The Theme of Problematic Love in Shakespeare's 'Othello' and 'Taming of the Shrew' and Audrey Niffenegger's 'The Time Traveller's Wife'
The theme of ‘problematic love,’ which can be defined as love that faces obstacles or does not conform to conventions expected by the society in which it is set is a major theme explored in all three texts: Despite differences in genre, form and historical context, for example the impact of marriage on a relationship and the challenges to that institution. The idea is, for example, portrayed in Othello through the relationship of the ‘noble Moor’ and ‘fair’ Desdemona, exacerbated by the personified ‘green-eyed monster.’ As a Renaissance drama, the idea of a ‘monster’ would invoke fear and curiosity in audiences. With Renaissance audiences speculating whether or not a black man, Othello, has used ‘mixtures potent’ to seduce Desdemona, their belief of monsters is expected to be genuine. Additionally, Renaissance audiences would interpret the colour ‘green’ to be related to illness and death as well as jealousy. Perhaps also, Shakespeare suggests one of the central flaws in the relationship’s failure is Othello’s hubristic character and his inability to detect ‘honest Iago’s’ true nature: Warrior Othello, finding love in peacetime Venice through boasts of ‘the soldiers’ life’ to Desdemona is apparently unable to reconcile the two sides of his character. Arguably pathetic fallacy is used as a powerful foreshadowing technique when Othello takes the ‘jewel’ Desdemona to Cypress – a war-torn environment dictated by conflict, ultimately foreshadowing the relationship’s inevitable downfall. Additionally, exploiting the implicitly racist expectations of the 17th century further ructions in the relationship are foreshadowed when Othello is described as a ‘black ram’ to Desdemona’s ‘white ewe. ’ The two contrasting colours of ‘black’ and ‘white’ not only portray the physical differences of Othello and Desdemona but also explore a deeper meaning to their characters. The idea of Othello’s ‘black’ nature suggests that because he is black he can be associated with the satanic