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.
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