Othello (A03) + Analysis Flashcards
What are the main context points for Othello
- racist attitudes
- Venetian societal values and customs
- Othello as an outsider
- inter-racial marriage
- religious conflict
How does Shakespeare use Allusions to propel the text and Othello’s development
Shakespeare uses this technique to ‘allude’ to another piece of literature. He uses specifically Biblical references throughout as sin is a prominent theme throughout the play. Othello, in a state of rage, claims that Desdemona will be ‘’guarding the gates of Hell’’, when no such guardian exists. Furthermore, adultery and infidelity are sins in Christianity and so the constant reference towards them and Hell further aim to manufacture irony. This irony of Othello lamenting his view that Desdemona is a sinner, one who cannot be saved even when she is most virtuous, is tragic as Othello is the one who will eventually be damned for his violent actions later on in the play.
How does Shakespeare use symbolism
: in the form of a handkerchief is a major point made within the play. The somewhat simple accessory is symbolic and Othello’s and Desdemona’s love for one another. Furthermore, is colour (white) is representative of the purity of their love in the opening Acts. However, the purity of their love is soon lost by the time the handkerchief is stolen and lost from Desdemona. This loss not only represents the degradation of purity but the corruption of Iago and decay of trust in Othello. Although, another interpretation may be that is portrays her infidelity – Othello refers back to a story of how his father was gifted the item and how if it were to ever be lost their relationship would be doomed to fail. This ironic and yet prophetic tool is used to a severe degree as the symbol is soon the reason for the failure of the marriage, not because of any supernatural intervention, rather, Othello’s fears and suspicions around it.
What did Michael Neill say about Othello + what does it imply
‘to talk about race in Othello is to inevitably fall into some degree of anachronism, yet to ignore it is to efface something fundamental to the tragedy’.
(It’s argued that race didn’t play a huge role in the Jacobean society by historians)
What did Phillip Sidney (1580) say about Othello +what does it imply
“In Sidney’s view, tragedy provokes “the affects of admiration and commiseration” and so demonstrates “the uncertainty of this world”
Sidney’s view of Othello’s character is one of tragic heroism. She believes that Othello is a volatile character, one deeply affected by the opinions of others imposed upon him. He is so concerned with how others may perceive him, he is so easily manipulated and drawn into Iago’s persuasive speech. Thus providing some extra-evidence for Othello’s deniability as a completely malignant presence solely due to the effects of Iago.
What did Helen Gardener (1955) say about Othello and what does it imply
“Othello is like a hero of the ancient world in that he is not a man like us, but a man recognized as extraordinary”
Gardener also comments on Othello’s perfectionism, portraying him as a character who is deified by those around him. This constant raising of expectations and pressure to appear perfect is a insurmountable level of pressure facing Othello. Therefore, this may provide some explanation for Othello’s obsession with Desdemona’s appearance, less out of baseless misogyny more so out of an undeniable need to be perfect. This is a prominent flaw in Othello’s character.
Marxist/ post - colonialist Perspective of Othello - Iago
Iago’s plot and his fuelled anger is all inspired by his desire to rise in the social ranks. This shows the tempest of jealousy and death which was presented throughout the play was Iago’s struggle for economic power (Balberry Publishing 2021). In addition, Iago plants the seed of jealousy in Othello’s ear ‘I’ll pour pestilence in his ear. That she repeals him for her body’s lust’. He instantly sparks the fear of losing reputation and social status in Othello that can be so easily threatened by the prospect of being cuckolded (this was seen as one of the worst things that could happen to a man in the 17th Century, as they were viewed as weak minded and submissive).
Marxist / Post- colonialist perspective of Othello - Military
We can also look at the theme of power through a Marxist lens. In Elizabethan society, the rank you had in the military would decide if you went to bed hungry. This is the exact reason by Iago manipulated and dethroned Cassio from his high spot. Not just because he was jealous and wanted more power, but also because of the more lavish lifestyle that would come with it. He would be catapulted into a higher position of power, social status and reputation where he can further torture Othello, and Cassio cannot defend himself. As the play progresses, Othello moves down from the top of the influence triangle and Iago starts to gain the power and influence which was always his core desire in order to torment Othello.
Feminist perspective - patriarchy
The tragic Venetian play ‘Othello’serves as an example to demonstrate the expectations of the Elizabethan patriarchal society, the practice of privileges in patriarchal marriages, and the suppression and restriction of femininity.This is clearly shown throughout the play, with Iago calling his own wife a ‘whore’ and Othello ignoring Desdemona’s statements, rendering her voiceless – blocked out by jealousy and rage – his hamartia. This was typical of Elizabethan society, as women were expected to only marry, and be silent, obedient and chaste. As soon as Othello thinks that she is in fact not chaste, he disregards her and reverts back into his war-like mindset ‘bloody thoughts with violent pace’, with his bed being ‘lust-stained’.
Feminist perspective - temptresses
Women were also viewed as temptresses, and this is presented through Desdemona’s sexual power over Othello. Even Cassio jokes that she is the ‘Captain’s Captain’. When Othello plots to kill Desdemona he states that he must ‘not expostulate with her, lest her body and beauty unprovide my mind again’. As far is Othello is concerned, if he is tempted into conversation and interaction with his wife, then her overpowering sexuality will deter him from the right and inevitable course of action. Her considers her to be a sexual hazard, a strumpet intent on using her body to blind and deceive him. Male society, in addition to constructing women as second-rate citizens, also constructs their sexual allure as evil.
