect, contrasting with the typical blank verse to highlight important ideas.
What are the four significant soliloquies in Othello and their meanings?
In Othello, four critical soliloquies reveal Iago's manipulation and Othello's vulnerabilities. In Act I, scene iii, Iago outlines his revenge, exploiting Roderigo and targeting Othello's trust. Act II, scene i, further exposes Iago's intent to manipulate Othello's jealousy. In Act II, scene iii, Iago celebrates his easy deception of Cassio and Roderigo. Act III, scene iii, shows Othello's growing insecurity, while Act V, scene ii, reveals his conviction of Desdemona's betrayal, showcasing Iago's influence.
How does Shakespeare present social class differences in Othello?
Shakespeare presents social class differences in Othello through characters' interactions and conflicts. Iago resents Cassio for being appointed lieutenant due to his higher social status, despite lacking practical experience. Brabantio dismisses Iago's warnings about Othello but listens to Roderigo, a nobleman. Othello, despite his military rank, faces limitations due to his race and class, highlighting inherent social hierarchies.
What techniques can be identified in the following passage?
Sir, I will answer any thing. But, I beseech you,
If't be your pleasure and most wise consent,
As partly I find it is, that your fair daughter,
At this odd-even and dull watch o' the night,
Transported, with no worse nor better guard
But with a knave of common hire, a gondolier,
To the gross clasps of a lascivious Moor—
If this be known to you and your allowance,
We then have done you bold and saucy wrongs;
But if you know not this, my manners tell me
We have your wrong rebuke. Do not believe
That, from the sense of all civility,
I thus would play and trifle with your reverence:
Your daughter, if you have not given her leave,
I say again, hath made a gross revolt;
Tying her duty, beauty, wit and fortunes
In an extravagant and wheeling stranger
Of here and every where. Straight satisfy yourself:
If she be in her chamber or your house,
Let loose on me the justice of the state
For thus deluding you.
The passage employs several techniques, including courteous and deferential language, contrasting imagery, and persuasive rhetoric. Roderigo uses flattering language, contrasting Desdemona's virtues with Othello's foreignness to evoke fear of outsiders. He manipulates Brabantio by suggesting Desdemona has rebelled and invites him to confirm the truth, thus playing on xenophobic and sexist attitudes. Roderigo's civility masks his manipulation and encourages Brabantio's prejudices against Othello, a "lascivious Moor."
What are some oxymorons in each act of Othello?
Some oxymorons in Othello include "malicious bravery" in Act I, "O heavy ignorance!" in Act II, "Excellent wretch!" in Act III, "a small vice" in Act IV, and "O notable strumpet!" in Act V. These oxymorons often reflect the contradictions and ironies within the characters' speeches, particularly Iago's manipulation and Othello's evolving perception.
Why is the eye motif in Othello significant and what other symbols are important?
What are the Elizabethan features in Othello?
"Othello" exemplifies Elizabethan drama through its exploration of the human condition, blending tragedy and comedy, and presenting universal themes of betrayal and self-doubt. Shakespeare's characters, such as Othello, Iago, and Desdemona, possess vivid individuality while appealing universally. The play's focus on race and identity, along with the central theme of revenge, showcases Elizabethan dramatic features, reflecting a world where sin and suffering shape human experiences.
What are the three types of humor found in Othello?
How do dramatic elements in Othello reveal truths about life?
In Othello, dramatic elements like irony, suspense, and psychological depth reveal truths about human nature. Characters embody real-life traits and flaws: Desdemona's loyalty mirrors abuse victims' experiences; Cassio's susceptibility to drinking highlights common human weaknesses; Iago's deceit reflects malicious personas; and Othello's tragic fall illustrates how insecurities can be manipulated. Shakespeare's characterizations effectively explore themes of strength, vulnerability, and hidden fears, providing insights into life's complexities.
Is the plot structure of Othello episodic or climactic?
The plot structure of Othello is episodic rather than climactic. This is evident in its expansive narrative, multiple locations like Venice and Cyprus, and numerous characters. The story unfolds over a longer period, allowing for the detailed development of Iago's schemes and interactions with various characters. Unlike a climactic structure, which is concise and focuses on a single, linear plot, Othello includes subplots and an intricate exploration of themes and character dynamics.
Irony in Shakespeare's "Othello"
Irony permeates Shakespeare's Othello, particularly through the character of Iago, who embodies verbal and dramatic irony. In Act 1, Iago's verbal irony is evident as he feigns loyalty to Othello while plotting against him. Dramatic irony arises as the audience knows Iago's true intentions, unlike the characters. Throughout the play, Iago manipulates events to create misunderstandings, as seen when Othello trusts "honest Iago" despite his deceitful nature. This irony highlights the theme of appearance versus reality, leading to tragic outcomes.
Metaphors in Othello
In Othello, metaphors are extensively used to convey themes and character emotions. For example, Iago describes jealousy as the "green-eyed monster," illustrating its destructive nature. Othello refers to Desdemona as a "pearl," symbolizing her purity and value. These metaphors enhance the emotional intensity and help in understanding the characters' motivations and the play's tragic elements.
Literary Devices in Shakespeare's Othello
In Othello, Shakespeare employs a variety of literary devices including dramatic irony, foreshadowing, symbolism, and imagery to enhance themes and engage the audience. Dramatic irony is prominent, as the audience knows Iago's deceitful intentions while Othello remains unaware, leading to suspense and tragedy. Foreshadowing is evident in Brabantio's warning to Othello about Desdemona's potential deceit, ironically misinterpreted. Symbolism is used through imagery, such as Iago's beastly metaphors, to underline themes of deception and racial prejudice. These devices contribute to the play's intense emotional impact.
Figures of Speech and Sound Devices in Othello
In Othello, Shakespeare employs various figures of speech and sound devices. Examples include metaphors, such as when Othello describes Desdemona as a "pearl," and similes, like comparing Iago to a "devil." Sound devices include alliteration, as seen in phrases like "Barbary horse," and assonance in lines like "keep up your bright swords." These techniques enhance the play's emotional and poetic impact.
Which soliloquy from Act 1 to Act 3 best represents Othello?
The soliloquy at the end of Act III, Scene 3 best represents Othello, revealing his internal conflict and insecurities. In this soliloquy, he reflects on his racial identity and societal status, expressing feelings of inadequacy compared to Venetian society. Despite his professed lack of conversational skill, Othello articulates his deep love for Desdemona and his torment over her perceived infidelity. This speech highlights his complexity, foreshadowing the tragic outcome driven by his inability to reconcile love and jealousy.
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