Themes in Othello Essay

Shakespeares Othello is a play that appeals to modern audiences due to its use of universal themes. Discuss.

1. Deception

2. Jealousy especially sexual jealousy (Act 3 Scene 3)

3. Racism and miscegenation

All great works of literature broadens humanitys understanding of universal concerns, yet Shakespeares seminal piece of tragedy Othello does so in an inimitable and challenging way that it speaks most powerfully to our contemporary concerns. The conventions of theatrical tragedy provide an extensive inquiry into the fallibility of human consciousness with racism, deception and jealousy three thematic arcs that are reinforced through the dramatic and linguistic qualities demonstrative of Shakespeares literary class.

The ugly faade of racism is deeply exacerbated through Shakespeares tragic hero, Othello. Established within the exposition scene of Act One Scene One, the dehumanizing onslaught of racial taunts upon Othellos colour is voiced through the duplicitous character of honest Iago, whose motiveless malignity (Coleridge) and lack of ulterior purposes foregrounds him as Shakespeares most perplexing villain. The derogatory conversation between Iago and Brabantio focalize the racial condemnation inherent in human consciousness. The bestial imagery of an old black ram is tupping your white ewe reflects the undeterred prejudicial belief of white society upon the inferiority of their black counterpart. The negative connotation of black further extends towards the religious allusion of sin and immorality, reinforcing the social stigma placed upon black society and intrinsically of Othello. Brabantio continues to assault Othello to his use of mystical influences, is there not charms by which property of youth and maidenhood may be abused and critiques his barbaric and magical nature as the cause of Desdemonas blinded passion. Coupled by further disparaging claims, thou hast practiced on her with foul charms Shakespeare intensifies the growing dichotomy between black and white and reflects the stereotypical notion of blacks as mystical pagans, a notion that is largely rejected by contemporary society as a perversion of racial equality. Although Othello is subject to racial onslaughts, he himself draws empathy through his racial disposition. Understanding his predicament in Act 3 Scene 3, Othellos introspective soliloquy, haply for I am black, and have not those soft parts of conversation that chamberers have, allures to the stereotyped uncivility of the black populous and the cause of his simple speech. In the closing monologue of Act 5 Scene 2, Othello speaks despairingly and in his anecdote, we witness the tragic repercussions of racism. His suicide parallels his murder of, a turbaned Turk and this ironic gesture demonstrates his self-incrimination, I took by the throat the circumcised dog and smote him thus. Thus the tragic demise of Shakespeares Aristotelian hero demonstrates the ugly faade of racism and combined with contemporary audiences contextual attitudes, effectively engages their minds and hearts due to its overwhelming relevance.

Deception and jealousy are two intertwining concerns that are exacerbated and manifested through the malignant figure of Iago. As Coleridges reading interprets Iago as a character of motiveless malignity, Shakespeare reveals the precarious and multi-layered motives of human psychology. Iagos mastery of deceptive vices empowers him beyond all other characters, with his scorn channeled towards Roderigo and black Othello. In Act 1 Scene 1, Shakespeare uses paradox to invite responders into formulating their interpretations of Iagos ambivalent nature. His apparent sensible and down-to-earth approach elicits admiration, sympathy and respect in contrasts to Roderigos imprudence, now sir be judge yourself whether I in any just term am affined to love the Moor. However Iagos enigmatic statement, in following him, I follow but myselfI am not what I am embodies his self-proclaimed commitment to duplicity, yet its deeper meaning passes over the self-indulgent Roderigo, who becomes deceived by Iagos medicine. The end of Act 1 is further pivotal in evaluating Iagos depth of deception. Roderigos melodramatic it is silliness to live, when to live is torment is countered by Iagos self-determinism, tis in ourselves that we are thus. Roderigos indulgence is opposed by Iagos denunciation of love as merely a lust of the blood. Through the strength of assertion rather than argument, Iago deceives Roderigo that it cannot be that Desdemona should long continue her love to the Moor, probing his sexual jealousy, when she is sated with his body, she will find the error of her choice and through the repeated punctuation of put money in thy purse, Iago effectively deceives Roderigo emotionally and financially, Ill sell all my land.

Othello is deceived over the entire discourse by the sexual jealousy aroused through Iagos machinations. The complexity of Act 3 demonstrates the ensnaring nature of Iagos deception upon Othellos mind through the exploitation of the Moors sexual jealousy. In Scene 3, Iago shakes Othellos faith in the strength of his love of Desdemona, excellent wretch! Perdition catch my soul. Iago incites doubt into Othellos mind by probing and to ask questions, but holds back from drawing conclusions, Nothing my lord; or if I know not what. Othellos suspicions are fed on the vaguest of terms and it is Iagos reticence that prompts Othello to plead, show me thy thought, deluding him into Iagos web of deception. Using his own frame of reference, he assumes Iagos concern is prompted by his emotional commitment, thou art full of love and honesty, and consequently his spirit is no match for the machinations of Iago. In Iagos generalisation and crucially his reluctance to say much excites Othellos curiosity, I prithee speak to me as to thy thinkings and through his compulsion, Iago announces beware, my lord of jealousy, it is the green eyed monster. Being susceptible to jealousy, Iago finds the mechanism of Desdemonas handkerchief, which symbolises marital devotion and manipulates it as the precursor to Othellos ultimate deception and downfall. Despite no ocular proof, Iago summons a vision designed to exacerbate Othellos anger, behold her topped coupled by explicit sexual imagery of Cassios alleged dream, then laid his leg over my thigh and sighed and kissed and claims of Cassio using Desdemonas handkerchief, I today see Cassio wipe his beard with overwhelms Othellos mind. The intense sexual jealousy derived from Iagos deception forces Othello to abandon rationality, urging black vengeance to arise and empower him to tear her to pieces, thus beginning the tragedy of Othellos fate.

Shakespeares thematic concerns of racism, deception and jealousy address perennial attitudes of contemporary society and render the play into an appealing text for modern audiences. The depth of characterization, strong control of language and dramatic qualities combine to present an engaging and powerful exploration of issues that can never be fully disconnected due to their universality.