My Group's Script Part 1

This is the script our group is going to use for the play. Part 1 was done by Wilson, our director.

Enter Iago

Iago

You have not been abed then?

Cassio

Why, no; the day had broke before we parted.

I have made bold, Iago,

To send in to your wife. My suit to her

Is that she will to virtuous Desdemona

Procure me some access.

Iago

I’ll send her to you presently;

And I’ll devise a mean to draw the Moor

Out of the way, that your converse and business

May be more free.

Cassio

I humbly thank you for’t

Exit Iago

I never knew a Florentine more kind and honest.

Othello’s headquarters: enter Othello and Iago

Othello

These letters give, Iago, to the pilot,

And by him do my duties to the senate.

That done, I will be walking on the works;

Repair there to me.

Iago

Well, my good lord, I’ll do it.

Exit Othello and Iago

Othello’s lodgings: enter Desdemona, Emilia and Cassio

Desdemona

Be thou assur’d, good Cassio, I will do

All thy abilities in thy behalf.

Cassio

Bounteous madam,

Whatever shall become of Michael Cassio,

He’s never anything but your true servant.

Enter Othello and Iago

Emilia

Madam, here comes my lord.

Cassio

Madam, I’ll take my leave.

Desdemona

Why, stay and hear me speak.

Cassio

Madam, not now; I am very ill at ease,

Unfit for mine own purpose.

Desdemona

Well, do your descreetion.

Exit Cassio

Othello

Was not that Cassio parted with my wife?

Iago

Cassio, my lord? No, sure I cannot think it

That he would steal away so guilty-like,

Seeing you coming.

Othello

I do believe ‘twas he.

Desdemona

How now, my lord?

I have been talking with a suitor here,

A man that languishes in your displeasure.

Othello

Who is’t you mean?

Desdemona

Why, your lieutenant, Cassio. Good my lord,

If I have any grace or power to move you,

His present reconciliation take.

For if he be not one that truly loves you,

That errs in ignorance, and not in cunning,

I have no judgement in an honest face.

I prithee call him back.

Othello

Where he hence now?

Desdemona

Ay, sooth; so humbled

That he hath left path of his grief with me

To suffer with him. Good live, call him back.

Othello

Not now, sweet Desdemona; some other time.

Desdemona

But shall’t be shortly?

Othello

The sooner, sweet, for you.

Desdemona

Why, then tomorrow night, or Tuesday morn,

On Tuesday noon, or night; on Wednesday morn.

I prithee name the time, but let it not

Exceed three days. In faith, he’s pertinent;

And yet he trespass, in our common reason –

Save that, they say, the wars must take example

Out of their best – is not almost a fault

T’incur a private check. When shall he come?

Tell me, Othello. I wonder in my soul

What you would ask me that I should deny,

Or stand so mammering on. What! Michael Cassio,

That came a-wooing with you, and so many a time

When I have spoke of you disprasingly

Have tane your part, to have so much to do

To bring him in? By’r Lady, I could do much-

Othello

Prithee no more. Let him come when he will;

I will deny thee nothing.

Desdemona

Why, this is not a boon;

‘Tis as I should entreat you wear your gloves,

Or feed on nourishing dishes, or keep you warm,

Or sue to you do a peculiar profit

To your own person. Nay, when I have a suit

Wherein I mean to touch your love indeed,

It shall be full of poise and difficult weight,

And fearful to be granted.

Othello

I will deny thee nothing.

Whereon, I do beseech thee, grant me this,

To leave me but a little to myself.

Desdemona

Shall I deny you? No; farewell, my lord.

Othello

Farewell, my Desdemona, I’ll come to you straight.

Desdemona

Emilia, come. Be as your fancies teach you;

Whate’er you be, I am obedient.

Exeunt Desdemona and Emilia

Othello

Excellent wretch, perdition catch my soul,

But I do love thee, and when I love thee not,

Chaos is come again.

Iago

My nobel lord,-

Othello

What dost thou say, Iago?

Iago

Did Michael Cassio, when you woo’d my lady,

Know of your love?

Othello

He did, from first to last:… who why dost thou ask?

Iago

But for the satisfaction of my thought.

No further harm.

Othello

Why of thy thought, Iago?

Iago

I did not think he had been acquainted with her.

Othello

O yes, and when between us very often.

Iago

Indeed?

Othello

Indeed? Indeed: discern’st thou aught in that?

Is he not honest?

Iago

Honest, my lord?

Othello

Honest? Ay, honest.

Iago

My lord, for aught I know.

Othello

What dost thou think?

Iago

Think, my lord?

Othello

Think, my lord? By heaven, he echoes me,

As if there were some monster in his thought,

Too hideous to be shown: thou didst mean something;

I heard thee say but now, thou lik’st not that,

When Cassio left my wife: what didst not like?

And when I told thee he was on my counsel,

In my whole course of wooing, thou criedst “Indeed?”

And didst contract and purse thy brow together,

As if thou then hadst shut up in thy brain

Some horrible conceit: if thou dost love me,

Show me thy thought.

Iago

My lord, you know I love you.

Othello

I think thou dost,

And for I know thou art full of love and honesty

And weighest thy words, before thou give ‘em breath,

Therefore these stops of thine fright me the more:

For such things in a false disloyal knave

Are tricks of custom; but in a man that’s just,

They are close denotements, working from the heart,

That passion cannot rule.

Iago

I dare presume, I think that he is honest.

Othello

I think so too.

Iago

Men should be that they seem,

Or those that be not, would they might seem none!

Othello

Certain, men should be what they seem.

Iago

Why then I think Cassio’s an honest man.

Othello

Nay, yet there’s more in this:

I prithee, speak to me as to thy thinkings,

As thou dost ruminate, and give the worst of thoughts

The worst of words.

Iago

Good my lord, pardon me;

Though I am not bound to every act of duty,

I am not bound to that all slaves are free to;

Utter my thoughts? Why, say that they are vile and false;

As where’s that palace, whereinto foul things

Sometimes intrude not? Who has a breast so pure,

But some uncleanly apprehensions

Keep leets and law-days, and in session sit

With meditations lawful?

Othello

Thou dost conspire against my friend, Iago,

If thou but thinkest him wrong’d, and makest his ear

A stranger to thy thoughts.

Iago

I do beseech you,

Though I perchance am vicious in my guess,

(As I confess it is in my nature’s plague

To spy into abuses, and off my jealousy

Shapes faults that are not) I entreat you then,

From one that so imperfectly conjects,

You’ld take no notice, nor build yourself a trouble

Out of my scattering and unsure observance;

It were not for your quiet, nor your good,

Nor for my manhood, honesty, or wisdom,

To let you know my thoughts.

Othello

Zounds!

Iago

Good name in man and women’s dear, my lord;

Is the immediate jewel of our souls:

Who steals my purse, steals trash, ‘tis something, nothing,

‘Twas mine, ‘tis his, and has been slave to thousands:

But he that filches from me my good name

Robs me of that which not enrich him,

And makes me poor indeed.

Othello

By heaven I’ll know thy tought.

Iago

You cannot, if my heart were in your hand,

Not shall not, whilst ‘tis in my custody:

O, beware jealousy;

It’s the green-ey’d monster, which doth mock

That meat it feeds on. That cuckold lives in bliss,

Who certain of his fate, loves not his wronger:

But O, what damned minutes tell he o’er

Who dotes, yet doubts, suspects, yet strongly loves!

Othello

O misery!

Iago

Poor and content is rich, and rich enough,

But riches, fineless, is as poor as winter

To him that ever fears he shall be poor:

Good God, the souls of all my tribe defend

From jealousy!

Othello

Why, why is this?

To follow still the change of the moon

With fresh suspicions? No, to be once in doubt,

Is once to be resolv’d: exchange me for a goat,

When I shall turn the business of my soul

To such exsufflicate and blown surmises,

Matching thy inference: ‘tis not to make me jealous,

To say my wife is fair, feeds well, loves company,

Is free of speech, sings, play and dances well;

Where virtue is, these are more virtuous:

Nor from mine own weak merits I will draw

The smallest fear, or doubt of her revolt,

For she had eyes, and chose me. No, Iago

I’ll see before I doubt, when I doubt, prove,

And on the proof, there is no more but this:

Away at once with love or jealousy!

Iago

I am glad of it, for now I shall have reason

To show the love and duty that I bear you

Which fanker spirit: therefore I am bound

Receive it from me: I speak not yet of proof;

Look to your wife, observe her well with Cassio;

Wear your eyes thus, not jealous, nor se cure.

I would not have your free and noble nature

Out of self-bounty be abused, look to’t:

I know our country disposition well;

In Venice they do let God see the pranks

They dare not show their husbands: their best conscience

Is not to leave undone, but keep unknown.

Othello

Dost thou say so?

Iago

She did deceive her father, marrying you;

And when she seem’d to shake and fear your looks,

She lov’d them most.

Othello

And so she did.

Iago

Why, go to then,

She that so young could give out such a seeming,

To seal her father’s eyes up, close as oak,

He thought ‘twas witchcraft: but I am much to blame,

I humbly do beseech you of your pardon,

For too much loving you.

Othello

I am bound to thee for ever.

Iago

Should you say so, my lord,

My speech should fall into such vile success

As my thoughts aim not at: Cassio’s my trusty friend:

My lord, I see you are mov’d.

Othello

No, not much mov’d,

I do not think but Desdemona’s honest.

Iago

Long live she so, and long live you to think so!

Othello

And yet how nature erring from itself-

Iago

Ay, there’s the point: as, to be bold with you,

Not to affect many proposed matches,

Of her own clime, complexion and degree,

Whereto we see in all things nature tends;

Fie, we may smell in such a will most rank,

Foul disproportion; thoughts unnatural.

But pardon me: I do not in position

Distinctly speak of her, though I may fear

Her will, recoiling to her better judgement,

May fall to match you with her country forms,

And happily repent.

Othello

Farewell, if more

Thou dost perceive, let me know more, set on

Thy wife to observe; leave me, Iago.

Iago

Going

My lord, I take my leave.

Othello

Why did I marry? This honest creature doubtless

Sees and knows more, much more, then he unfolds.

Iago

Returning

My lord, I would I might entreat your honour

To scan this things no further, leave it to time:

Though it be fit that Cassio have his place,

For sure he fills it up with great ability,

Yet if you please to hold him off awhile,

You shall by that perceive him and his mdeans;

Note if your lady strain her entertainment

With any strong or vehement importunity,

Much will be seen in that; in the mean time,

Let me be thought too busy in my fears

(As worthy cause I have to fear I am);

And hold her free, I do beseech your honour.

Othello

Fear not, my government.

Iago

I once more take my leave.

Othello and Inferiority Complex. (with a bit of Faustus)

http://cherylcanwrite.blogspot.com/2009/12/shakespeares-othello_1388.html

As I look upon the books – of Shakespeare’s Othello and Marlowe’s Doctor Faustus, though both have different story to tell, the fact remains that the major character of both plays had been subdued to the point they are unable to retain control over themselves. Thus it gives the idea of both plays are exploring the theme of inferiority complex. How the concept of inferiority complex can exist in these plays, or even played a significant importance in the characters development, can be understood by viewing from this perspective: of what the characters are – their flaw, their identity, and even their personal views – which the character or others can consider as a weaknesses, finally subduing the character to see it as imperfection. This imperfection that rooted deep inside them eventually bears the fruit of dissatisfaction which lead to a particular action. At some part, both of them may shared similarities - but yet perhaps, there are ought to be more to it; some kind of a divergence that provide them with their own personal uniqueness.

The differences can be seen in what had brought the main characters to their state of inferiority complex. In other word, the catalyst of which had brought the inferior side in them, both Othello and Doctor Faustus to emerge. For Othello, the main cause of his inferiority can be traced back to his own root as a black who is living in a white society. We can say that it is a feeling that has developed due to being different. Anyone who is different from the major norm or society would feel this way. It is a sad example as the fact is proven as we see a handicapped individual among normal people. The injection of thought, the asserted assumption of being different had made those who are handicapped feel inferior, may have happened to Othello. Though his physique is of a soldier, his colour had made him socially handicapped because the mentality in a white society never gives an equal standard to a black individual. It is proven in Othello that he had achieved many triumphs and has many achievements as a general – but that is all he is: a great general, but not an equal individual. We can see it through the refusal of Brabantio to accept him as Desdemona’s husband, and through Iago’s hatred as he mocked him as a ‘black ram, thick lips’ and ‘the devil’ throughout the play. To support this idea, we can see the realization that Othello himself conveyed “haply for I am black, and have not those soft parts of conversation.”, to show his so called flaw as a black individual. This inferiority complex in Othello continues to accumulate as Iago winds up his jealousy toward Cassio whom Iago had used as a mirror to reflect his inequality more apparent – a comparison of what Othello can never be.

For Doctor Faustus, the case is different. His inferiority does not relate to his race or skin colour like Othello’s. It is more to the interior than the exterior – because it is built by his consciousness: no matter how intelligent he is, he can only be a common man, whose parentage is “base of stock”, with no fortune and great title. It is ironic, for the knowledge that he have can only give him the rank of a doctor, albeit the wisdom he have is vast. This could be the foundation of his inferiority in a class-oriented world as it mixes with his desire to have more of what he lacks. This type of inferiority complex exists not just in Doctor Faustus, but also to everyone who wanted to change their social status – a working class individual struggling to reach the upper-class world, trying to get what Faustus wanted in the attempt to fill up the requirement.

Besides that, the differences can also be seen in their reaction towards their own inferiority complex. for Othello, the inferiority that he experienced because of his race and skin colour had made him clinging to his most favourable part: his quality as a general. He hides his inferiority behind the cloak of his great service to the country. We can see such avoidance from Othello as he speaks for himself in front of the entire Senator and the Duke, as he convey; “Rude am I in my speech... more than pertains to feats of broil and battle:” His attempt almost succeeded, if only he is not reminded by Iago about his flaw in the society through his plan. Othello’s flaw produces jealousy towards what he do not have but Cassio does as a white individual. In the end, he takes the same decision which is to hide his flaw by exterminating what makes him appear imperfect, by killing Desdemona.

As for Doctor Faustus, the inferiority that he feels makes him hungry inside – for more wealth and power than he can ever have, to compensate what he cannot accumulate because of his social standing – which is, injected with greed, will never be enough for him. We can see it throughout the play as he revealed his lust when he submitted to the devil in order to achieve what he wants.

Inferiority that these characters had felt is no small issue. As it enhances the play with its vital role, by becoming the key to end both Othello and Doctor Faustus lives, it also raises the question whether human being can control the imperfection that dwell inside of them – or eventually faces the same end as the main characters.

Othello Act 2

OMG! I missed today's tutorial! Huhuhu!

Anyhow, I guess it is time for me to finish what I was supposed to finish a LONG time ago...

I really have no more time to waste.

Act 2 in Othello is mainly about how Othello has gone to Cyprus to battle against the Ottomans but when he got there, the Ottoman fleet has been destroyed by a terrible storm. A celebration ensues, but the merry mood did not last long when Iago managed to get Cassio drunk and had him involved in a brawl which resulted in his position being stripped by Othello himself.

Act 2 ended with Iago suggesting Cassio to seek Desdemona's help to plea to Othello and regain his favour with him.

Well... I don't really feel much in Act 2 to be honest... though I can't help but noticing that there is to a certain extent religious chauvinism in Act 2.

Yup. It might be intentional or otherwise, but the story of the Ottoman fleet being destroyed in the storm somehow brings the impression that the forces of nature that went against these "heathens" (well, from the perspective of Othello) in their effort to attack Cyprus while the Venetians spared from its destruction are a form of divine intervention that went against them.

From my understanding on the religious perspective in Othello, Christianity is considered as the "true" religion and therefore, it is also logical and plain common sense to think that in this play, Christianity is also perceived to be superior. It is inevitable to see the religion of Islam being chauvinistically viewed by this form of perception with such discrimination, and with so much prejudice as well.

From here also, I decided to check out a little bit more (checking even beyond Chapter 2 itself) and I discovered that one who reads Othello must understand the ongoing conflict and wars that were happening between the European countries and the Ottoman Turks during that period and the Ottomans being viewed as a force of terror, fear, savagery and barbarianism to the Christian Europeans in order to fully understand the relationship between the Christians (the characters in Othello) and the Turks during that era. One must also understand that it was the Muslims who were the superpowers of that era, not the Christians.

No wonder the Turks were being related with so much negativity in Othello!

http://www.io.com/~jlockett/Grist/English/othello.html

Liyanxi's 1000 words assignment

Sinfulness

The play “Othello” is a very famous dramatic form of classical tragedy by William Shakespeare. The theme of evil and sin is clearly portrayed in the Elizabethan literature at that time, especially perform in the works of Shakespeare. Some elements or points of views are always occurs in these produces, such as the combination of race, rage, greedy, envy and so on. In the case of “Othello”, a hero--Othello struggle against enormous fate. The theme of works including many which comprises of the theme of love and jealousy, human as a gullible being and breach of trust of the subject and so on. In “Doctor Faustus”, Christopher Marlowe unfold the story revolve around the conflict of different beliefs in the mindset of doctor Faustus. In the terms of similar themes between this two plays,

Sin as a major theme which is depicted in the Othello’s play and “Doctor Faustus”. In the world, everyone has original sin. It is involved with the different kinds of desire, for instance, inferiority complex which overwhelmed and engulfed the human beings senses. we felt that ourselves is ignorant and humble at sometimes. There is one of the most clearly stated examples of the key character in the play “Othello”, Othello is not aware how deeply inferiority and prejudice has penetrated into his own personality, in the play, “I am not attractive”, “I am not worthy of Desdemona”, “it cannot be true that she really loves me,” and “if she loves me, then there must be something wrong with her”, these thoughts provoking by Iago’s lies and instigate, the most important, Othello do not have the confident about himself as well as the love between his wife and him. Furthermore, jealousy is part of the personality of human beings. In the play, both Othello and Iago could not obliterate from his mind the desire of jealousy. The existence of jealousy has the tendency to destroy Othello, he says: “O beware jealousy, it is the greeney’d monster, which doth mock, that meat it feeds on” (iii.3). Jealousy arouses that narrowness of mind, ideas, or views in Othello’s mind as well as Iago’s mind. For Othello, the growing jealousy drive himself to kills Desdemona, ultimately when the truth are make known, Othello return to calm rationality of judging and cannot bear his own mental accusation, which told him that he was sinful, finally he executing himself. In a similar way, as a villain, Iago also control by the desire of power, social status, and envy about happiness of others in his mind. It is true that it is wicked men who do such things, but the source of all such sins is that radical canker (sinfulness) in the mind.

Initially sin is regarded as a concept or motif in both play i.e. Doctor Faustus’ and ‘Othello’ does contribute an abundance to comment upon characters who are Satan figure which resemble evil villains and these two elements in both "Doctor Faustus" and "Othello “are interrelated in terms of Sinful incidence. Owing to that the two plays portray very similar comparisons and more meticulous.

The play “Doctor Faustus”, in my point of view, Faustus is an excellence expert and holistically professional in many field of study including Medicine, divine philosophy, law and so forth. In other’s view, he has already attained a great deal of achievements. He obtained the respect, praise, and adore form others, but he do not feel gratification and happy, he desires to further his mortal knowledge, power or something which are not humanly attainable, so that ,he pact with the devil in order get the magic to do whatever he yearns. He have again and again done a greedily and mad-brained in his actions. What is pride but an appetite for inordinate exaltation? In this processing, doctor Faustus was swelled with pride about himself, and finally those evil desires ruined his mind and soul. “MEPHASTOPHILIS: Why this is hell, nor am I out of it. Think’st thou that I, who saw the face of God, And tasted the eternal joys of heaven, Am not tormented with ten thousand hells, In being deprived of everlasting bliss? O Faustus, leave these frivolous demands, Which strike a terror to my fainting soul. FAUSTUS: What, is great Mephastophilis so passionate. For being deprivèd of the joys of heaven? Learn thou of Faustus manly fortitude, And scorn those joys thou never shalt possess.” (3.76–86) \Here, doctor Faustus shows his conceited maximization and speaking with contemptuously. Faustus got the super black magic, it is present that he use this power to play tricks and silly pranks to pope or royal family, in order to spoof their dignity and power. Greedy, boastful, unwarranted prides all are belong to a part of sinfulness. The conflict of the different beliefs is burst from his inner heart, finally, Faustus fail to stop yielding to sin and intend to destroy himself at the hand of Lucifer.

Different people will have different desire, such as, the sensual desire, wealth desire, and vanity desire and so on. the sins are motivated by attachment to furtive desires and is in the nature of human being. The sinfulness of desire will destroy your intelligent, cultivation, character and soul, finally, your life become a tragedy, just like doctor Faustus and Othello. When I finished reading about both play I could comprehend that the themes are interrelated. According to the New Testament there is a disparity that differentiate between good and evil besides it is also dealing with the desires are the root course and the evil of this world to contribute to sinfulness.

It can be seen in the excerpt : Colossians 3:5 and the "worldly desires" of Titus 2:12. John described these as "the lust of the flesh and the lust of the eyes and the boastful pride of life" (I John 2:16). Besides it can also be included the layman desires that are part of the human beings lives. Jesus spoke of those who ". . . have heard the word, and the worries of the world, and the deceitfulness of riches, and the desires for other things enter in and choke the word, and it becomes unfruitful" (Mark 4:18-19). In the long run,From the above except it reveals that the dark side of human beings and can be become a quintessence or exemplary to mankind.






References :
1. Relevent Bible Teaching, Retrieved 14 February 2010, from : http://www.relevantbibleteaching.com/site/cpage.asp?cpage_id=140027724&sec_id=140001239

Knowing More About Christopher Marlowe

Wanna know about more about the author of "Dr. Faustus"? Check out this website.

Dr. Nurul showed this to us during tutorial, and I personally finds this very insightful.

Hope you will enjoy it!

http://www.marlowe-society.org/

=)

"I Am Back"

Yup.

After a whole week of internet-less existence in my hometown throughout the Chinese New Year holidays and another week of procrastination...

"I am back."

Coming soon in the next few days... Othello Act 3,4 and 5.

(Have it all in my head since the holidays... just that I have not post them up yet... =.= )

Othello: Racism (Wilson's Assignment)

Racism is a very prevalent theme in Othello; in which many of the events and conflicts in Othello are centred in it.

Throughout the play, we can see that Othello has been placed in a society setting where racism is so prevalent where the white are considered as more superior and the blacks being marginalized as the more inferior and savage race. Even in throughout the play, Othello is often addressed as the Moor rather than his own name, which reflects upon a great degree of Othering.

“Iago: Even now, very now, an old black ram
Is tupping your white ewe, arise, arise,
Awake the snorting citizens with the bell,
Or else the devil will make a grandsire of you,
Arise I say”
(Othello, Act 1 Scene 1, line 88-91)

From here as well one can already see how Othello has been distinguished by his skin colour, and how he was related to the devil as if he has any blood ties with the devil himself - which is obviously a very degrading relation to be made on any human being in relation to his or her race.

This quoted part of the play has also reflects on the “holier than thou” mentality of the White majority towards Othello, and of their perception that they are more “godly” because of their white skin and Othello is “related to the devil” because his skin is black even though Othello is a Christian and believes in the same God just like the rest of them (Which ironically in the Bible, it was written in Colossians chapter 3 verse 11 in the New International Version that “Here there is no Greek or Jew, circumcised or uncircumcised, barbarian, Scythian, slave or free, but Christ is all, and is in all.”, which literally, irrefutably, and directly mean that there should be no distinction or discriminations between believers).

And in addition to the accusation to being related to the devil, Othello is also being accused by Brabantio for witchcraft which is demonic by origin in the Christian belief, which is also shown in the next quoted passage of the play:

“Brabantio: O thou foul thief, where has thou stow’d my daughter?
Damn’d as thou art, thou has enchanted her,
For I’ll refer me to all things of sense,
(If she chains of magic were not bound)
Whether a maid, so tender, fair and happy,
So opposite to marriage, that she shunn’d
The wealthy curled darlings of our nation,
Would ever have (to incur a general mock)
Run from her guardage to the sooty bosom
Of such a thing as thou? to fear, not to delight.”
(Othello, Act 1 Scene 2, Line 62-65)

Apart from the race-related accusations, Line 62-65 also reveals the perception of Brabantio that he thinks that it is unthinkable for his daughter to elope with Othello out of love or free will because of the blackness of his skin. Barbantio’s perception is also enforced in a clearer manner in Line 220-234 in Act 2 and Line 232-244 in Act 3:

“Iago: Lay thy fingers thus, and let thy soul be instructed: mark me, with what violence she first lov’d the Moor, but for bragging, and telling her fantastical lies; and will she love him still for prating? let not the discreet heart think so. Her eyes must be fed, and what delight shall she have to look on the devil? When the blood is made dull with the act of sport, there should be again to inflame it, and give satiety a fresh appetite, loveliness in favour, sympathy in years, manners and beauties; all which the Moor is defective in: now, for want of these requir’d conveniences, her delicate tenderness will find itself abus’d, begin to heave the gorge, disrelish and abhor the Moor, very nature will instruct her to it, and compel her to some second choice.”
(Othello, Act 2 Scene 1 Line 220-234)

Iago: Ay, there’s the point: as, to be bold with you,
Not to affect many proposed matches,
Of her own clime, complexion and degree,
Whereto we see in all things nature tends;
Fie, we may smell in such a will most rank,
Foul disproportion; thoughts unnatural.
But pardon me: I do not in position
Distinctly speak of her, though I may fear
Her will, recoiling to her better judgement,
May fall to match you with her country forms,
And happily repent.

Othello: Farewell, if more
Thou dost perceive, let me know, set on
Thy wife to observe; leave me, Iago.”
(Othello, Act 3 Scene 3, Line 232-244)

The quoted passages reveals a concept of “nature” and “innateness” which the society in Othello believes in, where a white woman like Desdemona would never fall in love with a black man just like Othello because such is her innate nature. And with this concept of “innateness” also comes in the idea of beauty, status, manners, sexual attraction and even social standard as being racially innate as well - and from all these one can also implicate that the Whites think that they are innately and by nature more superior than the Blacks which in Othello, is represented by Othello himself. And with this mentality being injected into Othello from such a social environment, one must understand Othello’s feelings of internal inferiority and insecurity that comes as a result of being there - and it is also the same feeling of inferiority that has caused his marriage to crumble; for it is from this feeling of inferiority complex that his jealousy drew its strength from it which in turn was planted by the mentality of the society that surrounds him.

“…Haply, for I am black,
And have not those soft parts of conversation
That chamberers have, or for I am declin’d”
(Othello, Act 3 Scene 3, Line 267-269)
“O curse of marriage,
That we can call these delicate creatures ours,
And not their appetites! I had rather be a toad,
And live upon the vapour in the dungeon,
Than keep a corner in a thing I love,
For other’s uses:
(Othello, Act 3 Line 3, 272-276)

Even though he has converted into Christianity which promotes equality regardless of race and backgrounds, the influence of racism is so strong in the society that it is deemed as relevant and acceptable by all - even by Othello himself. The racism that was existent in the society of Othello was the main causes to the tragedy that befalls Othello in the end, not Iago’s insinuation. Any one who is harbouring feelings of hatred or racial sentiments could have taken over his role with ease in the play, but this fatal concept of racism in the settings of Othello will always end up becoming the greatest villain that Othello can never overcome as long as the idea of racism remains unchallenged in that society.

Han Jing's 1000 Word Assignment

Othello

Othello by William Shakespeare, also known as the Moor of Venice, is one of the most well known tragedy play ever written by him. Perhaps one of the distinctive factors shown in this classic tragedy play would be the main character, Othello, an African, or a black, which separates most of his other heroes such as Hamlet or King Lear. Being a black, Othello is given a high status in society - noble, famous, and highly placed in the regards of his rulers, he has everything except for having a different skin color. His only weakness is a pervading insecurity and self-loathing, which provides a good opportunity for the villain, Iago, to take advantage on his fatal flaw an unreasonable, irrational jealousy that drives him to kill what he holds dear which is his wife and in the end throwing everything away when he commit suicide after knowing his mistakes of accusing her. The play revolving on Othello the powerful yet unsecure hero and Iago, master of manipulator provide us with variety and current themes of racism, love, jealousy, and betrayal. However, it is through Othello’s character that we are able to comprise a main theme for the play which is appearance versus reality.

Throughout the whole play, it can be seen that the main theme is all about positive versus negative, good versus bad, right versus wrong, and even though there are some grey lines towards these claims, to sum up all of these, it is clear to see that it is mostly regarding appearance versus reality. This can be well seen by the villain of the play which is Iago the manipulator who throughout the play was scheming to get back at Othello for promoting Cassio instead of him. It is known that Iago was claimed by most of the character as being Honest Iago but the reader knowing better are aware on what Iago real intention is all about. Iago deceiving and able to control the simple minded and foolish Roderigo was no surprise to us. However, the surprising thing was even the skillful soldier and leader, Othello fall prey to Iago’s scheme. Othello who pride himself for being a great warrior and in control of every movement in the play has a weakness which is being an outsider. Iago’s main weapon to mislead all the characters in the play may be because they all have the same opinion towards him which is: they trusted Iago.

From the appearance, racism is seen because from the characters skin color, their attitude and characteristic are judged. This can be seen by how Othello was judged by those who distrust black people and despise them; Iago, even though he is Othello’s ensign, he despised him as much as any other racism white people are. Iago frequently repeated the term to compare “black” and “white” numerous of time can be seen in one of the famous quotes:

Even now, now, very now, an old black ram is tupping your white ewe.

Arise, arise;

Awake the snorting citizens with the bell,

Or else the devil will make a grandsire of you.

Arise I say! (1.1.9)

The ironic part of the play would be the fact that Othello himself perceived himself as being the wild, uncivilized outsider even in reality he was not the sort of person. Other than that, Othello being well known for being the great warrior was still naïve towards the corruption of individuals that is happening in reality. His nature of trusting people is very dangerous, especially when he put his full trust on Iago, the one he should be avoiding and keeping an eye on. Since he trusted people who claims that Iago is honest, he trusted Iago full heartedly. As one can say, the appearance is very deceiving when one assumed and judge by the book cover.

What would have appeared to be foul play was later been said to be all a misunderstanding; the love between Othello and his wife, Desdemona was being question not only by the husband himself but also by her own father, Brabantio, that she is not someone to be trusted:

Look to her, Moor, if thou has eyes to see:

She has deceived her father, and may thee (1.3.286)

Othello and Desdemona marriage was never clear and how they even attract each other was not clear. It is because of this reason that made Othello’s marriage with Desdemona seem as a foul play, where Othello being a black was accused of using black magic to woo her. However, it was reveal that it was not black magic that tie them together but the magic of love and respect for each other that lead them to fall in love with each other. Othello and Desdemona show their affection for each other regardless of racial and cultural differences. 

                               My heart’s subdued. Even to the very quality of my lord.

                               I saw Othello’s visage in his mind,

                               And to his honors and his valiant parts

                               Did I my sould and fortunes consecrate (1.3.250 – 254)

Though it may sound bizarre, in the end, their love is forever. It may appear that there was no hope between the both of them and their love was neither genuine nor honest. To love someone, jealousy must be experience and Othello’s jealousy was derived from his sincere love for Desdemona, for he does not know how to handle the fact that Desdemona may no longer love him the way that he loves her. Othello decision to kill his wife was the climax of their relationship. However, even at the time of her death, Desdemona was singing which shows that she had forgiven Othello.

               As the statement given above, it is clear that from the appearance, it is a total contrast towards reality. The main theme of the play revolves around taking advantage of the appearance and assuming it to be truth when the truth in reality is a total contrast with the issue. Everything was going peacefully until Iago wanted something that was not meant for him thus him breaking the rule of the natural order. Iago plays an important role in the play as he is almost similar to Othello, controlling everyone’s movement, only Iago’s manipulates their will in order to trap them in an intricate net of lies. Even the mighty Othello has fallen into his trap. This shows how everyone has their own weaknesses and them looking confident and powerful does not necessary means that they are who they are inside in reality.

Work Cited

1. Vaughan, Virginia Manson. “Othello, a Contextual History”. Cambridge University Press, 1994.

2. http://www.gradesaver.com/othello/study-guide/major-themes/

3. http://www.shmoop.com/othello/quotes.html

4. http://www.field-of-themes.com/shakespeare/essays/Eothello3.htm

Perspective about Othello

Othello is pertaining the theme of works including many which comprises of the theme of love and jealousy, human as a gullible being and breach of trust of the subject, the subject of mixed marriages and so forth. On ‘ Othello’ a drama which was learned early in the second half of the 17th century, From the drama especially from the story perspective it is considered a good play, the main characters is depicted exceedingly well temptation scene "excellent demonstration of the wicked Iago's" proclivity "... ... for the main character of Othello's view there are usually two: he is a strong and broad and soul of the noble hero ; and it is killing his beloved wife, but because the gullible, especially rape is too cunning slander caused by Iago; the other is not so noble Othello, but a strong sense of self and personality defective person; he is anxious emergency can not wait to to listen to the Iago, the responsibility himself.

As a main theme which is racial anxiety which is ubiquitously showed in othello’s play. When i read the last scene, Othello committing suicide beside in his wife Desdemona awful corpse in, I immersed in an atmosphere of sorrow and sadness. Indeed, Iago is despicable, it is a conspiracy framed Othello and his wife Desdemona; and in such a setting, anyone could have caught up with his conspiracy and ended up doing roughly the same, if not equally as tragic, mistakes just like Othello did. Shakespeare set Othello as a black man. This also meant the beginning of the tragedy in the play. Previously Othello was deemed as low rank in the society but owing to his own efforts and eventually become a member of the Duchy of Venice generals, he is definitely a smart and capable people, heroic, but in the long run he’s been discriminated against in a growth environment, this should be the root cause of his suspicious and uncertain character. Initially, it was Desdemona to break the secular bias, married with Othello. But just because a few provocative Yago began to suspect his wife, Desdemona, and no excuse not to listen. That means in Othello's mind, or a shadow of inferiority, because he is a black man. With this in mind it is the shadow, only to find the gap Yago the snake attack. So I think the root lies the tragedy of Othello, the story's place, precisely because of secular pressures, resulting in distortion of Othello psychological, and ultimately led to the tragedy. In fact Iago first betrayal, but also because he was dissatisfied with the army commander. The supportive Iago is not a separate individual in the drama ambience, if not because of the surreptitious attempt made by him or the appearance of the other villain we can only envisage that othello’s tragedy is a tragedy of fate.

these are all crap - or something that can be called a personal ideas, or just another lunatic typing it for fun. owh wait, that would be me.

anyway, read it for literature's sake.

othello is about change (at least for me). it is a change of human state in its very internal nature - the mind, emotion, feeling, and thus characteristic. a romanticized (perhaps) part in shakespeare's drama. no wonder he is a genius.

to argue whether it is romanticized or not, take not the resemblance of human reasoning in the Enlightenment era, the Rationalism, and whatever that is prone in being against the feeling of human being. Othello is one of a good example about it. a proud man of his office, his wife, his deed, his valor - you name it. a reasonable person wont torn down his reputation by eloping with a woman - but he did. argue with me if it is by reason, factual reason that had made him brought out the decision.

so it is much had convinced me that othello is most part is about feeling and all.

jealousy, hatred, love, revenge, desperation... and a lot more, like a telenovela, only its in classic english.

let see how the all-good othello had been manipulated by his own feeling. whoaa, man can be very touchy - good job shakespeare. you've revealed our secret.

ehmm... back to othello and his feeling - as you all can see, it rises the question that whether a person can remain good forever - or bad till he goes six feet down under? Iago versus Othello, Othello versus Desdemona, Cassio versus Iago (with the sidekick Othello) in a middleweight tournament of are-you-really-that-innocent-kind-of-people-to-the-dead? when this is said, look of how each other manipulate each other - or perhaps, assuming the opposite with their own perception. it is a psychological war between them. reasons are no longer that clear to each of them.

think about it. OTHELLO - a game of changing the black to white and vice versa? its symbolically giving the idea of change, and in this drama, it is the emotional struggle also known as "feeling". look at the attempt of Iago changing the feeling of othello towards Desdemona and Cassio, flipping him to what he is not.

well, that is it for now. and happy Chinese New Year~ hiccup