Othello by William Shakespeare

                        Othello by William Shakespeare

Introduction:

"Othello", is tragic play written by William Shakespeare, the greatest English Playwright ever. Shakespeare draws our attention to the minutes of life which are often neglected though they always prove pivotal in carving our fates and ruining of our lives. The tale of Othello is full of such horrors which root back to the basics of human psychology. However, pride, fear, jealousy, revenge and love are the prime themes of this play. 

Othello is a simple yet brave soldier, a general indeed. He falls for he acts without inquiry for the natural inquisitiveness and misgivings of the heart which are common to the lovers. But for Othello nothing goes lucky to restore the normal course of life and love, he plunges and nobody stops nor is there any stroke of happy coincidence to save his happiness.

Short Summary:

The story is all about the swiftness of action, aloofness, inaction and vulnerabilities of one's inherent complexes which collide, sometimes, to mark the worst for man's life. It all relates to Othello, our protagonist. Othello, a Moor, has worked all the hard work of his life and enjoys the blissfully sublime position of a general in the Venetian military might. He is well reverend for his bravery and character. The play opens with evil intentions of Iago that holds Othello in contempt for not having him promoted. Iago has been telling Roderigo that he wishes revenge from Othello by ruining his life. However, we also realize that Iago has been befooling Roderigo for gaining financial benefits from him. 

Currently, Roderigo, an ex-suitor of Desdemona is moving to the house of her father, Brabantio. This he does because Iago has instructed him to. In fact, Othello has eloped with Desdemona and married her. Both Roderigo and Iago want to rouse Brabantio to seek revenge upon Othello. They seek nothing but harm for Othello. Though later the matter is settled by the Duke of Venice in favour of Othello because Desdemona is in deep and faithful love with him. 

Iago, a double faced character, poses sincerity and honesty to his master Othello. But he has hidden intentions of destroying Othello by poisoning his life. This we come to know of several soliloquies and conversations he has with Roderigo. On the call of war Othello is dispatched to Cyprus. Desdemona, out of sheer love for her husband, accompanies Othello. This is the seclusion from society and a sort of war. 

Since, Turkish army has been drowned due to a tempest; therefore, Othello and his men must idle in the isle of Cyprus till further orders. Iago finds this the best of occasions. At first he makes Cassio, a loyal lieutenant to Othello, drunk and then with the help of Roderigo proves him quarrelsome and unworthy of his position. Othello fires Cassio from the post he held. Now, posing friend to the downcast Cassio, Iago asks him to approach Desdemona for using her influence over Othello. He also advises him to avoid Othello at all costs. Cassio does this again with the help of Emilia, the wife of Othello. 

Cassio goes to meet Desdemona in the castle garden but he is spotted by Othello on return and as instructed by Iago, Cassio avoids Othello. This thing appears strange to Othello. Considering Iago a loyal and honest man, he asks him the probable cause and Iago poisons his mind with the doubt on Desdemona's character in an indirect manner. Iago further pollutes the situation by stealing the handkerchief that Othello once gave as a token of love to Desdemona. Iago plants this handkerchief in the room of Cassio. Poor Cassio finds the handkerchief and likes it. He decides to keep it with himself. 

Iago keeps on polluting the mind of Othello to the extent that Othello decides to kill his wife. But Othello wants proof that it was infact adulterous relation between Desdemona and Cassio. Iago asks Othello to hide and then he calls Cassio to discuss about the whore, Bianca, Cassio has been having sexual encounters with. Iago without using the name of lady discusses and conveys it to the distant Othello as if it were a talk about Desdemona. Othello goes home and asks him wife for the handkerchief. She is unable to produce it. Iago says Othello that it is probably due to his complexion that his wife is done with him and she has gifted the handkerchief to her new lover. Othello cannot control his anger. 

When Othello goes home, he finds Desdemona waiting for him. She asks him to restore Cassio. But Othello refuses. He rather asks her to give him the handkerchief. She has no answer. Othello blames her. Later Iago tells Othello that he will kill Cassio for him while Othello plans to kill Desdemona that night. Othello does kill Desdemona while she keeps on claiming innocence till her last breathe. After her death, Emilia exposes the truth of the handkerchief which was obtained by her husband. Othello also comes to know that Iago has not killed Cassio rather it was someone named Roderigo killed by Iago and Cassio got injured by Roderigo. The truth unveils that it was all but the planning of Iago to avenge Othello. Othello commits suicide and Iago is left alive to be given the worst punishment!

Discuss the character of Othello in the play Othello, the Moor

Of all the heroes that the pen of Shakespeare has brought into this world, probably, Othello is the most humble as to its social standing and parentage; however, he is a lively and exemplary character that carries a strong masculine touch. He is a Moor; a black man. He does not have many friends. His profession appears to be his only passion. Othello is a brave soldier. He has proved his valor and currently holds a strong position in the armed forces of Denmark. He is a general. People regard him for his position and bravery. He is swift of action, a characteristic desired by soldiers. He is right in his claim: I must be found. My parts, my title, and my perfect soul shall manifest me rightly. 

Othello is a black man, the only black man in the town among white people. He is a stranger who has earned repute and honor in this land. Regardless of what people think of Othello, it is interesting to note that he is very confident despite his humble origin. He leads the forces in the battle. Though literally he is a stranger in the town, but on a parallel level he is a stranger unto himself as well. He is unable to understand himself as well as his love, his beloved wife. He commits the murder of a faithful wife that had nothing for him but love. Where, where should Othello go is what he may exclaim like a lost man. 

Like his eminent success in the military matters, he earns fame for his love as well. He is a passionate lover. He falls in love with an aristocratic lady, Desdemona, the daughter of a senator. Othello, very beautifully, reveals the inner condition of his love to Desdemona when he has a chance to meet her: “If it were now to die, 'Twere now to be most happy. They are in such a passionate love that they marry secretly. When summoned by the father of Desdemona, Othello appears before him courageously but humbly. Though the two lovers are a contrast to each other yet they are the best fit of love, an eternal couple. Unfortunately, the contrast also becomes the reason of their demise as well. Despite being a strong man, Othello has a weaker side to his character. He is exploited for this weakness by his ensign, Iago. He feeds the moor on misinformation regarding his wife which the man of character is willing to listen to. Iago makes him believe that his sincere and true wife is unfaithful to him. Othello utters out “O, devil, devil! If that the Earth could teem with woman's tears, Each drop she falls would prove a crocodile. This is the turning point in the life of Othello where he has gone astray by not believing in himself and his love. 

Perhaps Othello is subject to inferiority complex. He is insecure in his social life. Though the playwright does not hint at this aspect of the character of the protagonist; however, it gets highlighted when he has married a beautiful white lady. Having got suspicious of his wife, he is at the height of insecurity. He develops a belief that since he is a black, therefore, his wife may get interested in some other person. This is after the incident of handkerchief when Othello's insecurity surpasses his love. He plans to kill his wife for her unfaithfulness: It is the cause, it is the cause, my soul. She must die, else she'll betray more men. Alack! He is unfortunate not to see his own fault; just his swiftness and hurry of doing things 

"Doubtlessly, The Moor is of a free and open nature: 

That thinks men honest but that seem to be so, 

And will as tenderly be led by th' nose 

As asses area" 

is a statement which is ironically proven true when the Moor really gets himself entangled in jealousy! This is because he finds his wife giving attention to her ex-suitor. The flames of jealousy are ignited by Iago and extremes are reached by his own intriguing mind. He is never alive to the true state of things. He creates a world in seclusion of the social realities of life. In short he fails to adjust to the social life. 

There is a feeling of sadness to see such wonderful person's demise for a trifle as often splashed by the likes of Iago. A wonderful man is lost to his own intriguing mind and jealousy fueled well by circumstances and unfair assistance by Iago. He falls from his stature and kills his wife. But soon enough he is up with reality. This is the height of pity for that unfortunate man. The brave man decides to commit suicide for this is the only way he may find escape. He dies saying “'tis happiness to die”. This makes him a tragic hero because he kills his wife in misunderstanding of facts and incidents. However, he does not act wisely. Nor does he discuss with his wife. His hurry begets him death.

Discuss the character of Desdemona

Of all the heroines that the pen of  Shakespeare has brought into this world, probably, Desdemona is the most down to earth, simple, faithful and dutiful wife that seems to have no earthly desires except the nobility of her nature she is born with. Though is brave and bold in the decision of eloping and marrying Othello, a Moor. 

But she also has the insight into the moral character of the Moor. Desdemona is in deep love for the character and personality of Othello. When asked for whether Othello used charms and black magic to corrupt her nature, she responds her father in the manner that she will obey her husband as her mother obeyed her father. She even shows her inclination to accompany her husband wherever he goes: 

"That I did love the Moor to live with him, 

My downright violence and storm of fortunes 

May trumpet to the world: my heart's subdued 

Even to the very quality of my lord". 

The life of this delicate wonderfully faithful lady is supposed to bear the fruits of her innocent and pure love but the treacherous cunningness of Iago combined with the foolishness of Othello plays its role in ruining the happy state of her love life that the flower withers away so soon to fill our hearts with the pangs of her pain and misery. 

The way she is killed at the hands of her own beloved Othello causes the hearts to feel the pain and agony of her soul. Her murder brings about the tragedy of Othello and shrinks the world for him. All ends and we are up wit a minxed feeling for of hatred and pity for the cruel deed of Othello, not the Moor but foolish general onwards.

Discuss the character of Brabantio

Brabantio is an influential senator in the state of Venice where Othello, a Moor has become a general. The senator is very fond of Othello's bravery. He often invites Othello to his house to listen to his awe inspiring tales of fights and difficulties. The senator has a daughter, Desdemona. She is so inspired by te tales of Othello that she falls in love with the apparently brutish black man, Othello. The senator is unaware of all this.

Desdemona and Othello elope and marry secretly while the senator is informed of this by Iago and Rodergio. The senator wishes revenge on Othello but he is stopped by the Duke of Venice because Desdemona states that she has freely married Othello. We find the senator truly broken and damaged when his daughter is more faithful to Othello than to him:

"I am glad at soul I have no other child:

For thy escape would teach me tyranny". 

"O treason of the blood! 

Fathers, from hence trust not your daughters' minds 

By what you see them act."

The senator is gloomy and dejected over the loss of his daughter to Othello. He consumes his heart and soon passes away before the dreadful murder of is daughter at the hands of Othello with whom she has eloped.

Discuss the character of Iago, ensign to Othello

Though Iago may easily be marked as a charismatic genius yet he is one of the most evil characters in English literature and the most evil in Shakespeare. He is another Satan proud of his evil. Iago is nothing but jealousy and hatred. However, at the same time Iago is the most interesting character in the play. Though the play is all bout the tragedy of Othello, yet we move along the story with Iago primarily. Iago is a tale of antagonism in himself. No matter how evil is Iago, he has certain characteristics which may be discussed to further illuminate the capabilities and limitations of the all-out evil, Iago. Critics have pointed out certain aspects in the character of Iago which lead to certain assumptions as to the true motifs behind his wish for the ruin of Othello, the Moor.

Jealousy and Hatred: Iago is a trusted ensign to Othello. He is very sharp and intelligent as well. Cassio, a lieutenant to Othello has been promoted while ignoring Iago. This rouses the feelings of antagonism and untamed jealousy in the heart of Iago. Now he hates both Cassio and Othello. He says:

"I hate the moor. 

My cause is hatred".

He clearly states his jealousy for the blissful and joyous Othello "were I the Moor, I would not be Iago". Moreover, Cassio is smarter and more handsome than he is. "He hath a daily beauty in his life that makes me ugly", says Iago. He doubts that his wife Emilia has intimacy with both Cassio and Othello. Iago tells us:

"I hate the Moor,

And it is thought abroad that 'twixt my sheets 

Has done my office".

Revenge: Having got the reasons for hatred and jealousy, Iago is set on the path of Satan to destroy Othello as well as Cassion, the honest and faithful lieutenant. "Put the Moor into a jealousy so strong That judgment cannot cure". 

Iago is probably under the strong influence of racist views and this causes him great jealousy to see the moor getting happier and happier. He wishes to see his downfall because a black man, apparently far informer than Iago, is on the rise. 

Cunning & Opportunist: "Iago is most honest", says Othello. He hides his true identity: "I am not what I am". "In following him, I follow but myself". Master Planner and executor: He is well versed in the skills of warfare and planning under trying circumstances "my sick fool Roderigo".


"Tis in ourselves that we are thus or thus. 

Our bodies are gardens, to the which our wills are gardeners."

Discuss the character of Emilia, Wife of IagoEmilia is the wife of cunning and evil Iago. She is not aware of the true face of her husband. She is very faithful and loyal to the wife of Othello, Desdemona. Emilia is the trustworthy advisor, friend, companion and assistant to Desdemona.

Emilia, unknowingly, becomes a tool in the hands of Iago when she brings him the fallen hankerchief of Desdemona to her husband.Though she is very intelligent indeed. She understands it all when Othello has killed her lady, Desdemona in the doubt of adultery with Cassio. She understands that the whole game has been set up by her own husband.
Emilia is so loyal to Desdemona that she refuses to respect and obey Othello after he has killed Desdemona. She is the first one to shout murder of the fair lady.And indeed it is her that provokes inquiry into the whole matter leading to her husband being guilty of the whole plan.

Discuss the character of Cassio, ensign to Othello

Cassio is the trustworthy lieutenant to Othello. He is a brave and honest fellow. Unlike Iago he concentrates on his duty and professional competencies. He has served Othello with much of loyalty and sacrifices. He is a time tested friend to Othello.

Cassio and his loyalty are a danger to the evil plans of Iago. Therefore, Iago plans to clear his way. He makes him drunk and stages a drama like quarrelsome episode involving Cassio and a noble man of Cyprus. This helps him prove that Cassio is casual and irresponsible. Cassio is sacked from his current position.

Iago furthers his plan by asking Cassio to seek help from the wife of Othello for his reinstatement. Cassio, like a child, does exactly as told by Iago. He does not show any mature attitude even for once in the entire play.

We find Cassio very stupid and foolish at times. Though he is intelligent but he never seems to be using his brain and the faculty of imagination on his own. If Othello is responsible for his downfall, then we must not forget that Cassio is also responsible for the tragic death of Desdemona and Othello.

Discuss the character of Roderigo, an ex-suitor of Desdemona

Roderigo is the one of the most stupid characters that Shakespeare ever produced. He is in love with Desdemona. He wants to win her love. But to his shock, Desdemona has eloped and married Othello, a Moor. Roderigo is a rich guy. He comes in contact with the cunning Iago and falls a prey to him.

Roderigo is the one that goes to the house of Brabantio to provoke him into an anger so that he may kill Othello. But he as well as Iago are unfortunate enough because the guards of the Duke arrive at the same time seeking Othello for the Duke.

Iago loots and plunders Roderigo in the name of giving gifts to Desdemona. Iago keeps on asking Rodergio to be ready with his money to win Desdemona back from the brute. Roderigo, having become a fool for a long time does complain sometimes but everytime Iago fools him again.

However, towards the end of the play, Roderigo has realized that Iago is fooling him. He keeps a detailed note about all the dealings and commitment of Iago towards him. And when he dies the note helps in investigating the true role of Iago.


Themes in the play Othello, the Moor e.g. Aloofness, Swiftness, Companionship, Loneliness, psychological Complex

Theme of Loneliness in Othello 

The play is all about seclusion of the main characters into an island where they are confined either by their own thoughts or by the sound of the echoing waves of the surrounding sea. It i presumable that Othello would not have murdered his own wife, provided, he were not bound by the loneliness created by the stay in Cyprus. Othello, a busy general would have haply ignored several of the minor incidents which Iago has mischievously cast no less than a net for the brave Othello.

Swiftness or haste in Othello 

Another reason for the downfall of the great Othello is his swiftness of action. This is, indeed, a great quality to take firm and quick decisions but the unfortunate Othello forgot the fact that true love is sometimes tested even by putting you into uneasy circumstances which he fails to comprehend. He, instead of being open to discussion, gets wrapped into the fit of taking immediate action as he is used to do on the front. But the matters like love and matrimonial delicacies remain immune to our poor Othello and thinking he is swift, he acts rather in a haste and ends up losing his all.

Aloofness Theme in Othello

It is noteable in the courser of play that Othello gets aloof from all other Characters in the play. He has lost all his good advisers and assistant except the evil assistant Iago who nearly forces the misfortune upon Othello and upon himself. Had Othello been not so aloof, the catastrophe could have been avoided.

Othello Theme in Society 

Society does play an important role in the lives of men and women. In society there are one's peers as well as near ones and dear ones to resort to in cases of mental agony and psychological fixations. Further, there is a pressure of moral and legal obligations enforced by society upon individuals; the lack of real world society also forced Othello to reach the climax he would not have reached in normal circumstances.

Theme of Companionship in Othello 

Well, an age old maxim: " A man is known by the company he keeps". Othello keeps the company of warriors and a brave warrior he is. But in the company of his rather "dear" assistant Iago, he becomes evil just like Iago himself. Othello forgets all the good deeds and favors of his wife and very easily reaches the plan of killing her. He does not even care for her fidelity and sincerity which she has had for him. He just falls a victim to bad company.

Theme of Matrimonial Relationship: Love and belief in Othello 

Love demands belief and trust between two persons. The feeling of love evaporated from the heart of Othello as soon as Iago starts nourishing the seeds of suspicion in the heart of the Moor. Probably, Othello lacked the confidence in his wife. He could not inculcate the understanding between himself and his wife which badly damaged the relationship between the two. Moreover, Desdemona idealized Othello but could not understand him completely nor could she develop him into a completely social person. He remained a warrior: a man at war with even his wife.

Theme of Jealousy in Othello

The prime cause of the fall of Othello is jealousy: the jealousy of Othello, the jealousy of Iago and the jealousy of Rodergio. The triangular relationship continues till the complete destruction of the happy union of Othello-Desdemona.

Theme of Psychological Complexes in Othello 

It can be assessed that Othello does suffer from inferiority complex. He is by no means able for Desdemona if considered on the merits of apparent beauty; however, the unfortunate Othello undermines the fact that his selection has been on the basis of character, the inner beauty. He fails to overcome his internal fears and doubts nourished by Iago. He merely becomes a playsome tool in the hands of Iago.