Human vs. Beast: Bestial Theme in Othello

Introduction

Mankind, since its existence, is distinguished on the basis of humanity and the ability to think analytically with reason. This draws the line between human beings and animals. Humans are the dominant species and rightly so. However, they share the natural instinct with all other living creatures. This natural instinct can easily falter our capability to rationalize our actions. This is the main theme of the play Othello; bestial theme. The character of Iago manipulates the other characters and leads them to perform acts which are of bestial nature. He does all this out of jealously and hatred, and for sheer amusement. A human being would never gain amusement from others misery.

Green Eyed Monster

Shakespeare has beautifully depicted Iago as a character who signifies other characters as animals, whereas he is the “green eyed monster” himself. He is the most effective character in Othello as he controls the actions and behaviors of the other characters. The tragedy of Othello comprises of various animal references made by Iago for the people he feels jealous of and disrespects. The purpose of Shakespeare depicting Iago as a character who perceives others as animals is to show his dominance and his representation of mankind, illustrating his superiority over others. The interpretation of Iago signifying mankind reveals another side of him, his bestial nature.

Animal Reference

The beginning of the tragedy shows Iago informing Brabantio (Desdemona's father) about the elopement of Othello with his daughter Desdemona. He says to Brabantio, “Even now, now, very now, an old black ram is tupping your white ewe” (Shakespeare, pp. 96). He further says, “you will have your daughter cover'd with Barbary horse; you will have your nephews neigh to you; you will have coursers for cousins and gannets for germans” (Shakespeare, pp. 123). The highest degree of insult is when a human being refers to as an animal. Iago displays his disrespect for Othello in the very beginning when he labels him as an 'old black ram' and a 'Barbary horse'. Every animal reference Iago makes is to ignite fury in Brabantio. He is well aware that Brabantio will feel hatred towards Othello especially with the inhuman references. In the Act which follows, Iago refers to Othello as an “ass”. The reference to a donkey shows his view of Othello. Iago's comparison of humans to species is present throughout the play and demonstrates that Iago looks down on others. Associating Othello to an animal clearly shows that Iago looks down on him just as humans look down on animals.

Manipulation

Manipulation can make a person cross the line between being a human and being a “baboon”, “a beast” or at the mercy of “the green-eyed monster”. Iago used manipulation to play with Othello's weakness (jealously) and made him suspect his wife of infidelity. Iago plays with Othello's mind as does a human who plays with a dog. When Othello demands Iago for proof, he controls the situation by showing the proof Othello has demanded. After observing Iago's wife ...