Themes: Justice Flashcards
In what ways can justice be seen?
Law, Senate in Scene Two, divine retribution.
5.2- “It is the cause”
Tone of legality, language attributed to the law to induce justification in his “sacrifice” in his own distorted mind. Repeated as opening line, creating a distinctive assertion within Othello’s disconsolate and mysterious nature by this point. Creates devotion + reinforcement.
5.2- “deny each article”
Legal language furthered- presenting Desdemona with imposed criminality that she is unwilling to align to (due to her innocence) that Othello bypasses and condemns.
Poetic Justice in 5.2
Following the revelation of the truth after smothering Desdemona, Othello embodies the justice he felt he was asserting, and commits suicide. He kills himself with the sword he previously used to halter/ kill enemies of the Venetian state.
(Link to AO5 of dual identities)
AO5: “Fortune… a power which appears to smile on him for a little, and then on a sudden strikes him down in his pride”
Bradley.
Link to convention of tragic hero as partaking in madness/ immorality to allow their progression in society- downfall is justice.
Basis medieval understanding of tragedy- stark contrast between the effects of fate- fate as an inscrutable power that preys on human life.
Tragic scapegoat
Othello as a scapegoat is more justified as the suffering endured falls on to a morally flawed character.
Could be seen as an evasion of justice/ an assertion of justice as troubles fall onto an individual who holds a flawed character.
Legal language
Before Desdemona’s murder, Othello adopts a tone of legality in order to justify her killing- transpiring into his Venetian stately persona to assert authority and confidence in his convictions, and for this to be morally correct/ a provider of justice. This diversion into his military persona within his romantic relationship presents the unruly power held in military status, and the unjustified cruelty to allow status/ power.
“the cause, the cause”
Recalls Emilia’s earlier words, where she claimed that jealous individuals “are not ever jealous for the [stated] cause.” From this it can be said that Othello’s insistence on “the cause” may serve to conceal his innate jealousy and thereby subvert his commitment to legal procedure.
