Shakespeares Othello is a haunting portrayal of how deceit and dishonesty can compel overwhelming emotional suffering and moral deterioration. Shakespeares exploration of honesty in an ambience of turmoil unveils the darkest characteristics of the human experience, presenting an enduring value which formulates the integrity of Othello. The intense, and distinctively tragic interaction between the characters demonstrates the significance of honesty, interwoven with other concepts basic to tragedy. These are the key components allowing critical interpretation of not only the text, but also its resultant textual integrity.
The relationship between Othello and Iago can be deconstructed by the responder, as a conceptual dichotomy. This polarity may be interpreted through the contrarieties in their Language. Iago engrosses the reader from the texts beginning on a personal level into his cunning introversion of ideas and plans. This is achieved through sycophantic and distinctive soliloquies and asides Thus do I ever make my fool my purse: ... Must bring this monstrous birth to the world's light.(1.3.303.404) This opening soliloquy contains dramatic irony; the responder may examine Iagos true nature, a manipulative individual who plots his revenge strategy. The reader is fully aware of Iagos plans, however his surrounding characters are oblivious to his intentions and perceive him as honest Iago. Evidently displaying honesties juxtaposed, dishonesty. This is enhanced through character rhetoric, the art of persuasion, And whats he then, that says I play the villain, when this advice is free I give, and honest...?(2.3.336.362) Othello however, is portrayed through his modest yet descriptive language, using beautiful imagery, to metaphorically exemplify emotion Let him do his spite: ...But that I love the gentle Desdemona, ...Put into circumscription and confine For the sea's worth.(1.2.2) However, as his character deteriorates his speech follows the same pattern Speak of me as I am; nothing extenuate, ...Of one not easily jealous, but being wrought ...Perplex'd in the extreme.(5.2.341.345) Regardless of their dichotomous existences both are subdued to the constraints of a context teeming with dishonesty. Thus, portraying not only the necessity of honesty, but as a being one may be powerlessly afflicted and condemned to the distinctively human quality that is in existence through dishonesty.
Shakespeare charts the moral and character deterioration of Othello through his own inabilities and insecurities. Othellos inner timbers begin to part at once, the stuff of which he is made begins to deteriorate and show itself unfit.1 This examination postulates that Othellos inabilities and ultimate character development (or deterioration), presented an easy target for Honest Iago. Othellos insecurities may be personified by self-patronisation, My name, that was as fresh As Dian's visage, is now begrimed and black As mine own face. (3.3.54). This metaphor, depicts Othellos suspicions of Desdemona's infidelity (though false) becoming pertinent and he alludes to race (his own skin tone) to depict his perceived decaying reputation, juxtaposed against the purity of a white (Dians visage) reputation. These suspicions have been created through Iagos dishonesty. Hence, the origins of Othellos individual epoch can be attributed to the lack of honesty that surrounds him. Othellos insecurities progress into a sadistic fury deriving from jealousy of Desdemona's supposed infidelity with Cassio. All my fond love thus do I blow to heaven. 'Tis gone. Arise, black vengeance, from thy hollow cell! (3.3.63) Othello associates blackness; his own skin tone with negativity - vengeance. Vengeance he acquires by slaying his betrothed "Put out the light, and then put out the light.(5.2.7)" The light symbolises Desdemona's life. Honesty is overshadowed by its contrast, dishonesty. Honesty is portrayed by Desdemona however, her life is taken under a misogynistic society, in which an individual males [Honest Iagos] fraudulent dishonesty is held in higher regard by Othello, inducing tragedy. Therefore, honesty is tarnished by the vice of Iago, encapsulating Othello and becoming the catalyst of his downfall. But also laying witness to the responder, Othellos monumental insecurities that indeed, must, to the responder be perceived as almost pathetic. As he fails to grasp truth from deception and (particularly as a figure of authority) a sense of self-worth. Othellos lack of self-worth and insecure state as a being may indeed be interpreted as his hamartia.2
Shakespeare examines an array of qualities that are unique to the human experience. One of these qualities namely being, and inherited as a pivotal theme throughout Othello is jealousy; "Trifles light as air Are to the jealous confirmations strong As proofs of holy writ.(3.3)" Shakespeare invests this human flaw within many characters, but quintessentially through Iago. However, the origins of his jealousy has stimulated much scholarly debate. Jealousy can be seen to manifest itself into the means of revenge. To some literary analysts Iago epitomizes the embodiment of motiveless malignity.3 However, to examine Iagos deep-rooted jealousy one must allude to Sigmund Freuds thesis. Three states of jealousy exist within the human experience; Normal Jealousy, Delusional Jealousy and Projective Jealousy.4Iago projects each of these states progressively; Jealousy (normal jealousy) He hath a daily beauty in his life that makes me ugly (5.1.19.20) This evocative juxtaposition expresses Iagos jealousy and hatred of Cassio. Paranoia (Delusional jealousy) O, beware, my lord, of jealousy; It is the green-eyed monster which doth mock. The meat it feeds on (3.3.15). This self-contradictory, and rhetorical dialogue, evokes (through the art of persuasion) to Othello and the responder; Iagos words regarding jealousy and how it can destroy a mans persona. Repressed Homosexuality (Projective jealousy) - I am not what I am.(1.1.65) Through Freuds thesis, this self-descriptive speech personifies Iagos repressed homosexuality, by admitting that his facade is not what it seems. Therefore, Iagos jealousy effects every character. Giving reasoning for Shakespeares Iago to exhibit the darkest characteristics of the human experience. His introversive intensions and extroversive actions manufacture the downfall of Othello and the resultant tragic occurrences. Thus, jealousy is an intoxicating human experience intricately woven with dishonesty, that eclipses its moral equivalent of honesty.
Shakespeares Othello formulates an almost tangible integrity. This is achieved through the exploration of how deceit and dishonesty compels intense emotional suffering and moral deterioration. The interaction of characters, interwoven with the darkest characteristics of the human experience enthralls a tragic consequence. Reinforcing the significance of honesty. And in-doing so presents, in a post-colonial interpretation an unassailable textual integrity.
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