Othello

Black to White Othello himself is a Black man in a ‘White world’. “Her name, that was as fresh as Dian’s visage, is now begrimed and black as mine own face.” (3.3.441-443). When he says his “name” used to be “as fresh as Dian’s” face, he aligns his good reputation with the “freshness” of a white face. (Diane is the goddess of the pale moon and of chastity) Othello associates the blackness of his own skin with something dirty and stained, which is exactly the kind of thing that the racist Venetian characters (like Brabantio) have been saying all along.
Jealousy / Envy Othello never really need any cause to be jealous. “They are not ever jealous for the cause, but jealous for they are jealous. It is a monster begot upon itself, born on itself.” (3.4.176-184) In other words, jealousy is generated out of nothing and multiplies or reproduces by feeding on itself.
Manipulation Brabantio suggests that, because Desdemona deceived her father when she eloped with Othello, Desdemona will likely deceive her husband. “Look to her, Moor, if thou hast eyes to see. She has deceived her father and may thee.” (1.3.333-334) Othello seems to buy into the stereotype that unruly daughters make for unruly and promiscuous wives, this distrust in his wife leads to a terrible tragedy when he murders Desdemona.
Marriage -Every character with a confirmed marriage had it crumble *cough*deathcoughcoughcharacter with a confirmed marriage had it crumble *cough*death*cough*.-Iago stabbing Emelia symbolises the dangers of a purely lustful relationship, a loveless marriage.-Othello smothering Desdemona symbolises the smothering a relationship with too much love is just as unhealthy as if there was no love.
The Handkerchief -It was a treasure to Othello that ultimately drove him mad.
July 28, 2019