Othello Themes

The main themes in Othello are trust and deception, race and the outsider, the consequences of jealousy, and tensions between women and men.

  • Trust and deception: The relationships in Othello often exist on the line between trust and deception, with treacherous Iago commanding trust and honest Desdemona receiving doubt.
  • Race and the outsider: Othello's Moorish background places him at a distance from his peers, despite his sterling reputation.
  • The consequences of jealousy: The tragedy of the play is driven by the effects of unchecked jealousy.
  • Tensions between women and men: The women in the play occupy a precarious position in a world of men marked by misogyny and violence.

Trust and Deception

Download PDF PDF Page Citation Cite Share Link Share

Perhaps the most prominent theme that runs through Othello is that of trust and deception. Early in the play, Iago sets this theme in motion, suggesting that he is not always as he seems and that he is capable of being whomever he needs to be if it suits his cause. A number of characters praise Iago for his integrity, and both Othello and Cassio refer to him as “honest Iago,” although they are ultimately victims of his deceit. On the other hand, Desdemona plays a faithful wife, not even blaming her husband when he wrongfully murders her, and yet her husband has no trust in her. The play repeatedly illustrates the difficulties of knowing whom to trust in which circumstances—especially when there is deception afoot.

This question of whom or what to trust extends to viewers or readers of the play. Iago often refers to being someone he is not. Iago even self-consciously plays the role of the villain, which he makes evident to the audience when he says, “What’s he then that says I play the villain?” In this particular line, the play seems self-aware. All of the characters in the play are, in fact, playing parts, and by extension, deceiving the audience. In this case, audience members are willingly deceived, suspending their disbelief and allowing the players to spread fiction. In this way, Shakespeare may not necessarily have a specific moral related to trust and deception in Othello. Rather, Othello may simply provide broad exploration of the limits of trust: when is it unwarranted, when is it necessary, and when can deceit be seen as entertainment as opposed to a moral transgression?

Race and the Outsider

Download PDF PDF Page Citation Cite Share Link Share

Racial politics in Elizabethan England were emergent, because world exploration and interactions between races were still fairly new to England at the time. However, by the time Othello was written, Queen Elizabeth had proclaimed that too many Africans were entering England and began to discourage their entry to the country. In this way, one can certainly see how Africans might be viewed in a negative light during the time that Othello was first performed. They were seen as infidels and non-Christians, which may explain why Shakespeare included a passage in which Othello explains his transition to Christianity. Were Othello not Christian, it would have been harder for the Elizabethan audience to identify with the protagonist of the play. 

Regardless of his Christianity, Othello is still seen as an outsider. This underlying racist attitude is reflected in many of Iago’s statements that liken Othello to a lustful animal (e.g., “the beast with two backs”). While there was a racist attitude emerging in England, Africa was also considered to be an exotic, mysterious place that most English people had never witnessed firsthand. This attitude is evident early in the play when Brabantio accuses Othello of seducing his daughter through magical charms or spells. Othello himself has given Desdemona a handkerchief that was enchanted by an Egyptian witch and stained with virgin’s blood. In a play that is otherwise void of any kind of supernatural elements, these allusions to magic are seemingly related to Othello’s African heritage. Despite his recognized merit as a general, Othello is not welcome to become a part of Brabantio’s family, and as a Black man, he is to some degree considered an outsider by Venetian society. It is impossible to know Shakespeare’s artistic intent, but Othello is clearly a sympathetic and admirable character, despite his being an outsider in both the world of the play and Elizabethan England.

The tension between belonging and being an outsider can be seen in other characters as well. Desdemona, for instance, occupies a tenuous position as a woman on the frontlines of Cyprus. While the war never actually occurs, she cannot know that it will not happen when she opts to follow her husband to battle. Emilia, as Desdemona’s attendant, must follow her mistress to Cyprus, and Emilia’s presence there is also questioned. All of these outsiders are eventually killed. The question of who has a right to claim certain spaces is even present in the first few lines of dialogue in the play. Cassio has been promoted to the position of lieutenant, but whether or not he deserves that role is unclear based on his experience and the testimony of others in Venice.

The Consequences of Jealousy

Download PDF PDF Page Citation Cite Share Link Share

Othello charts the downfall of Othello and Desdemona in the hands of Iago’s schemes. While Iago is the most culpable figure, it is Othello’s unhindered jealousy that allows events to descend into tragedy. In act 3, scene 3, Iago memorably personifies jealousy as a destructive force:

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.

There is a note of dramatic irony in the fact that Iago tells Othello to “beware… the green-eyed monster,” for it is Iago himself who sows the seeds of the very jealousy he speaks of. Iago’s personification is apt in that jealousy deranges one’s senses, blinds one’s reason, turns one into a monster. In act 4, scene 1, Iago tells Othello that Cassio has bragged of bedding Desdemona. Othello is so overcome with jealousy that he loses his powers of reason and speech, muttering “Handkerchief—confessions—handkerchief!” and falling into a trance.

The final repercussions of Othello’s jealousy arrive in act 5, when he becomes the “green-eyed monster” of which Iago has warned him. As he prepares to murder Desdemona, he ignores her truthful testimony of innocence. Indeed, his eyes—symbolic of reason—have been occluded by the senseless force of jealousy, and he cannot hear her pleas. This central tragedy of the play is a chilling testament to the consequences of unchecked jealousy.

Tensions Between Women and Men

Download PDF PDF Page Citation Cite Share Link Share

Throughout Othello, there is a constant thread of tension between women and men. In its subtlest form, this tension manifests in the somewhat tenuous presence of Desdemona and Emilia in Cyprus, a military encampment that can be viewed as a masculine sphere. In its harsher forms, this tension erupts in expressions of outright misogyny and even violence against women. Throughout the play, discussions occur regarding the differences between man and woman, most notably Iago’s comments in the second act about how all women are prostitutes. This chauvinistic view of women is allowed to exist in the masculine world of the military. It is not surprising that someone as villainous as Iago would maintain this view, and neither Desdemona nor Emilia seem prepared to respond to his claims, whether due to their abhorrence or their baselessness. 

It is only in Desdemona’s bedchamber, which can be viewed as a comparatively feminine sphere, that Emilia feels safe to express her own views—namely that women and men are equally sexual, that men wrongfully mistreat their wives, and that sex can be a way for women to reclaim their lives and independence. Unfortunately, there are few such spaces in Cyprus, and Desdemona and Emilia cannot comfortably exist in this masculine world. By the end of the play, both women are killed by the hands of their militant husbands.

Racism

Download PDF PDF Page Citation Cite Share Link Share

Racism is a significant theme in Othello, influencing characters and driving the plot. Othello, a Moor, faces prejudice and discrimination despite his status as a respected general. This racial tension shapes his relationships and contributes to his tragic downfall. The play explores how racism can manipulate perceptions and fuel destructive actions.

Othello's character is central to the theme of racism. As a Moor, he is an outsider in Venetian society, which subjects him to underlying racial prejudice. Despite his accomplishments and noble nature, Othello's "dark" skin makes him vulnerable to manipulation. Iago exploits this vulnerability, using racial slurs and insinuations to provoke Othello's insecurities. Othello's internal conflict and societal pressure amplify his jealousy and lead to his tragic end.

Iago's manipulation is a key element in highlighting racism in the play. He uses Othello's race to incite fear and distrust. Iago's deceitful nature is evident when he tells Roderigo, "

I follow him to serve my turn upon him. (1.1.42)
" This statement reveals Iago's intention to exploit Othello's racial identity for his own gain. Iago's actions demonstrate how racism can be weaponized to destroy lives.

Desdemona's relationship with Othello also underscores the theme of racism. Her love for Othello challenges societal norms, as she sees beyond his race, stating, "

I saw Othello’s visage in his mind, And to his honors and his valiant parts Did I my soul and fortunes consecrate. (1.3.253-55)
" Despite her genuine affection, their marriage faces scrutiny and opposition due to racial prejudices. This societal pressure contributes to the tragic unraveling of their relationship.

Tragedy

Download PDF PDF Page Citation Cite Share Link Share

In Othello, the theme of tragedy is central, defined by the downfall of the noble protagonist, Othello, due to his tragic flaw. The play diverges from the Greek ideal of tragedy, which focuses on a hero's flaw leading to their doom, yet it retains key elements such as the exceptional nature of the tragic hero and the presence of a fatal flaw. Othello's jealousy and misplaced trust in Iago catalyze his tragic end, intertwining themes of fate, catharsis, and the struggle between good and evil.

Othello, a Moorish general in the Venetian army, embodies the tragic hero. His status as an outsider due to his race and his noble standing make him an exceptional figure. His tragic flaw, or hamartia, is his susceptibility to jealousy and insecurity, which Iago exploits. This flaw leads to his mistrust of Desdemona and ultimately her murder. Othello's downfall evokes fear and pity, achieving the cathartic effect typical of tragedy.

The setting of the play contributes significantly to its tragic nature. The transition from Venice, a symbol of order and civilization, to Cyprus, a place of chaos and isolation, mirrors Othello's descent into madness. In Venice, Othello is respected and in control, but in Cyprus, he becomes vulnerable to Iago's manipulations. This geographical symbolism underscores the themes of racial and cultural conflict, heightening the tragedy.

Desdemona's role in the tragedy is complex. Her innocence and loyalty make her an easy target for Iago's schemes. Her loss of the handkerchief, a symbol of Othello's love, and her subsequent lies about it, fuel Othello's jealousy. Despite her strengths, such as her defiance of societal norms, her naivety and inability to perceive deceit contribute to her tragic end.

The tragedy in Othello is further compounded by the role of chance and accident. The entire plot hinges on the accidental loss of the handkerchief, which Iago uses to convince Othello of Desdemona's infidelity. Emilia's failure to reveal the truth about the handkerchief until it is too late highlights the role of miscommunication and misunderstanding in the tragedy. This reliance on accident and luck rather than pure cleverness detracts from the traditional notion of a tragic flaw leading to inevitable doom, yet it underscores the chaotic and unpredictable nature of human life.

Love

Download PDF PDF Page Citation Cite Share Link Share

The theme of love in Othello is complex, exploring both its beauty and its vulnerability to manipulation. The play illustrates how love can be sincere and profound, yet susceptible to jealousy and insecurity. Othello and Desdemona's love is genuine, transcending societal barriers, but it is ultimately undermined by Iago's deceit and Othello's own doubts. The interplay of love and hate, loyalty and betrayal, shapes the tragic trajectory of the characters.

Othello and Desdemona's relationship is rooted in mutual admiration and respect. Desdemona loves Othello for his courage and honor, seeing "Othello’s visage in his mind," appreciating his inner qualities rather than his outward appearance. Othello, in turn, loves Desdemona for her compassion and intellect, not merely for "the palate of my appetite." This mutual affection is sincere, yet it lacks a deep understanding, leaving room for manipulation.

Despite their love, Othello and Desdemona are vulnerable to external forces. Iago's manipulation exploits Othello's insecurities, turning his love into jealousy. Othello's inability to trust Desdemona leads to tragic consequences. His love, once pure, becomes tainted by suspicion, illustrating how love can be both a source of strength and a point of weakness.

The destructive power of hate is a significant counterpoint to love in the play. Iago's hatred for Othello drives him to destroy the couple's happiness. Othello's internalized insecurities, fueled by a racist society, make him susceptible to Iago's lies. The play highlights how hate and insecurity can overpower love, leading to tragedy.

Ultimately, Othello portrays love as a powerful yet fragile force. The characters' inability to communicate and trust each other, coupled with external manipulation, leads to their downfall. The play serves as a cautionary tale about the vulnerabilities of love and the destructive potential of jealousy and deceit.

Manipulation

Download PDF PDF Page Citation Cite Share Link Share

In Othello, manipulation is a central theme that drives the plot and leads to the tragic downfall of the characters. Iago, the antagonist, is a master manipulator who exploits the weaknesses of others to achieve his own ends. His deceitful actions and cunning words create a web of lies that ensnare Othello, leading to jealousy, betrayal, and ultimately, tragedy. The play explores how manipulation can distort reality and destroy lives, highlighting the destructive power of deceit and the vulnerability of trust.

Iago's manipulation is rooted in his envy and resentment towards Othello. He feels slighted by Othello's choice of Cassio as lieutenant and is driven by a desire for revenge. Iago's ability to manipulate those around him is evident in his interactions with Othello, whom he describes as a man "not easily jealous, but, being wrought, Perplex'd in the extreme." By planting seeds of doubt and jealousy, Iago exploits Othello's insecurities, leading him to demand "ocular proof" of Desdemona's infidelity. This manipulation of perception is a key factor in Othello's tragic downfall.

The domestic tragedy of Othello is significant because it shows how manipulation can undermine personal relationships and societal structures. Othello's downfall is not only due to Iago's machinations but also his own paranoia and doubt. The play illustrates how personal flaws and external manipulation can lead to the destruction of trust and love, as seen in Othello's transformation from a noble general to a "green-eyed monster" consumed by jealousy and rage.

The theme of manipulation is further emphasized by the contrast between appearance and reality. Iago's declaration, "I am not what I am," sets the tone for the deceit that permeates the play. Characters are deceived by false appearances, leading to tragic consequences. Othello's misplaced trust in Iago and his failure to see through the lies result in the loss of Desdemona, whom he tragically refers to as a "pearl away Richer than all his tribe." This manipulation of reality serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of deception and the importance of discerning truth from falsehood.

Betrayal

Download PDF PDF Page Citation Cite Share Link Share

Betrayal is a central theme in Othello, driving the plot and leading to the tragic downfall of several characters. The play explores how betrayal can stem from jealousy, manipulation, and misplaced trust, ultimately resulting in tragedy. Through the actions of characters like Iago and Othello, Shakespeare examines the destructive power of betrayal and its impact on human relationships.

Iago is the embodiment of betrayal in the play. He manipulates those around him, exploiting their trust for his gain. From the beginning, Iago reveals his duplicitous nature, stating, "I follow him to serve my turn upon him" (I.i.42) and "In following him, I follow but myself" (line 59). Despite these admissions, his deceit goes unnoticed by those he deceives, such as Roderigo. Iago's betrayal is not just personal; it is systemic, affecting everyone around him. He feigns friendship with Cassio, only to orchestrate his downfall by getting him drunk, thus beginning the chain of events that convinces Othello of Desdemona's infidelity.

Othello, though a victim of Iago's machinations, becomes a betrayer himself. He is manipulated into believing Desdemona has been unfaithful, leading him to betray her trust and love. Othello demands "ocular proof" (III.iii.364) of her infidelity, yet is swayed by Iago's lies about a dream and the handkerchief. His misplaced trust in Iago leads him to murder Desdemona, convinced that her death is necessary to prevent further betrayal: "Yet she must die, else she'll betray more men" (V.ii). Othello's actions highlight how betrayal can corrupt even the most loving relationships.

Emilia's character arc also reflects the theme of betrayal. Initially, she unwittingly betrays Desdemona by giving Iago the handkerchief, unaware of his intentions. However, her loyalties shift when she discovers Desdemona's murder. Emilia defies Iago and Othello, choosing to reveal the truth about the handkerchief and Iago's treachery. Her courageous stand against betrayal costs her life, but she dies upholding truth and loyalty to Desdemona: "speaking as I think, I die, I die."

The theme of betrayal in Othello is further emphasized through symbols and societal structures. The handkerchief becomes a symbol of fidelity and betrayal, manipulated by Iago to incite jealousy. Iago's complaints about military promotions reflect his belief in systemic betrayal, where "preferment goes by letter and affection" (I.i). These elements illustrate how betrayal permeates personal and societal relationships, leading to the play's tragic conclusion.

Loyalty

Download PDF PDF Page Citation Cite Share Link Share

Loyalty is a central theme in Shakespeare's Othello, explored through the relationships and actions of its characters. The play examines how loyalty can be both a strength and a vulnerability, often manipulated to tragic ends. Through the characters of Desdemona, Emilia, and Othello, Shakespeare illustrates the complexity of loyalty and its impact on human relationships.

Desdemona embodies unwavering loyalty. Her commitment to Othello is evident from the start, as she declares her allegiance to him over her father:

"I am hitherto your daughter. But here's my husband, And so much duty as my mother show'd To you, preferring you before her father, So much I challenge that I may profess Due to the Moor, my lord."
Even in the face of death, Desdemona remains loyal, refusing to blame Othello for her murder:
"Nobody; I myself. Farewell; Commend me to my kind lord. O, farewell!"
Her loyalty is both her strength and her downfall, as it blinds her to Othello's growing jealousy and mistrust.

Emilia's loyalty shifts dramatically throughout the play. Initially, she is loyal to her husband, Iago, even stealing Desdemona's handkerchief for him. However, her loyalty ultimately lies with Desdemona and the truth. In Act 5, she bravely exposes Iago's treachery, defying both her husband and Othello:

"I care not for thy sword,"
and
"Tis proper I obey him, but not now."
Emilia's loyalty to Desdemona and her moral integrity lead to her tragic end, but also to the revelation of Iago's deceit.

Othello's loyalty is corrupted by Iago's manipulations. Initially, Othello's love for Desdemona is strong, but his insecurity and jealousy make him susceptible to Iago's schemes. Iago's deceit convinces Othello of Desdemona's infidelity, leading him to betray her trust. Despite demanding

"ocular proof,"
Othello's loyalty to Desdemona is overshadowed by his misplaced trust in Iago, resulting in tragedy.

Iago's betrayal is the antithesis of loyalty. He exploits the trust of those around him for his gain, admitting his deceitful intentions:

"I follow him to serve my turn upon him"
and
"In following him, I follow but myself."
His manipulation of Othello and Cassio highlights how loyalty can be twisted into a tool for treachery.

Expert Q&A

How does Emilia's remark about jealousy in Act 3 relate to Othello's themes?

3 Educator Answers

Give three examples of truth versus falsehood in Othello.

2 Educator Answers

In Othello, what does Iago's phrase "Tis the curse of service preferment goes by letter and affection and not by old gradation" mean?

1 Educator Answer

Othello's failure to investigate Iago's accusations and actions

2 Educator Answers

The significance and irony of the statement "Men should be what they seem" in Othello

3 Educator Answers

Othello's excessive trust in Iago

5 Educator Answers

Misunderstandings in Shakespeare's Othello and their fatal consequences

2 Educator Answers

Appearance vs. Reality in Othello

5 Educator Answers

Which quotes in Othello relate to the theme of being an outsider in a closed society?

2 Educator Answers

What is the ultimate message in Shakespeare's Othello?

3 Educator Answers

If "I saw Othello's visage in his mind" implies Othello's foul face is subsumed in his fair mind, what does this suggest about Othello and Desdemona's union?

"I saw Othello's visage in his mind"

1 Educator Answer

In Othello, is there interplay between self-perception and others' perception?

2 Educator Answers

The debate on whether "Othello" is a racist play or a play about racism

3 Educator Answers

The significance and implications of the term "Moor" in Othello

6 Educator Answers

Racial Prejudice and Racism in Shakespeare's Othello

4 Educator Answers

Othello's Race and Cultural Background's Impact on Events and Conclusion

11 Educator Answers

How is the fear of being a "cuckold" relevant to Shakespeare's Othello?

1 Educator Answer

Jealousy and Conflict in Othello

19 Educator Answers

What was the ideal relationship between men and women in Othello?

1 Educator Answer

What is the significance of Bianca's character in Othello?

3 Educator Answers

How do Emilia and Desdemona display courage in Othello?

1 Educator Answer

How does Cassio's view and treatment of women compare to Iago's in Othello?

1 Educator Answer

Why is Bianca's survival in Othello, despite being a prostitute, considered ironic?

1 Educator Answer

What are examples of Desdemona and Emilia's abuse in Othello?

1 Educator Answer

The role of gender in the tragedy of Othello

2 Educator Answers

Iago's opinion and portrayal of women in Othello and its impact on his character development

6 Educator Answers

Violence Against Women in Othello and Its Modern-Day Parallels

9 Educator Answers

Get Ahead with eNotes

Start your 48-hour free trial to access everything you need to rise to the top of the class. Enjoy expert answers and study guides ad-free and take your learning to the next level.

Get 48 Hours Free Access
Previous

Act and Scene Summaries

Next

Characters