Othello

• "'Tis better as it is."

  "Let him do his spite."

  "Keep up your bright swords for the dew will rust them."

  - Our first encounter of Othello. Shakespeare presents Othello as a prudent, level-headed individual who seeks to resolve conflict rather than cause it. Othello also appears as being a rational and independent thinker, embodying the characteristics of a successful general.

  - Despite being threatened by Brabantio's potential attack, Othello remains calm and collected and results to rationalism when addressing the situation. This all suggests that Othello is immune to the type of toxic masculinity - impulsive, belligerent, vain - typical of characters within his own military culture.

  - Thus, in not resulting to violence, Othello becomes admirable in the eyes of the audience. It is evident that he is different to the other male characters we have been introduced to. It can even be argued that Othello's different approach to this situation (away from violence) also implies Othello's disassociation from typical male characteristics and views, such as the patriarchal view which is common between Iago, Brabantio and Roderigo. Othello provides a glimmer of hope to the audience and appears to be the character who is anti-patriarchal and a helping hand for women fighting the patriarchy.

  - Nevertheless, it could also be argued that Othello's response to the situation (keeping calm) is as a result of his fears as a black man in Venice. He is aware of his position as an outsider and therefore fears for his reputation. Any wrong choice and error of judgement would make Othello a further victim of prejudice.

  - Putting himself on a pedestal when it comes to morality and behaviour? Arguably more civilised than the civilised Venetians?

  - We begin to question if Iago's perception of Othello is false. We can clearly see that Othello is different to what Iago has presented him as. Is Iago insecure by Othello's presence?

  
  

  SAID BY OTHELLO
• "Let him do his spite. My services, which I have done the signory, shall out-tongue his complaints."

  - The first time we meet Othello (1.2), he does appear to be extremely confident in his position with the senate.

  - He does not appear overly concerned with Brabantio, implying that he is confident that his relationship with Desdemona will stand up to scrutiny by the Senate.

  - It could also be argued that Othello's excessive pride in regards to his position as a general is as a result of his race. As a black man in Venice, it is very likely that he was of little importance and he was barely accepted. He holds onto his military prides because that is what makes him accepted as a black man in the Venetian society.

  
  

  SAID BY OTHELLO
• "I fetch my life and being from men of royal siege, and my demerits, may speak unbonneted to as proud a fortune as this that I have reached."


  - This could be viewed as Othello's excessive pride when it comes to himself and his military ability. Although we began to be accepting and tolerant towards Othello, we slowly become less comfortable with his presence because of his pride.

  - Othello certainly seems to feel justified in the high opinion he has himself. Although he has clearly had to earn his current position, the Senate have no one better than him, so his confidence is supported by the view of him.

  - In terms of his early life, being of royal birth, it could be argued that he was someone who had derived his authority from God. Thus, it could be argued that although Othello is not the typical tragic hero in the context of Venice, a man of noble position and a high social standing, Othello is of a noble position when it comes to his past - he is a royal. TYPICAL OF ARISTOTELIAN TRAGEDY.

  - However, it is important to question Othello's pride and whether or not it can even be seen as excessive. It is important to consider that Othello is a black man in a Venetian society who has earned his position as a general. Therefore, in being a black man in Venice, it was inevitable for him to face prejudice. Yet, having such achievements while being a victim of prejudice makes him admirable. Therefore, his pride is understandable and even admirable. He succeeded against all odds.

  
  

  SAID BY OTHELLO
• "My parts, my title and my perfect soul shall manifest me rightly."

  - Again, Othello seems utterly confident in the fact that he has committed no wrong in his relationship with Desdemona or in general.

  - His view of his "perfect soul" tells us he is assured in himself that he is blameless. This could be seen as hubris and excessive pride. He puts himself in a God-like position, and arguably, even above God, because he believes he is unable of making mistakes, like God. Moreover, it could also be argued that Othello believes that God will arrive at the same conclusion.

  - Nevertheless, it could also be argued that in elevating himself to the level of God, because of his "perfect soul", Othello could be implying that he is a moral and perfect Christian, one that should be accepted for his marriage with Desdemona because he poses no threat. He begins to connect with the religion he has supposedly converted to.

  
  

  SAID BY OTHELLO
• "You have been hotly called for!"

  - Cassio's arrival further cements Othello's position of high standing with the senate. It is clear that Cassio, the army and the senate are clearly desperate to find Othello, implying that he is essential to them in the "Cyprus wars".

  - It is also important to note that the discussion of war arises in the middle of the night, giving the audience a sense of the urgency of the situation.

  - When the senate receives dangerous and urgent news from Cyprus, their first port of call is Othello. Perhaps, his confidence in "the services [he has] done the signory" is well placed. Therefore, we question whether Othello is actually excessively prideful or whether his view of himself is correct.

  - It is also important to note that Othello has been called to war at the beginning of his marriage with Desdemona, as his marriage becomes public. Could this be a bad omen? Is this Shakespeare saying that their relationship is going to be short lasting because of their possible separation as Othello goes to war? Or is their relationship going to have to survive disaster and conflict?

  - The sense of urgency also implies that Othello's and Desdemona's time together as newly-weds will be short. They will not have the adequate time to know each other. Tragic -> the fast pace of the relationship impacts the outcome at the end. If Othello would not have been in a rush to serve for Cyprus, Othello would have had the knowledge to know his wife would not cheat on him.

  - For Othello, the separation between marriage and war is blurred. He cannot have a marriage without the worries of war. He has to sacrifice one or the other, foreshadowing Othello's sacrifice of his relationship and his military position. His marital happiness is sacrificed for the stability of Cyprus.

  
  

  SAID BY CASSIO
• "Keep up your bright swords, for the dew will rust them."

  - Othello's presence and authority is clear to the audience in his encounter with Brabantio, when he prevents a fight from breaking out using only his words.

  - Not only is Othello facing up to a Senator, who presumably holds a position of great power than Othello, but also to the man who he allegedly "robbed" of a daughter. It appears that Othello is supremely confident in his own position at this position. A sign of bravery? He knows the risks that come with challenging a senator, especially as a black man, yet, he stands up for himself.

  - Furthermore, the fact that Othello is able to tell all the armed men to stand down gives a clear indication of his authority. The senator's men obey without comment, as do his own men, implying that in military terms at least, he has some level of power above that of Brabantio.

  - His behaviour contradicts the bestial imagery and racial slurs which Iago uses to describe him. Are we still swayed by Iago's early presentation of Othello or are we beginning to form our own opinions?

  
  

  SAID BY OTHELLO
• "Valiant Othello, we must straight employ you against the general enemy."

  "Valiant moor."

  - The structure of A1S3 is important. The opening of the scene establishes the very real threat of the Turkish fleet "bearing up to Cyprus". Shakespeare also establishes the Duke as a man of reason - he listens to all the reports before reaching any conclusions, then acts decisively. However, it could also be argued that the Duke's acceptance of Othello's marriage could only be because of Othello's importance to the Venetian military. If Othello lacked the significant position, it could be argued that the Duke's stance of the marriage could have been different.

  - The senate's decision to send Othello to Cyprus seems to be further evidence of their trust in his abilities. Any confidence he has shown to this point appear to be utterly justified by their faith in him.

  - It could be argued that Othello has demonstrated considerable pride or even arrogance in the early scenes, but he certainly seems to have been supported by the actions and attitudes of the Senate towards him.

  
  

  SAID BY THE DUKE
• "Her father loved me, oft invited me, still questioned me the story of my life from year to year - the battles, sieges, fortunes, that I have passed."

  - Othello's position as an outsider in Venice is evident. He seems unfamiliar to the structures of Venetian society. He believes that military achievements override his race and his position as an outsider. He almost seems gullible. This is tragic because he is not aware of Venetian social conventions and therefore is likely to disobey him which put him in a worse position than before.

  - Othello focuses on Brabantio's love for him and believes the love that he has been offered by Brabantio is enough for his marriage with Desdemona to be approved. Once again, it can be argued that Othello is not intelligent - he confuses and is unsure of Venetian social conventions. Brabantio's respect to his military ability does not equate to respect and tolerance of the marriage.

  - It is evident that Brabantio and other Venetians were only accepting of Othello because of what he has done for the Venetian military. It is his military abilities that gives Othello importance, otherwise, it is obvious that he would be dehumanised and be a larger target of prejudice. This arguably foreshadows Othello's loss of military abilities as he becomes manipulated by Iago. He falls from a position of power and is controlled by Iago's power, much like he would have been controlled by the deemed superiors, the Venetians if he lacked that power.

  - Othello as a victim of military exploitation.

  - He lists his past experiences: "battles, sieges, fortunes" -> excessive pride? attempt to find reasons to be of relevance as an outsider? is he aware that he is of little importance without his military achievements? INSECURITY??

  - It is clear that race and military are interlinked for Othello.

  
  

  SAID BY OTHELLO
• "Worthy Othello"


  - Montano's view of Othello

  - Military appreciation; his abilities are unmatched. He is well-respected by most people surrounding him to the extent that it can be argued that the only reason why Iago does not appreciate him is because of his own military insecurity.

  
  

  SAID BY MONTANO
• "My blood begins my safer guides to rule, and passion, having my best judgment collied."


  - Many critics argue that Othello is not just a tragedy about the loss of love between the newly weds, and Desdemona's innocent and tragic killing. Othello is also a tragedy about Othello's loss of influence - from a respectable and high-ranking position in the military to a complete loss of influence and controlled by Iago. This quote evidences this.

  - It is clear that Othello in A2S3 juxtaposes Othello in A1S2. When we first meet Othello, Othello is presented as being a level-headed, rational character who did not buy into the typical toxicity of males. Now, as the play has progressed, we see Othello begin to embody typical male traits such as toxic masculinity, as seen by his "blood" ruining his "guides to rule".

  - In stating that his "blood" ruins his "guides to rule", Othello implies that he has lost his rationality, control and stability required of a general in serious and threatening situations. Rather, now, he is guided by emotion, mirroring Iago who is also guided by emotions and uses his dislike for other characters as a reason to cause chaos.

  - As Othello has lost the characteristics required of a general, Shakespeare makes the audience aware that this is the beginning of his downfall. As Othello can no longer control, but rather, is controlled by his emotion, Othello will soon become controlled by Iago which is significant to the tragedy as his manipulation by Iago will lead to his irrational, unjustified and emotion-driven killing of Desdemona. He no longer assesses situations like he previously would. Should he have kept his general attributes, Othello would have given Desdemona a voice and would have been independent in his decision of whether or not to murder Desdemona.

  - It can be argued that A2S3 is a big turning point for so many characters especially Othello.

  
  

  SAID BY OTHELLO
• "Nevermore be officer of mine."

  - Although previously mentioned that Othello is beginning to lose his position of power and control as a general, no longer embodying those attributes, it can be argued that Othello does still have some independence. He denounces Cassio from his role as a lieutenant, thus showing his influence as a general and his military abilities.

  - However, it can be argued that Othello's denunciation of Cassio is not a reflection of Othello's powers. Othello chose to remove Cassio from his role as a lieutenant because of the chaos Iago (unknowingly) caused in Cyprus, thus, resulting in Cassio getting drunk. Therefore, it would be understandable to argue that although Othello is the one that removes Cassio from the position, Othello's decision was formed as a result of Iago's manipulation of Cassio's weaknesses and Othello's desire to maintain peace. Thus, Othello is being controlled by Iago which Othello is not aware of. Othello is not so independent in his thinking.

  - Iago's plan is clearly succeeding... He has successfully removed Cassio from his position. Cassio is all that Iago ultimately hates - prestige, intelligence, courtesy. Therefore, his main threat has been eliminated.

  - Nevertheless, it is also important to note that in losing his lieutenant, Othello is forced to put his trust in another member of the military. Considering Iago is the one to have told Othello of the matter with "honesty and love", Iago is likely to become more trustworthy in Othello's lives, showing the intelligence behind Iago's plans.

  
  

  SAID BY OTHELLO
• "O misery!"

  - Short, fragmented, aggressive exclamation which juxtaposes Othello's flowery speech at the very beginning of the play.

  - Evident of his mental manipulation by Iago as Iago has now overtaken his speech too. He is being controlled.

  - Loss of influence and control

  
  

  SAID BY OTHELLO
• "Farewell the tranquil mind, farewell content, farewell, farewell, farewell!"

  - Sense of desperation and panic; he has lost his control - mental instability.

  - He is no longer the level-headed, independent-thinking, controlling general, rather, he is now being mentally controlled by Iago. This is significant to the tragedy as we begin to see Iago acting upon Othello and using Othello as a tragic pawn for his plans to go forward.

  - Repetition of "farewell" -> Othello has lost all his admirable attributes. He is beginning to mirror Iago.

  - Aristotle: A tragic hero starts from an admirable position and then slowly loses his power.

  
  

  SAID BY OTHELLO
• "How shall I murder him, Iago?"


  - Loss of control and his abilities as a general. Othello is now fully trusting of Iago, to the extent that he makes Iago control his actions too.

  - Iago has been successful in his plan. He has gained control over Othello and is now able to devise Othello certain tasks for his plan to be fully accomplished. Othello as a tragic pawn.

  - This is ironic; we see a change in positions. Instead of commanding Iago, Othello becomes commanded by Iago. He loses his position as governor.

  - A play about Othello's loss of influence.

  
  

  SAID BY OTHELLO
• "I have done the state some service, and they know it."

  
  

  "Then you must speak of one that loved not wisely, but too well; of one, not easily jealous."

  - The theme of reputation is central to the play. It is evident that many of the characters of the play act for their own benefit and for the preservation of their own reputation.

  - Thus, in speaking of himself so highly despite committing a murder, it is evident of Othello's pride. A typical person would not praise themselves for a murder, nor would they think so positively of themselves when committing such an act. Therefore, it can be argued that one of the reasons as to why Othello even committed the murderous act in the first place was to restore his reputation. He feared his reputation being focused on him as a cuck, and therefore, his murder of Desdemona could have perhaps elevated him within society.

  - This is his final speech before his death. In not repenting for his sin of being a murderer, but focusing on himself, Othello appears as self-centred.

  - Moreover, it can be argued that Othello is unwilling to be held accountable for his actions. In wanting people to speak of him as one that "loved too well" and was not "easily jealous", Othello attempts to redeem himself and even perhaps suggest that the murder was out of his character and therefore, he cannot be blamed for it.

  
  

  SAID BY OTHELLO
• "Then you must speak of one whose hand, like the base Indian, threw a pearl away."


  - "Like the base indian, threw a pearl away" -> anagnorisis; Othello's discovery of the tragic mistake and the truth which led to his wrongful killing of Desdemona. It can be argued that although Othello takes a patriarchal stance in killing Desdemona, by referring to Desdemona as a "pearl" he redeems himself and returns to his anti-misogynistic attitudes. He sees Desdemona as being something precious and worthy of adequate treatment. Is this a lie? Is he trying to cover up his sin with fake love for Desdemona or does he truly regret killing her?

  - NOTE: In the folio edition of the play, "base Indian" is presented as "base Judean" which alludes to the Biblical betrayal of Jesus by Judas which furthers the analogy of Jesus and Desdemona. It is now made evident that Othello realises Desdemona has been sacrificed wrongfully.
• Stabs himself

  - Greek tragedy: This is an admirable act. It is a sign of Othello's bravery as he kills himself. Others however would argue that Othello's suicide is a cowardly escape from his punishment which he could have faced under Venetian authorities.

  - It could also be argued however, that, in killing himself, Othello is giving himself the punishment he deserves. He also intensifies the punishment by committing another major sin - suicide, which is admirable. He is aware he is going to hell and therefore, wants to be punished even more for Desdemona's wrongful killing.

  - Controversial; Jacobean audience would begin to despise him even more. He commits one of the biggest sins.
• "Killing myself to die upon a kiss."


  - Othello's last words.

  - He appears to be deluded. He believes that his suicide and dying with a kiss from Desdemona will rekindle his love with her in the afterlife.

  - Othello also appears to be deluded in the sense that he thinks a kiss will save him from being despised by Desdemona, as well as saving himself from being punished for sinning. This shows that Othello is not so intellectual - he does not think his sin is immense.

  - A couple's biggest wish - to die together.

  
  

  SAID BY OTHELLO