This is a break down of Shakespeare's famous play, "Othello" and an analysis of the tragedy that ensues within the pages of the play.
Background Information On The Period Of Publication:
- Post Ottoman-Venetian War is at hand
- (1601) Elizabeth 1 dies
- James VI reigns as the king of England
- Othello is first published in 1622
About The Author, Shakespeare:
- Born in 1564
- From England
- Married Anne Hathaway in 1582
- Died at age 52
Major Characters:
Othello
Othello is the protagonist of the story. Through the plot he serves as a loyal hero figure during the war. His love for Desdemona sparks conflicts between him and the antagonist, Iago. Othello’s faithfulness and actions drive the plot, as he struggles to keep his marriage together in the faces of enemies. He must fight two wars – one for his country and the other for Desdemona.
Iago
Iago serves as the primary antagonist of the story. He is very manipulative and cunning throughout the plot. Blinded by revenge and hatred, he devises a plan to lead Desdemona away from Othello and bring him as much sorrow as possible.
Iago is the source of much of Othello’s conflicts and creates problems that help develop the plot.Roderigo
Roderigo antagonizes Othello by scheming against him with Iago. Throughout the story, he is continuously tormented by his unrequited love for Desdemona. He works to win over her love and separate her from Othello by going behind his back.
If it were not for Roderigo’s strong feelings for Desdemona, Iago would not be able to manipulate him into obeying his commands so easily. Roderigo also brings trouble to Othello by working to ruin his marriage.Desdemona
Desdemona is the daughter of Brabantio and the wife of Othello. She willingly married him despite her father’s strong opposition to such and she insists on staying right by her husband’s side when he is called to the battle field. Because of the ill feelings Roderigo and Iago have of Desdemona’s choice to marry Othello they create a plan to break the two lovers up.
Plot Summary:
William Shakespeare’s tragedy "Othello" takes place during the Ottoman-Venetian War. Othello is one of the most loyal and brave of the soldiers. He aids the Duke and initiates skillful battle tactics throughout the war. Despite all this, he is accused of using black magic to entice Venetian Senator Brabantio’s daughter Desdemona. There is no evidence proving the accusation, so Othello is given the chance to plead his case before the Duke. When the issue is quickly resolved, and it is known that Othello and Desdemona are happily married, two scheming men, Iago and Roderigo, make it their mission to break the two lovers up.
Iago comes up with various ways to manipulate the people around him in order to gain what he wants. He uses Roderigo as a pawn in his plan to hurt Othello. Because of Roderigo’s love for Desdemona he willfully obeys Iago’s order hoping he will help him win Desdemona’s heart. Iago successfully tricks naïve Othello into believing his wife cheated on him. This causes Othello’s personality to change completely. Someone who was once brave, loving and honest becomes angry, enraged and revengeful. Othello murders his wife out of grief only to later find out that she was innocent all along and Iago had been feeding him lies. The tragic news is too much for Othello to bear, so he stabs himself, ending his own life with regret for what he had done.
Analysis:
The author’s style is formal and primarily plot driven. The conflict between the antagonist, Iago, and the hero of the story, Othello, causes scenarios to ensue and the plot to progress. The story is heavy with strong and hyperbolic diction that serves to convey the character’s emotions. Shakespeare also makes use of racist diction hidden in Othello’s own words that subtly portray black people as dirty and discourteous.
“Her name, that was as fresh as Dian’s visage, is now begrimed and black as mine[Othello’s] own face” (3.3.17).
The main setting is the backdrop of a war against the Turks. Othello’s skills and bravery are proven through this as he is one of the greatest soldiers they have. If it weren’t for the war setting, Iago would not have to serve under Othello and carry so much malice towards him.
The opening scene introduces the antagonists of the story. Dramatic irony is quickly established when Roderigo and Iago admit to being liars who are not devoted to the people in which they serve. Othello is unaware of their true intentions and ignorantly trusts them. This scene sets the stage for the rest of the plot because it makes the antagonists evil intentions clear as they work to hurt Othello and his marriage throughout the rest of the storyThe final scene is full of bloodshed. Roderigo and Desdemona are both killed due to the string of lies that Iago went around telling everyone. Cassio strikes Roderigo out of self-defense which is contrary to the revenge that Othello had planned. Iago’s careful manipulation of those around him caused Othello to believe his lies and become angry with his wife who loved him until the very end. Othello kills his wife out of grief and anger because he believes that she is cheating on him with Cassio. When all truth is revealed at the very end of the play Othello is regretful of killing his innocent wife so he quickly takes his own. Othello’s flaw was how gullible and trusting he was of other people. Othello’s passion for revenge led him to his own death.
Symbolism:
The napkin symbolizes Desdemona and Othello’s bond. Desdemona cherishes it as “she so loves the token” (3.3.13-14) that her husband told her to always keep. The napkin embodies their love for each other. It signifies their marriage and trust. When Emelia secretly steals the napkin and delivers it to her husband Iago, it represents the way in which Iago has successfully stolen the love from Othello and Desdemona’s relationship.
Themes:
- Those who seek revenge are often times fueled by hatred. Iago is blinded by his hatred towards Othello over the course of the plot. Iago’s quest for vengeance is a constant cause of trouble for Othello. His “net that shall enmesh them all” (2.3.15) stem from his bitterness towards someone he deems inferior to himself. The disgust and resentment serve as a driving force for pursuing revenge. Othello also falls victim to the “tyrannous hate” (3.3.20) of revenge when he is convinced that Desdemona must be cheating on him.
- Some people would sacrifice their own family members in the name of justice. Throughout the plot characters like Othello and the Duke are quick to claim that whoever dares to break the laws is subject to the necessary punishment, even if it was a close loved one who transgressed. Othello proves his sincerity to upholding justice by claiming even, “though he had twinned with me, both at a birth, shall lose me” (2.3.9-10) meaning not even someone as close to him as a twin brother would be let off the hook.
