Commentary on Othello Essay

Othello Essay

Tragedy investigates the flaws of human nature and because there are many aspects of human character from which the flaws arise, there becomes no single reason/character for which the tragedy can be blamed. Shakespeare explores such complex facets of human character through the use of soliloquies, as well as to build a suspenseful climax; in Othello. This is evident through Othellos soliloquy in Act III scene 3 lines 260-281 as this is the critical point from which Othello spirals out of control as he changes from a reputable character to the uncivilised person Iago has poisoned him to be.

The vices and virtues that Othello possesses mean that it is difficult to justify whether Othello is a good or bad character. In the beginning of the play, Othello is established as a virtuous character as seen by the way he stops a conflict between Brabantio and himself from his conciliatory speech in Act 1. But his overly trusting character, especially misplacing in on Iago that leads him to his tragic end, as it is not his flaw that leads to his downfall but the virtue of trust. Othello refers to Iago with this fellows of exceeding honesty, and knows all qualities, with a learned spirit, of human dealings (3.3.260-262) and so trusts Iago when he is told that Desdemona has cheated on him. This is tragic because Othello proves himself to be such a good person, because of his jealousy, he falls for Iagos trickery, believing that Desdemona would cheat on him because That chambers have, or for I am declined into the vale of years (3.3.268-269) believing he is no longer a desirable male. This weakness in Othellos character augmented by his trust on Iago implicates the changes in his character and that he is becoming more like the typical Moor that the Venetians call him which are stereotyped as monstrous and lustful creatures. Both these good and bad qualities of Othello have been responsible for his downfall indicating his complex personality and the difficultness to justify which side Othello is on.

The audiences sympathy is evoked throughout the play thus creating a complex relationship between the audience and the various characters in the play. The audience become aware of Iagos evil plans through his soliloquies and dramatic irony but they are unable to do anything about this. Othello is unaware of the Iagos poisoning of his mind and places all his trust on him believing he is the only friend that he can trust and rely on. He begins to speculate that Desdemona is unfaithful to him when he says If I do prove her haggard... Id whistle her off and let her down the wind to prey at fortune, (3.3.262-265). He is believes that Desdemona would cheat on him because of his race and the fact that he is much older than her. The audience is fully aware that Desdemona is faithful and loyal but is incapable of doing anything because it calls for audiences empathy but refuses them action and their involvement in the drama.

The numerous dilemmas that accumulate to Othellos downfall establishes a complex storyline that offers no single reason for his tragedy. While in the beginning of the play, it is axiomatic that Othello is well established in his status and respectability in Venetian society through his service to the state and the image he carefully constructs, but as the play goes on, the inner turmoils of Othello which the audience assumes to be resolved, are brought forward again by Iagos manipulation. Othello is lead to believe that the main reason for his issue with Desdemona is because of his race and his old age when he murmurs Haply for I am black, and have not those soft parts for conversation (3.3.265-266). It is the first time Othello refers to his own ethnicity and old age in a negative way and genuinely believing that the way he is talking is rude which is a direct contrast to the rude speech he refers to in Act 1 where he humbly says Rude am I in my speech and little blessed with the soft phrase of peace (1.3.81-82). The audience is able to observe the slow decay of Othellos goodness through each quandary as he becomes more barbaric and primitive from Iagos manipulation.

The passionate character of Othello leads him to extremes in attitude, affecting his judgement of right and wrong. Othello is exceedingly passionate towards Desdemona but also places his entire trust and belief onto Iago. Othello says If she be false, O then heaven mocks itself; Ill not believe it, (3.3.280-281). He explains that he cannot believe that something so beautiful cannot possibly be so evil and deceptive. However, his extreme trust in Iago and his words made Othello forget his passion towards Desdemona, rashly converting his love into hatred O curse of marriage, that we can call these delicate creatures ours and not their appetites! (3.3.270-272). In the mere duration of his short soliloquy, we observe how Othello can easily become so passionate over something without carefully considering it. Othello starts off controlled and well tempered but in this soliloquy his speech is then turned into a passionate rant. In the beginning of the play, Othello is able to stop a fight with his words Keep up your bright swords, for the dew will rust them, (1.2.59). This shows his calmness and his dispassionate speech that talks himself out of a conflict meaning he is a highly respected character. But in the soliloquy he becomes quick tempered from his use of O curse of marriage, (3.3.270) and O heaven mocks itself, (3.3.280). The short sentences, lack of syncopated beat and rhyme, and the use of O and exclamation marks, are evidence of the impetuous rant that Othello has become.

Shakespeare investigates the complex nature of human character, vices and virtues to show the audience his ideas and understanding of human nature. Shakespeare uses this soliloquy to acknowledge the many flaws of Othello and also reveal the turning point of his character when he declares that he no longer loves Desdemona. The way Shakespeare involves the audience and their emotions into the play creates a complexity in drama that exists beyond the words on the page. This soliloquy is important because it is a caution to all that this could happen to anyone if they become extremely passionate over something and follow the tragic path of Othello.