Othello

1. The beginning of any literary work is very important. What do you think of the way Shakespeare chooses to begin the play? a. Act 1 Scene 1 begins in the midst of a discussion between Iago and Roderigo. Both assure the other that they hate Othello: as Roderigo is in love with Desdemona, and Iago feels that Othello should up promoted him over Cassio. b. This contextualizes the most important/influential state of affairs in the text c. Negative characterisation of Othello is reinforced by the use of personal pronouns to address him over his name – which we do not hear throughout the scene. This creates anticipation and mystery before the audience meet Othello.d. Mainly the purpose of this particular beginning is it presents Iago as jealous and vindictive from the opening, so that the audience will challenge his motives throughout
2. Are there contrasts, do you think, CHARACTER is presented here and in subsequent scenes? a. Othello: definitely! Here Othello is dehumanised and belittled, he is negatively characterised before the audience meets him. In scene 3 in the Council Chamber we see Othello calmly addresses the Duke and Brabantio and other Senators, with great respect. He says ” rude am I in my speech, and little bless with the soft phrase of peace” – this is ironic because we see he is speaking at length in a dignified manner, and we see he is intelligent. This is a major contrast to the way Roderigo and Iago characterise and objectify him in the first scene.b. Iago: Iago is presented as jealous and vindictive in the first scene, which is the exact same way he is portrayed throughout the play. So here we see that he was presented exactly as he will be for the entire play. (in contrast to Othello …^^…)
3. What, for you was the most riveting or satisfying moment in Othello? Can you account for how the Shakespeare managed to achieve that effect? a. I think that’s interesting because I feel like the purpose of a Shakespearean tragedy is to not satisfy – There is consistent feeling of frustration throughout the play. There is no satisfying moment in Othello because the purpose of the play is to not give the audience satisfaction- its by taking away the satisfaction of a happy ending in a tragedy that Shakespeare causes us to question the themes or forces that his text is surrounded by. b. Riveting- the end scene is interesting to me when he is about to kill Des, the conflict between how much he clearly still loves her (He kisses her) and how completely unabrasive and submissive she is in the situation. c. Personally I really enjoyed Act 5 scene 2 when we see Emilia defy traditional gender stereotypes …(go into why she is fave character)
4. Who do you consider the protagonist and what effect do you think this has on the believability of Othello. a. Typically the protagonist is meant to be consistently heroic or positive, a very linear narrative. Here, Shakespeare makes us realise that Othello is the protagonist through his fallibility- even though he is virtuous and has militarial successes- Shakespeare presents him as vulnerable to pernicious social forces because of his virtuosity and his humility. b. The reason that Othello is more of a protagonist than protagonists we are used to because he is not a one-dimensional hero – he is someone who battles through conflicts of the plot in order to be virtuous at the end. We follow Othello through this journey where we are constantly questioning where his virtue is that is why at the end, where we realise that he really meant well – we feel that much more empathy for his character. So, he is the protagonist but this presentation is contrary to the typical one-dimensional image of protagonist-antagonist which is what makes it effective. Typical tragic hero- great man, constructs his own downfall.
5. Who was your favourite or least favourite secondary character in the Othello? Can you see how Shakespeare has elicited the response? a. Favourite: Emilia- I love the biblical idea of the woman who is a martyr. Its so Joan of Arc- ess She defies traditional gender stereotypes by defying her husband and typical expectations of a wife by choosing to be honest to Othello at the detriment of her husband. She says “you told a lie, an odious damned lie!” / “I will not charm my tongue, I am bound to speak”.b. Least favourite: Brabantio – In act 1 we see him constantly likening his daughter to property, while objectifying and dehumanising Othello, also he immediately believes the Iago and Roderigo- overall I just found that as a minor character he is very frustrating and close minded.
6. Do you think any profound human truths are being considered in Othello, or do you see its main purpose as keeping an audience interested in human behaviour? a. Ummm…. I think the human behaviours that the play is keeping the audience interested in are the source of the profound human truths in the text. The way in which Othello becomes so vulnerable to Iago’s power is his human behaviour but that reflects the way that in society power structures affect the way individuals relate to each other. Iago’s desire to be so manipulative comes out of his failure to get a particular position in the military and Othello’s vulnerability to Iago comes from his internalised racial position in the context- he was just considered a Moor.b. The reason we are interested is because we see these behaviours reflect human truths.
7. What contextual elements had the strongest impact on Shakespeare’s writing? 1. Racism – Queen had banned all black people from entering the cityi. A widespread belief that Moors were descendant from Ham in the book of Genesis ii. Racism reflected the hierarchical structure of society where white was associated with purity and black was associated with sin an the underworld iii. Perception that black men were overtly sexual/primitive – reflects Brabantio’s apprehensions at his daughter marrying Othello at the beginning of the text iv. The attitudes towards race were affected by colonial narratives – the British empire feared the rise of the “black planet” ie. The Ottoman empire, increased migration to Europe had resulted in a black underclass 2. Sexism – representations of women reflect common categories of women through history/in the bible:i. Desdemona: the innocent virgin – shown in her naivety throughout the text, including her submission at the end when Othello accuses her of being unfaithful (although her defying Brabantio at the beginning conflicts with this)ii. Bianca: the ***** – she exists to contrast with Desdemona’s alternate characterisation Reflects the broader belief that all women were voracious monsters with an uncontrollable sexuality iii. Emilia: the virtuous martyr, a symbol of female Sainthood/history – Joan of Arc-esque figure who dies as a result of her desire to ensure that virtue is upheld 3. Religion – Othello writes for a Christian context i. Subtle elements of Christian tradition in the narrative of the text – Othello asks if Desdemona has prayed before he kills herii. Interpretation of the characters as reflecting the office of God – Cassio is Adam, Desdemona is the spotless victim Christ, Iago is Satan Desdemona reflects forgivenessiii. Broader system of Christian sin and punishment – Othello’s need to kill Desdemona iv. Christianity was interpreted as a system of order that needed to be strictly followed or would result in chaos – the play reflects the same fear of lost order Importance of reason/truth is reflected in Othello’s desire for evidence before believing Iago
8. Examine the female characters in the play. Do they share a common role in Othello? There is a traditional breakdown of the way women can be characterised: Virgin, and martyr.1. Desdemona – typical image of female purity o Seen as an ideal image of female beauty – reflected in the conquest metaphor of Othello’s opening speech to Brabantio • Uses angelic imagery to describe Desdemona even when he is about to kill her o Trusting and naïve – in her conversation with Cassio she is humble and sweet and does not consider the possible implications of her actions o She doesn’t contest Othello’s announcement that he will kill her, she submits to his authority 2. Bianca – prostitute, *****. Shakespeare portrays a prostitute, as a means of allowing his audience to consider a woman’s own situation. She is harshly treated by both Cassio and Iago resulting in audience sympathy and thus realisation of the poor treatment of women.3. Emilia: The martyr as she is an image of women who sacrifice themselves for the cause in biblical narratives. She defies traditional gender stereotypes by defying her husband and typical expectations of a wife by choosing to be honest to Othello at the detriment of her husband, but of course dies as a result of standing by her beliefs- fulfilling the biblical role of a martyr.
9. How well do you think Shakespeare manages to use the stage to establish a strong sense of setting? a. As Shakespeare was writing for theatre conditions that were limited, he was forced to create atmosphere and setting through language. (e.g. Gratiano: ” The woman falls; he hath killed his wife”)b. Although, Shakespeare’s use of limited stage directions is why, I think, his play continues to be remade into the contemporary era- because he gives it malleability opposed to later play writes who are a lot more descriptive.
10. Did you find Shakespeare using different kinds of tension in Othello in order to engage and hold the audience? a. I think that the purpose of a tragedy is to create tension and frustration in the audience. The audience is so engaged because of this frustration as Othello and other characters continue to play into Iago’s plan. That consistent frustration is what sustains an engagement from the audience, as they watch Iago continue to fool Othello, while they know the truth
11. What is your opinion about the closure in the last section of Othello? Do you find it satisfying or frustrating? a. The purpose of a tragedy is not to be satisfying but it is frustrating because b. It is particularly frustrating in the case of Desdemona because she did not put up a fight when Othello –
12. What do you feel is the central conflict in Othello? How important are the underlying reasons for the conflict? a. Power vs. virtue i. Iago desires power, ii. Othello is a symbol of virtue. b. Even in terms of him thinking that Cassio may have a secret relationship with Desdemona, an attack at his honour. Virtue is the way we see Othello characterised in the beginning because he is humble etc. c. The main conflict is between power and virtue – which is the conflict between the fundamental elements of Iago’s character in contrast to Othello’s character.
13. How clearly is Shakespeare able to convey a meaningful idea while keeping an audience entertained? How has Shakespeare captured the audience? 1. Soliloquy – when he is just about to kill Desdemonao Adds depth and clarity to the characters so that the audience member does not need to speculate as to their intentionso In Othello’s case: allows us to empathise because in the scene before Desdemona’s death is reflects how conflicted he is and the fact he still loves her 2. Dramatic irony – when Iago is planting the seed of jealousy, when Othello is about to kill Desdemona o Creates tension for the audience memberThese come together to consolidate the core theme of the text, which to me was – the overriding force of masculinity in defining power. 1. The play takes place in a military setting: a patriarchal structure in itself – military is glorified in the text: “feats of broil and battle”2. Iago’s jealousy is sourced from his desire to be the head of the military3. Othello’s jealousy is sourced from his belief that Desdemona has tarnished his honour by having an affair with Cassio4. Using violence as a source of conflict resolution is a masculine concept – in the final scene it is all the male characters fighting, doesn’t confront Cassio but only resolves to kill him)
14. Discuss one/two dramatic techniques that Shakespeare has used that you have found quite effective. 1. Soliloquy – when he is just about to kill Desdemonao Adds depth and clarity to the characters so that the audience member does not need to speculate as to their intentionso In Othello’s case: allows us to empathise because in the scene before Desdemona’s death is reflects how conflicted he is and the fact he still loves her 2. Dramatic irony – when Iago is planting the seed of jealousy, when Othello is about to kill Desdemona o Creates tension for the audience member3. Stage directions – limited use of stage directions in Shakespeare’s playso The limited use of stage directions reflected the limited props that the Globe Theatre had access too Has allowed the play to be developed into contemporary contexts without undermining Shakespeare’s original text
15. Discuss one of the themes and what you found interesting about it. The overriding force of masculinity in defining power – conceptions of masculinity are what motivate Iago and Othello’s decline in the text1. The play takes place in a military setting: a patriarchal structure in itself – military is glorified in the text: “feats of broil and battle”2. Iago’s jealousy is sourced from his desire to be the head of the military3. Othello’s jealousy is sourced from his belief that Desdemona has tarnished his honour by having an affair with Cassio4. Using violence as a source of conflict resolution is a masculine concept – in the final scene it is all the male characters fighting, doesn’t confront Cassio but only resolves to kill him
16. What is the function of a particular character? Iago – Spanish name because Spain was England’s worst enemy, the clear antagonist 1. Always associated with animalistic and crude imagery, sexual innuendo2. Preoccupied with social position – entire role in the text based on his desire to take Othello’s position in the military3. Disingenuous – even when his character is likeable, the audience knows he has ulterior motives 4. Contrast to Othello – he embodies complete jealousy and insecurity with no sense of virtue Othello – the fallible protagonist who earns the audience’s sympathy through his failings 1. Undergoes a dramatic shift in characterisation through the text2. At the beginning: he is humble, accomplished, respectful and eloquent o Reflected in the way he asks for Desdemona’s hand in marriage from Brabantio3. Once Iago’s seed of jealousy has actualised his character shifts completely to mirror Iago’s character – scene after he has received the hankerchief o Loses his eloquence – his language becomes violent (plosive diction) and uses animalistic and crude imagery like Iago’so Loses his patience – instead of being reasoned his speech is full of exclamatories, fast paced 4. At the end of the text Othello redeems himself by realizing what he has done – his last soliloquy parallels the humility of his earlier speech Desdemona – typical image of female purity4. Seen as an ideal image of female beauty – reflected in the conquest metaphor of Othello’s opening speech to Brabantio o Uses angelic imagery to describe Desdemona even when he is about to kill her 5. Trusting and naïve – in her conversation with Cassio she is humble and sweet and does not consider the possible implications of her actions 6. She doesn’t contest Othello’s announcement that he will kill her, she submits to his authority
17. What is the dramatic climax of the play/act? a. I don’t think there is a clear climatic point in the play – the first point at which the play shifts is when Othello embodies the jealousy that Othello has been pushing on him. When Iago changes Othello’s mind about Desdemona cheating, this climax remains through to tragedy of the final scene. So instead of being one concentrated moment of climax it is one moment of plot twist that retains itself until the end.
18. Othello’s soliloquy? In Othello’s soliloquy before he kills Desdemona there are a range of contrasting emotions and ideas. The soliloquy starts with “It is the cause it is the cause” – this repetition seems to have a soothing tone to Othello as he begins to justify his actions to himself; while to the audience this repetition heightens the tension. He also repeats the word ‘light’ which is a continuation of Light as a metaphor for Desdemona and her purity. This repetition reflects his complex state of mind as he talks himself in and out of killing her. Overall the tone of the solliguy is desperately sad as he believes that it is his duty to kill Desdemona to prevent her from performing any further sins.
19. How can we compare Othello from the beginning of the play to the end? He is no longer brave and valiant but rash and impulsive, due to his scattered thoughts and difficulties in knowing who to trust- we see he has picked up many of Iago’s traits. Although we see his behaviours have a cyclical nature as his final speech mirrors the humility and eloquence of his first speech.
20. How does Othello’s last speech compare to his previous speeches? Do we sympathize? Othello’s final speech parallels the humility and eloquence of his first speech. Over the course of the play we watch Othello’s speech transform into one similar to that of Iago. This facilitates the audiences understanding that Othello has finally completely understood the situation, and while he is consumed by the guilt of his mistake, he finally has clarity of mind and returns to his original calm and virtuous nature.
21. Does Othello redeem himself by the end of the play? I don’t think that because Othello kills himself after he realises his mistake, he can be seen as innocent, he still failed to trust his wife and to me he is still just as guilty for her murder. Although, I think that we can see that Othello has returned to his calm and virtuous nature by the time of his final speech as it parallels the humility and eloquence of his first speech….
22. How does Othello view his actions? In Othello’s final speech, “Whip me, ye devils”- clearly he feels deep regret for what he has done.
23. Why is Iago silent? It is uncharacteristic for a Shakespearean villain to fall silent at the end of a play. It makes him seem more evil, emphasize the tragedy “Demand me nothing: what you know, you know: from this time forth I never will speak word.”
24. To what extent is Desdemona’s death Othello’s fault? Not only in the way that he. The trust and confidence he had in Iago + his internal distrust in women that is imbedded in men in culture.
25. Who is more jealous? Iago or Othello? The entire premise of the play is Iago’s jealousy of Cassio’s promotion
26. In what ways is Desdemona affected by Othello’s personality change? In no way. She is consistenly loyal to Othello. Even in Act 5 scene 2 when she is dying, Emilia ask who murdered her and she says ” Nobody; I myself. Farewell” She is still faithful and obedient despite the fact she is dying, or the fact Othello himself killed her. She will never betray him.
27. What is the significance of the tone of Iago’s ‘I bleed, sir, but not killed’? …
28. How is Emilia portrayed as the conscience of Desdemona? How does she coerce Othello into feeling remorse? To me, the female characters in this play fulfil the role of the three stereotypical types of women There is a traditional breakdown of the way women can be characterised: Virgin, ***** and martyr- and I think that Shakespeare utilises this 1. Desdemona – typical image of female purityo Seen as an ideal image of female beauty – reflected in the conquest metaphor of Othello’s opening speech to Brabantio • Uses angelic imagery to describe Desdemona even when he is about to kill her o Trusting and naïve – in her conversation with Cassio she is humble and sweet and does not consider the possible implications of her actions o She doesn’t contest Othello’s announcement that he will kill her, she submits to his authority 2. Bianca – prostitute, *****. Shakespeare portrays a prostitute, as a means of allowing his audience to consider a woman’s own situation. She is harshly treated by both Cassio and Iago resulting in audience sympathy and thus realisation of the poor treatment of women.3. Emilia: The martyr as she is an image of women who sacrifice themselves for the cause in biblical narratives. She defies traditional gender stereotypes by defying her husband and typical expectations of a wife by choosing to be honest to Othello at the detriment of her husband, but of course dies as a result of standing by her beliefs- fulfilling the biblical role of a martyr.But I don’t believe that Emilia’s purpose is to be Desdoma’s conscious, I believe she has a more important role within the context of this text.
29. Why do you think we study Shakespeare today? He presents to us a snapshot of humanity. Jealousy, ambition, they are universal, timeless themes we can relate to. Further, I believe the richness of his language and the depth of his characters, and the dramatic structure that sustains intrigue and tension to the end of the play. Othello also explores the theme of power vs. virtue- which can still be considered a large part of our modern society.
30. What is the significance of ‘appearance is reality’ in Desdemona and Othello’s relationship? …
31. What elements of Othello define it as a tragedy? Throughout Shakespeare’s tragedies, what is common is the notion of the ‘tragic flaw’. In Othello we see that the tragic flaw was within Othello’s struggle to maintain his power and the importance of virtue. He wanted to maintain power -why the idea of Cassio (his subordinate) being with his wife destroyed him, and virtue – through the overwhelming effect of the idea that Desdemona as unvirtuous had on him. The timeless universality of the story of Othello is what makes it just as tragic in a modern context.
32. What is the most poignant moment in the play? WILLOW SONG
33. Can Desdomona be blamed for her own death? Definitely not. In a modern context we can look at Desdemona and almost understand her role to be a comment the consequences of the fulfilment traditional gender role of women in this context. Desdemona fulfils societal expectations of women by being sweet and chaste but consequently she falls into the trap; nice to Cassio, drops her handkerchief, subverts the traditional female role by defying her father which leads to Othello’s doubts asap as she has betrayed her male leader once before.
September 2, 2019