Othello

Othello

William Shakespeare’s tragic play is based on the contrast of the different characters to develop the plot; each character has remarkable depth of passion as an individual, one in particular though- Othello. Othello is a noble and brave Moor who is initially viewed as a courageous military hero. He is also a confident, courageous and trustworthy man, and that is why he has the honourable position as the army general of Cyprus. He is loved and respected by all. Except one! Through a series of unfortunate events as the plot progresses, the characteristics of Othello’s personality are influenced and change. Does Othello overcome the evil forces of another trying to destroy him discreetly, or is the hero flawed and his hard armour penetrated due to an unexpected weakness?

The opening scene of the tragedy establishes Othello’s different nature of honesty, control, bravery, courtesy and honour. Due to Othello’s position as the General, he promoted Cassio to lieutenant which caused Iago’s fury along with an evil plan to destroy Othello’s life. In spite of Iago’s and Roderigo’s first attack by telling Brabantio that Othello and Desdemona are having sexual intercourse, Othello remained confident, calm and authoritative when Brabantio confronted him. He did not draw his sword as the rest did, he simply said: “Keep up your bright swords for the dew will rust them”. He knew that he hadn’t committed a felony(he was wise), thus no justice would be served upon him.

Othello’s sincerity was not only admired by his peers, but it was noticed and admired by the senate and his wife too. The senate spoke of Othello as a “noble moor” which is “all in all sufficient to whom passion could not shake”. Othello’s wife always trusted him and thought only the best of him, “my noble Moor is true of mind”.

Othello is sent to Cyprus, as Cyprus is threatened by the Turks. Brabantio and Iago will stop at nothing to succeed in destroying Othello and his profound reputation. Othello cannot take the pressure and therefore cannot judge what is right from wrong, who is trustworthy and who he should avoid and he takes everyone at face value. Othello’s otherness was exploited and he became vulnerable. He trusts Iago, “I follow him to serve my turn upon him”. Eventually people started to see Othello for who he really is, black… a stranger in Venice… “A Moor”. Othello’s character started to deteriorate. Whilst trying to solve Cassio and Montano’s fight, his deterioration can be seen. He acted in tremendous anger and lost his capability to think rationally, “Now by heaven, my blood begins my safer guides to rule. And passion, having my best judgement coiled, Assays to lead the way”. Othello lost the respect of his beloved peers, together with the ability to contain himself and act as a respectable and honourable man.

At Othello’s weakest, Iago strikes again. Iago convinces Othello that Desdemona is having a love affair with Cassio. Othello is outraged! Othello believes Iago even though there isn’t enough evidence to support Iago’s ridiculous statement concerning Othello’s loved one. Once again, Othello only looked at the situation at face value… He wasn’t open minded- he didn’t even consider the fact that it all might be a lie or trap. Othello was so sure of himself that he ignored simple facts as: Firstly, Cassio has always been loyal to him and would never do such an absurd thing; secondly, Cassio is dating Bianca and thirdly, Desdemona loves him very much. Instead of giving Desdemona the benefit of the doubt, he acted in animosity and humiliated her- proving how vivid his imagination is as he takes unfounded accusations for fact.

As result of Othello’s suspicion and obscured accusations, poor Desdemona is smothered by her once dear and genuine husband. Once again tragedy strikes as he finds out of Desdemona’s innocence. “O fool, fool, fool!”- Othello repents as he has realised that he has made a big mistake. He has destroyed all around him and himself, and thus feels he deserves no pity. Othello’s pain is unbearable and he feels the need to take full responsibility for his wrong doings, shortcomings and the malice of his so called friend, Iago.

Othello was great, he was loved and respected. But, now Othello is alone as he has hurt all his loved ones due to his pride and stupidity. Othello’s mistake hurts him deeply. He redeems himself by taking his own life. Othello dies as a humble man. Last famous and once again, sincere words… “Killing myself, to die upon a kiss”.