Critical Analysis of Othello by William Shakespeare
One of the most well-known tragedies, Othello by William Shakespeare, was first published in 1622 in a quarto edition from a transcript of an authorial manuscript. Othello, a Moorish general, is manipulated by his ensign, Iago. Jealousy and deception lead to Othello's tragic suspicion of his wife Desdemona, resulting in a series of tragic events and ultimately his own downfall. The play explores themes of jealousy, betrayal, racism, love, and the destructive consequences of unchecked ambition.
Othello was first performed by the King's Men on November 1, 1604, and again in 1612-13 as part of the marriage celebrations of Princess Elizabeth and Prince Frederick at Heidelberg. The play is also famous for being the first "Black hero" to be represented on stage. Othello is a cautionary tale, demonstrating the dangers of jealousy and the consequences of trusting deceitful friends. In Act III, Scene 3, known as the "temptation scene," Iago begins to convince Othello that Desdemona is having an affair with Cassio.
At the beginning of the play, Roderigo complains to Iago about Desdemona and Othello's secret marriage. Iago tells Roderigo that he plans to exploit Othello for his own advantage and convinces Roderigo to wake Brabantio to inform him about his daughter's elopement. Meanwhile, news arrives in Venice that the Turks are going to attack Cyprus, and Othello is summoned to advise the senators. By the order of the Duke, Othello leaves Venice to command the Venetian armies against the invading Turks on the island of Cyprus, taking his new wife Desdemona, his new lieutenant Cassio, his ensign Iago, and Iago's wife Emilia.
Upon arrival in Cyprus, they find that a storm has destroyed the Turkish fleet. Iago cleverly expresses to Othello, "Why, he drinks you, with facility, your Dane dead drunk; he sweats not to overthrow your Almain." Iago blames Cassio for the disturbance and strips him of his rank. Iago manipulates Othello to be suspicious of Cassio and Desdemona's relationship. He plants the handkerchief in Cassio's lodgings and tells Othello to watch Cassio's reactions while he questions him. Seeing this, Othello becomes convinced that Cassio received the handkerchief from Desdemona.
When Othello confronts Desdemona, he says, "Down, strumpet!" to which Desdemona responds, "Kill me tomorrow, let me live tonight!" After Desdemona’s death, Roderigo unsuccessfully attacks Cassio in the street, and Iago cuts Cassio’s leg from behind. Refusing to explain his motives, Iago vows to remain silent. Lodovico apprehends both Iago and Othello for the murders of Roderigo, Emilia, and Desdemona. Lamenting, Othello says, "I kiss’d thee ere I kill’d thee. No way but this, Killing myself, to die upon a kiss," and falls upon Desdemona. Lodovico appoints Cassio as Othello's successor and exhorts him to punish Iago justly.
Throughout the play, Robert Heilman calls Othello a "drama about Everyman, with the modifications necessary to individualize him." Harold Clarke Goddard argues that Othello is "neither a Negro nor a Moor" but "any man who is more beautiful within than he is without." Othello's race sets him apart from the predominantly white society, and the play examines the effects of racism on his life and relationships. It explores the complexities of romantic relationships, particularly the marriage between Othello and Desdemona.
In conclusion, Shakespeare's play Othello portrays the protagonist's descent into murderous jealousy as a central theme, raising questions about trust, the consequences of irrational emotions, and the complexities of human relationships. It serves as a cautionary tale, warning of the dangers of unchecked ambition and jealousy, similar to the tragic events depicted in Shakespeare's other plays such as Macbeth and Romeo and Juliet.
Comments