Othello analysis
What are the themes that still captivate audiences of Shakespearean Othello and how does his language shape meaning across the centuries? William Shakespearean play Othello successfully Illustrates to the audience dominant themes of manipulation and Jealously which are explored through the use of articulate techniques. These themes captivate audiences as they are able to examine the ease of manipulation when human weaknesses are exposed.
The dexterous use of manipulation portrayed by Shakespearean character Ago proves too dangerous for the protagonist, Othello, and conspicuously leads him Into a turmoil of self extraction. As such we see Shakespearean language shape meaning across the centuries through the use of distinguished characterization and the dramatic devices of soliloquies and mockery, thus all collaborating within the simultaneous significant themes of manipulation and Jealously that are vices which still possessively inflict human pain and suffering.
This centralized concept of Jealousy also impinges upon key characters such as Emilie, Cassia, Desman, Othello, Ordering and Ago.
Throughout the prevalence of Shakespearean plays, soliloquies are employed to concede a character. Communicative expression reveals their speculative mind and their motives to the audience, whilst other characters remain oblivious. This approach is reinforced through Othello as numerous soliloquies are pronounced by Ago in which he declares his intentions to destroy the ‘Moor’ as well as his loathing towards him.
This Idea Is reinforced by the first soliloquy where Ago states “l hate the Moor”. The absolute statement reveals his Jealously towards Cassia as he explains his bitter enviousness when Othello decided to anoint Cassia as lieutenant instead of himself, a “Florentine..
. That never set a squadron In the field. Only an “arithmetician”; “mere prattle without practice. ” The use of demeaning language such as ‘Moor’ and ‘prattle’ highlight Sago’s hatred of not only Othello but also Cassia.
Audiences are enticed through the manipulative power of Ago as he exposes not only the weakened attitude of Othello, but also the aforesaid characters. As the play progresses, Othello trust in Ago and ultimately himself is questioned almost to the point of gullibility.
It is fundamentally Othello relocation to Cyprus, where he is vulnerable to devices of villainy resulting in the creation of him as a victim. Sago’s orchestrating power over Othello uncovers the fragility that engulfs Toothless mind whilst undermining the trust Othello places in this villain.
Shakespeare confounds Sago’s cryptic manner of speaking through such exemplifying statements as “l am not what I am” which highlight’s Sago’s origin of power contrasted with deception. The binary oppositions serve to exaggerate the visible character difference, between Ago and Othello. Shakespeare also utilities characterization to convey the true nature of 1 OFF through an individual’s ignorance which can be easily manipulated thus the knees in oneself leads a person to the captivating creation of Jealousy.
As Ago states “Thus do I ever make my fool my purse. Shakespeare pursues this idea in his portrayal of both Othello and Ago. At the commencement of the play, Othello character is conducted as a strong-willed and invincible man, however due to his intense and passionate love for his new wife, Desman, Othello strength is impaired and he becomes easily persuaded by “honest, Sago’s’ lies. Othello himself is able to recognize the Jealousy arisen from his mind and describes it as ” Jealousy so strong/that Judgment cannot cure”. This statement highlights Othello loss of control over his own perceptions which is a consequence of the Jealousy Ago instills within him.
Therefore such an exploration of manipulation and Jealousy actively captivate and intrigue audiences and have continued to do so across the centuries, assisted by the expert use of language by Shakespeare. This Jealousy contributes to Othello demise which fundamentally allows him to be easily enraged by Ago then towards both Desman and Cassia, thus consequently leading Othello to his blindness of their innocence. Ago is able to provoke Othello lousy because of his individualistic attribute and skill of deception. It is the green- eyed monster which doth mock the meat it feeds on” that symbolizes Lagos subtle hints about Desman and Cassia’s unfaithfulness, which rouses Othello Jealousy while appearing faithful to both characters as he warns Othello of Jealousy in the meantime. Othello pride, Jealousy, and self-righteousness all contribute to his eventual hatred, and rage towards Desman in particular “O perjured woman! Thou dost stone my heart”, the metaphor of stone highlights the degradation Othello has been subject to and how unable he is to be remedied of it.
He seeks revenge through murder, which has been suggested by Ago: “strangle her in her bed! Even the bed she hath contaminated. ” Therefore it is due to the exploration of universally relatable concepts such as jealousy and manipulation that Shakespearean Othello has continued to captivate audiences since its conception. The expert use of language techniques and dramatic devices such as soliloquies has ensured the continued success of Shakespearean work. The characterization of manipulative villains such as Ago and the noble yet weak-willed hero Othello then elevate this plays sophistication and ensure its immortality.
