Othello

Access English Studies

Unit 2

What is your response to the way Othello is presented in this play? What is there to admire, and what are his weaknesses?

In my essay I will start by looking at Othello’s change in fortune throughout the play. I will also look at the language throughout the play while searching for representation of Othello’s characterization. To conclude I will argue that Othello’s behaviour deteriorates as a consequence of his love for Desdemona.

Your initial feelings for Othello in this play are of man strength, honour and power. When he first enters the stage he has an air about him that is brought about by his sheer stature and confident manor. Your first views of Othello do not at all resemble the jealous and possessive demon in which he becomes. In the very first act of the play you can hear Iago and Roderigo commenting in a derogatory manner about “The Moor”(Act 1 s1) referring to Othello. This nickname is believed to have derived either from Arabs of North Africa or specifically of Morocco who migrated to Britain at the 17th century. In the same scene Iago refers to Othello as “the Devil”. To the Elizabethans black was the colour of the devil hence making further reference to Othello’s ethnicity and perhaps racial awareness and racism of the time.

As Iago is speaking to Brabantio about Othello, he uses the term "white ewe" to represent Desdemona, and "black ram" when referring to Othello. By using these terms, it shows that he is trying to give a bad impression of Othello when he is speaking to the royal family in Venice. The general consensus is that “the Moor” is a man of trust and honour. Montano (Act 2 sc 3) refers to Othello as “worthy Othello” and is “hotly called” (Act 1 Sc 2) to the Duke, suggesting his importance in the public affairs of Venice that further cements an image of a trusted and likeable man.

Othello’s weakness become apparent early on in the play when he his called before the Duke and his communication skills and his expression of inner feelings show weakness and lack of perfection in his exterior. Although he is being modest before the Duke and Brabantio regarding his limitations with his speech, these very qualities are evidenced later in the play. The harsh sounds “B, P” consonants arguably create an air of aggression and frustration in Othello’s speech.

�Rude am I in my speech

And little blessed with the soft phrase of peace’ (Act 1 Sc 3)

and,

�And little of this great world can I speak

More than pertains to feats of broil and battle;’ (Act 1 Sc 3)

From the opening encounters it is apparent that although Othello is a well-respected and likable character, there are people around him who show lack of respect and distain for him including Iago. Iago believes that “doting on his own obsequious bondage, Wears out his time” making reference to his servile background and to undermine his authority as his military leader suggesting he is not fit for the job. Whether or not this is true is questionable as there are few other references to his ability to lead at this stage in the play: Iago appears jealous of Othello’s higher military position and “follow[s] him to serve [his] turn upon him” i.e. that he wishes to use him to his own advantage, perhaps in the hope that he can promote himself to a higher rank?

The clear reason for most of people’s hostility towards Othello in the beginning of this play stem towards his ethnic background, although not doubted as a military leader and nobility he is constantly reminded of his poor heritage and skin colour. These points are brought up very early in the play that indicates he is always fighting a battle against racism that contributed to downfall. My initial thought on Othello in the first act of the play is of admiration for him as he has battled through adversity and fought his way to a well-respected and noble position regardless of his background.

The play moves forward it’s not long before you see Othello jealous and possessive temperament glimmer through his