Othello the Moor of Venice

Othello the Moor of Venice

Introduction

Many different interpretations link to Othello's downfall, including the part Iago and Desdemona play, and how the main character's personality and actions affect the fate of the other characters. A point much contested by critics is how Shakespeare presents Othello himself: some, such as A.C. Bradley, hold the view that the General is a noble tragic hero, whereas F.R. Leavis would contradict this by claiming Othello to be a weak man whose fatal flaw is jealousy.

Iago is a key instrument in Othello's downfall and uses deception to plant the idea of Desdemona's infidelity. He adroitly persuades Othello to accept this idea in a very short length of time. Shakespeare first uses Iago to develop the theme of perception when Iago hints at the topic of Desdemona's supposed affair in 3:3. Iago then claims to have asked about Cassio 'But for a satisfaction of my thought'. The idea of 'thinking' is repeated many times after this, and is significant because of the way Shakespeare has the characters appear to perceive each other - for example how people see Iago, who is mentioned many times to be 'honest' - Othello even says “I know thou'rt full of love and honesty” - and this dramatic irony allows him to successfully carry out his deception. The audience alone knows he is untrustworthy until late in the play, as he appears to be helping each character while actually stirring negativity between them. This leads to the idea that Othello's downfall was at least partly due to the manipulations of Iago, who deceived everyone in the play, from the Governor of Cyprus, to his own wife and the wife of the General. If Iago's character is capable of misleading everyone else, then this prompts the argument that Othello could not have possibly have seen through the facade, especially when Iago concentrated his efforts on Othello.

Othello contributes to his own downfall. He is shown from the start to be a great and noble man; although he claims 'Rude am I in my speech', (1:3:82) he uses iambic pentameter and powerful sounding military language such as 'the very head and front of my suffering'. This demonstrates that he has commanded large forces of men, highlighting his importance and capability. Thus the audience feel trust and respect towards him; a high opinion of him being necessary in order for his downfall to be a tragedy. Although he has a high rank and aristocratic bearing, Othello is still treated as an outsider by Iago, Brabantio and Roderigo. Iago's racism is unchallenged by those he speaks to, and he uses much animal imagery, such as calling Othello a 'barbary horse' and an 'old black ram', thus creating the impression that the General is a savage Moor, using his color against him. It also contrasts with the idea of darkness being connotated with evil; Iago is the evil character and is white, whereas the black Othello is not evil. Iago also uses Othello's color to ...