Othello Essay

Othello Essay

Question: How is the issue of conflict used by composers to express and change within and between characters?
Discuss with close reference to the Shakespearian play Othello that you have been studying in class.

Conflict has the ability to alter characters and tarnish their relationships which may lead to – more often than not – tragic consequences. This is clearly illustrated in the Shakespearian play, Othello. Through the main characters of Iago, Othello and Desdemona, the responder begins to realise by how much the characters and their relationships are transformed through conflict caused by jealousy, deception and the need for revenge.

From the opening scene of the play, Othello, Iago is driven by envy and the overwhelming need for revenge as a result of being overlooked for a promotion. He deliberately begins to weave his manipulation over Othello for the sole purpose of revenge: “after some time, to abuse Othello’s ear, that he [being Cassio] is too familiar with his wife”. Through the effective utilisation of the technique of a hyperbole and sensory imagery, the responder recognises the severity of the lies that Iago will “pour” into Othello’s ear. As a result of this, the responder is able to comprehend how Iago will go about his exploitation of Othello’s fragile peace of mind with regards to Desdemona’s fidelity. Iago’s horrendous deeds of lying and deliberate deceit ultimately lead to Othello’s and Desdemona’s marriage being filled with conflict which leads to their untimely death. Therefore, relationships are altered as a result of conflict as demonstrated with Desdemona and Othello.

Furthermore, the responder comes to the realisation that not even highly treasured relationships, built up over many years, are safe from the evils of conflict. As a result of Othello’s internal struggle, the seemingly unbreakable bond between himself and Cassio becomes broken, beyond repair. In the opening acts of the play, the responder immediately recognises the strong connection between the two when Othello proudly promotes Cassio to be his lieutenant “I have already chose my officer....Michael Cassio” over his ensign, Iago. However, Iago disagrees with Othello’s decision to promote Cassio, and commences his revenge on them – to end the cherished friendship between them. His plans of vengeance are revealed when Iago exclaims “After some time, to abuse Othello’s ear, that he [Cassio] is too familiar with his wife...yes...Hell and night must bring this monstrous birth to the world’s light!”. Through the use of soliloquy, the responder is able to understand how Iago will begin to break down the bond between Cassio and Othello. In the latter acts of the play, the responder sees the evidence of change in the relationship when Othello, exclaims to Iago “I would have him nine years a-killing!”. Through the use of high modality, the responder comprehends Othello’s urgency to avenge the ‘affair’ between his wife Desdemona and Cassio by murdering him. This, in the end, leads to the termination of the once cherished friendship between Othello and Cassio, proving that relationships are radically changed due to the devastating effects of conflict.

Moreover, in the Shakespearian play Othello, the responder witnesses yet another endpoint in a highly treasured and respected relationship due to the unforgivable grips of conflict. This is effectively displayed to the responder through the significant change in Desdemona and Othello’s once trusting and loving marriage. In the openings of the play, the love between Desdemona and Othello is unmistakably evident in what they say, do and think. Upon Othello’s arrival in Cyprus, he greets Desdemona with a large embrace, saying: “To see you here before me, oh, my souls joy!”. Through the effective employment of sensory imagery, the responder recognises the extent of their love for each other – endless. However, and the plot quickens and thickens in the later acts, the seemingly fairytale-perfect relationship between Desdemona and Othello sours into one where Othello cannot trust Desdemona in the slightest sense: “I think my wife be honest, and think she is not; I think that thou art just, and think thou art not”. Through the effective use of repetition and low modality, the responder becomes acutely aware of how confused and unsure Othello is about his wife’s fidelity. This is re-enforced by the repetition of the words ‘I think’, supporting the fact that Othello and Desdemona’s relationship has soured into one of distrust. This distrust and uncertainty within the relationship, proves to be fatal for Desdemona and Othello. This confirms the fact that internal conflict immensely affects a relationship, in that distrust and doubt will make even the very strongest foundations of a relationship turn to dust and therefore, cease to exist.

Not only can conflict lead to significant changes in relationships, it can also lead to monumental changes within a character. This is clearly demonstrated through the main character, Othello. In the opening scenes of the play, Othello is a patient, well respected and logical general; however, in the latter scenes of Othello, he undergoes a massive transformation to become a irrational, impulsive and confused man as a result of an internal struggle.
At the beginning of the play, Othello’s rationality and respect is displayed in his words of disinterest in fighting the rash Brabantio over his elopement with his daughter, Desdemona “keep up your bright swords, for the dew will rust them”. It is evident, through the technique of characterisation, that Othello’s words are highly eloquent for a man who makes his living from war, thus indicating how logical and patient he is. However, driven by jealousy and the need for revenge, Othello’s persona is completely altered into a rash and impulsive individual. Clearly displayed when he verbally abuses Desdemona (of whom he formerly loved with all of his heart) “damn her lewd minx” and going to the extremes of striking her in public. Through the technique of contrast, the responder is able to comprehend the significant change within Othello – from a gentleman to an irrational man. The responder is also now acutely aware of how greatly internal conflict can provoke immense change within an individual.

In conclusion, through the effective employment of various language techniques, it is evident that conflict has the potential to permanently alter characters and damage their relationships, thus leading to tragic consequences. In the carefully crafted play Othello, Shakespeare has created a world in which deceit, envy and the need for vengeance rule and eventually lead to the tragic destruction of relationships and of lives.