Othello Essay

Othello, written by William Shakespeare in 1603, is a tragedy portraying the

downfall of a black, Venetian general as he is misled into a bitter jealousy by the
ensign Iago. Through the three extracts, Shakespeare highlights Othellos
character as a man who acts through passion rather than reason, as well as
depicting him as an outsider who believes he is well respected in Venetian
society. Furthermore, Shakespeare uses language and dramatic techniques, as
well as exploring the relationship between Othello and the main characters to
reveal Othellos decline throughout the play.
In the beginning of the play, Othello is introduced as the noble, eloquent General
of the Venetian Navy. However, Shakespeare has also immediately highlighted
Othello as an outsider, shown by Iagos and Roderigos racist comments does
the thick lips owe and black ram tupping your white ewe. In Extract 1, Othello
has been summoned to the Venetian court to be briefed about the incoming
Turkish attack, but first must answer to the Duke and Brabantio about his secret
wedding with Desdemona. This extract reveals the perception that Venetian
society holds of Othello, as well as Othellos personality and way of thinking.
Othello tells the court that these arms of mine ... have used their dearest action
on the tented field and little of this great world can I speak more than pertains
to feats of broil and battle and thus highlights his militaristic views of life.
Othello is very much needed for his military prowess, as Iago states Another of
his fathom they have none to lead their business, but is secretly hated behind
his back, as Brabantio shows through his vicious attack against Othello. The
racial prejudice that Brabantio, and perhaps all of Venetian society, have of
Othello can be seen in his language and use of racial slurs such as To fall in love
with what she feared to look on! and accusing Othello of using witchcraft and
mixtures powerful oer the blood. Society sees Othello as an outsider trying to
fit in, and it is this uncertainty that provides Iago with the weakness to bring
down Othello. Furthermore, Othellos simplistic and militaristic views of love is
shown through his perception of love as another battle, I won his daughter.
His relationship with Desdemona also serves as foreshadowing for his decline,
my life upon her faith, as well as Brabantios warning she has deceived her
father, and may thee. At the beginning of the play, we see Othellos militaristic
nature, as well as being an outsider in Venetian society, which Iago manipulates
to sow the seeds of Othellos downfall.
By the middle of the play, Othello has become consumed by jealousy and bitter
anger planted by Iago. The green eyed monster that honest Iago warned
Othello about has corrupted him and destroyed his fond love. Shakespeare has
shown Othellos decline through his decrease in the sophistication of his
language, as well as the increase in his use of darker imagery and curses. Iagos
manipulation of Othello and his brittle nature also reveals his decline. In Act 3,
Scene 3, we see Iago planting the seeds of doubt in Othellos mind using animal
imagery that prompts Othellos wild imagination, prime as goats and hot as
monkeys. In extract 2, Othello is preparing to kill Desdemona, and planning to
kill Cassio. The dark language is evident here, through his summoning of black

vengeance, from thy hollow cell! and To tyrannous hate! So frenzied is he by

his jealousy and hate that Othello loses his eloquent speech.