Othello, the Moor of Venice
William Shakespeare
By the end of the play, Emilia proves to be a dynamic character. At the beginning of the play, Emilia would not speak against her husband or other men. She seemed to be passive and somewhat insignificant. By the end of the play, her role grew. After accidentally interrupting Desdemona's murder, Emilia passionately argued against Othello that Desdemona was an honest and pure woman. Othello counters Emilia's argument by stating that Iago first told him of Desdemona's infidelity. 'If he say so, may his pernicious soul Rot half a grain a day! He lies to the heart. She was to fond of her most filthy bargain" (V, ii, 154-156). Here, Emilia dangerously stated that Desdemona's marriage to Othello was "filthy", and Desdemona should have married a better man than Othello. Emelia also spoke against her husband, revealing how she found the handkerchief and gave it to Iago. This was also a risky statement because Iago drew his sword to silence Emelia; luckily, Graziano stopped Iago from this initial blow. In these two examples, Emilia shows her growth in confidence to speak her thoughts against those 'superior' to her. In doing so, she displays herself as a dynamic character.
Wednesday, February 13, 2013
Othello: Acts IV and V
Othello, the Moor of Venice
William Shakespeare
Iago continues to manipulate other characters as the play continues. Again, Roderigo approaches Iago to complain that he has yet to start a relationship with Desdemona. Roderigo, who has paid large sums of money to Iago, complains that he has not gotten the results that he has spent the money for. Roderigo complaining to Iago about not seeing the results of his work has been a reoccurring scene throughout the play. In addition, Iago consistently reassures Roderigo that in time he will have a relationship with Desdemona. Also, Iago continues his speech to the point of manipulating Roderigo to do Iago's dirty work. Earlier, Roderigo picked a drunken fight with Cassio, and now Roderigo confronted Cassio to kill him. "I will show you such a necessity in his death that you shall think yourself bound to put it on him" (IV, ii, 230-231). Because Iago continues to successfully manipulate Roderigo, Roderigo stays as a static character. In addition, Iago is a static character because he continues to manipulate Roderigo in the same way as earlier scenes in the play.
William Shakespeare
Iago continues to manipulate other characters as the play continues. Again, Roderigo approaches Iago to complain that he has yet to start a relationship with Desdemona. Roderigo, who has paid large sums of money to Iago, complains that he has not gotten the results that he has spent the money for. Roderigo complaining to Iago about not seeing the results of his work has been a reoccurring scene throughout the play. In addition, Iago consistently reassures Roderigo that in time he will have a relationship with Desdemona. Also, Iago continues his speech to the point of manipulating Roderigo to do Iago's dirty work. Earlier, Roderigo picked a drunken fight with Cassio, and now Roderigo confronted Cassio to kill him. "I will show you such a necessity in his death that you shall think yourself bound to put it on him" (IV, ii, 230-231). Because Iago continues to successfully manipulate Roderigo, Roderigo stays as a static character. In addition, Iago is a static character because he continues to manipulate Roderigo in the same way as earlier scenes in the play.
Othello: Acts IV and V
Othello, the Moor of Venice
William Shakespeare
In scene one of act four, Othello shows a very different side to his personality. Before he began to doubt his wife's faithfulness, Othello held a very calm, composed and poised demeanor. For example, when Cassio began to fight with other soldiers, Othello calmed the troops and ended the struggle with poise and confidence. When his wife awoke, he turned to her lovingly and gently returned with her to their room. In act four, Othello has become anxious, jealous, and angry. He suspects that his wife of infidelity, and during a conversation between the couple about Cassio, Othello hits Desdemona. This sudden irate action shows a change in Othello's character. Earlier in the play, Iago warned Othello, "Oh, beware, my lord, of Jealousy./It is the green-eyed monster which doth mock/The meat it feeds on" (III, iii, 166-168). This quote foreshadows that Othello's jealousy will eventually ruin his life. In seeing Othello hitting Desdemona, the audience sees that this moment of foreshadowing is in the process of happening, and Othello will soon meet his demise. This change in demeanor also shows that Othello is a dynamic character. Unfortunately, he is changing for the worse.
William Shakespeare
In scene one of act four, Othello shows a very different side to his personality. Before he began to doubt his wife's faithfulness, Othello held a very calm, composed and poised demeanor. For example, when Cassio began to fight with other soldiers, Othello calmed the troops and ended the struggle with poise and confidence. When his wife awoke, he turned to her lovingly and gently returned with her to their room. In act four, Othello has become anxious, jealous, and angry. He suspects that his wife of infidelity, and during a conversation between the couple about Cassio, Othello hits Desdemona. This sudden irate action shows a change in Othello's character. Earlier in the play, Iago warned Othello, "Oh, beware, my lord, of Jealousy./It is the green-eyed monster which doth mock/The meat it feeds on" (III, iii, 166-168). This quote foreshadows that Othello's jealousy will eventually ruin his life. In seeing Othello hitting Desdemona, the audience sees that this moment of foreshadowing is in the process of happening, and Othello will soon meet his demise. This change in demeanor also shows that Othello is a dynamic character. Unfortunately, he is changing for the worse.
Wednesday, February 6, 2013
Othello: Acts I-III
Othello, the Moor of Venice
William Shakespeare
During scene three of act three, Desdemona offers Othello a handkerchief to use that he had given her. He refuses to use it saying, "Your napkin is too little" (Shakespeare, Act III, iii, 288). After Othello refused the handkerchief, it dropped to the ground and Desdemona left forgetting to pick it up. This handkerchief is a symbol for Othello and Desdemona's love and trust for one another. By forgetting it on the ground, the couple forgets their trust in one another. Also, this shows that their love for one another may be unraveling. This handkerchief also reveals characteristics about Othello's heritage. Othello has maintained a mysterious persona in the play so far, but during this act readers learn more about his heritage when he explains the background of the handkerchief. Unfortunately, this romantic memento causes problems between the newly married couple later on in the act. Othello, suspecting Desdemona of infidelity, asks for the handkerchief, the symbol of their love. When Desdemona cannot immediately give it to him, he becomes irate and leaves furiously. At the end of the act, Cassio is seen giving the handkerchief to Bianca to copy. Replicating the embroidery of the handkerchief would be symbolic for duplicating Desdemona's love, which Othello would view as infidelity.
William Shakespeare
During scene three of act three, Desdemona offers Othello a handkerchief to use that he had given her. He refuses to use it saying, "Your napkin is too little" (Shakespeare, Act III, iii, 288). After Othello refused the handkerchief, it dropped to the ground and Desdemona left forgetting to pick it up. This handkerchief is a symbol for Othello and Desdemona's love and trust for one another. By forgetting it on the ground, the couple forgets their trust in one another. Also, this shows that their love for one another may be unraveling. This handkerchief also reveals characteristics about Othello's heritage. Othello has maintained a mysterious persona in the play so far, but during this act readers learn more about his heritage when he explains the background of the handkerchief. Unfortunately, this romantic memento causes problems between the newly married couple later on in the act. Othello, suspecting Desdemona of infidelity, asks for the handkerchief, the symbol of their love. When Desdemona cannot immediately give it to him, he becomes irate and leaves furiously. At the end of the act, Cassio is seen giving the handkerchief to Bianca to copy. Replicating the embroidery of the handkerchief would be symbolic for duplicating Desdemona's love, which Othello would view as infidelity.
Tuesday, February 5, 2013
Othello: Acts I-III
Othello, the Moor of Venice
William Shakespeare
In the beginning of Act III, Shakespeare provides the audience with comedic relief by introducing the clown. As one would suspect, this clown makes jokes that make the audience smile.
"Cassio: 'Dost thou hear, my honest friend? '
Clown: 'No, I hear not your honest friend, I hear you.'" (Shakespeare, Act III, i, 19-20)
One question that came to mind though was 'Why did Shakespeare include a clown in this story, and why is the clown important?'The clown draws attention to situations that are humorous or silly. Perhaps the clown holds relevance in this story to bring light to the ridiculous plot of the play. Iago seeks retribution on Othello because Othello promoted Cassio and Othello is rumored to be sleeping with Iago's wife. The rumor has no concrete evidence, but Iago seeks revenge anyway. Iago feels entitled to be the Lieutenant arguing that he is more qualified because he has more experience. His desire to be Lieutenant holds more reasonable weight than the rumor about his wife. Still, Iago's extreme desire for revenge seems humorous to the reader. By introducing the clown, Shakespeare helps the audience to recognize the humorous events of the play.
William Shakespeare
In the beginning of Act III, Shakespeare provides the audience with comedic relief by introducing the clown. As one would suspect, this clown makes jokes that make the audience smile.
"Cassio: 'Dost thou hear, my honest friend? '
Clown: 'No, I hear not your honest friend, I hear you.'" (Shakespeare, Act III, i, 19-20)
One question that came to mind though was 'Why did Shakespeare include a clown in this story, and why is the clown important?'The clown draws attention to situations that are humorous or silly. Perhaps the clown holds relevance in this story to bring light to the ridiculous plot of the play. Iago seeks retribution on Othello because Othello promoted Cassio and Othello is rumored to be sleeping with Iago's wife. The rumor has no concrete evidence, but Iago seeks revenge anyway. Iago feels entitled to be the Lieutenant arguing that he is more qualified because he has more experience. His desire to be Lieutenant holds more reasonable weight than the rumor about his wife. Still, Iago's extreme desire for revenge seems humorous to the reader. By introducing the clown, Shakespeare helps the audience to recognize the humorous events of the play.
Monday, February 4, 2013
Othello: Acts I-III
Othello, the Moor of Venice
William Shakespeare
As the play began, Iago explicitly stated his hatred toward Othello. As the reader may assume, Iago plans some form of revenge on Othello. However, Iago has not yet revealed his plan for revenge on Othello. Despite not knowing, the play has an ominous feel that Othello will soon face tragedy. "The desperate tempest hath so banged the Turks/ That their designment halts" (Shakespeare, Act II, i, 21-22). This quote could foreshadow the demise that Othello will face. In this quote, the Turks could represent Othello, and the tempest could represent the trouble that Iago will cause. This quote may offer some hope for Othello, though, because the Turks only halt their plan because of the storm. The Turks are not completely annihilated by the storm. This may offer hope for Othello because his position as a military leader may be stopped, but he would still have his life.
William Shakespeare
As the play began, Iago explicitly stated his hatred toward Othello. As the reader may assume, Iago plans some form of revenge on Othello. However, Iago has not yet revealed his plan for revenge on Othello. Despite not knowing, the play has an ominous feel that Othello will soon face tragedy. "The desperate tempest hath so banged the Turks/ That their designment halts" (Shakespeare, Act II, i, 21-22). This quote could foreshadow the demise that Othello will face. In this quote, the Turks could represent Othello, and the tempest could represent the trouble that Iago will cause. This quote may offer some hope for Othello, though, because the Turks only halt their plan because of the storm. The Turks are not completely annihilated by the storm. This may offer hope for Othello because his position as a military leader may be stopped, but he would still have his life.
Othello: Acts I-III
Othello, the Moor of Venice
William Shakespeare
As the play begins, Iago displays his villainous character to the audience by speaking with Roderigo about his hate towards Othello. In the first scene, Iago advises Roderigo to tell Desdemona's father Brabantio about her relationship with Othello. The news upsets Brabantio greatly, and he calls for a search for his daughter and Othello. In the following scene, the audience sees Iago talking with Othello. "And spoke such scurvy and provoking terms/Against your honor/That, with the little godliness I have,/ I did full hard forbear him" (Shakespeare, Act I, ii, 7-10). In this quote, Iago is telling Othello that he defended Othello's honor from Brabantio's remarks after he found out about Othello's marriage. In this moment of "kindness" from Iago, the audience sees dramatic irony. The audience knows that Iago looks for revenge against Othello, but in this scene, Othello only sees the kind deed of Iago. This dramatic irony makes the reader feel sympathy for Othello because his trusting character will be abused by the villainous Iago. However, the audience may also hold reservations about giving Othello sympathy because he is naive enough to believe Iago, when the audience can plainly see that Iago is tricking Othello.
William Shakespeare
As the play begins, Iago displays his villainous character to the audience by speaking with Roderigo about his hate towards Othello. In the first scene, Iago advises Roderigo to tell Desdemona's father Brabantio about her relationship with Othello. The news upsets Brabantio greatly, and he calls for a search for his daughter and Othello. In the following scene, the audience sees Iago talking with Othello. "And spoke such scurvy and provoking terms/Against your honor/That, with the little godliness I have,/ I did full hard forbear him" (Shakespeare, Act I, ii, 7-10). In this quote, Iago is telling Othello that he defended Othello's honor from Brabantio's remarks after he found out about Othello's marriage. In this moment of "kindness" from Iago, the audience sees dramatic irony. The audience knows that Iago looks for revenge against Othello, but in this scene, Othello only sees the kind deed of Iago. This dramatic irony makes the reader feel sympathy for Othello because his trusting character will be abused by the villainous Iago. However, the audience may also hold reservations about giving Othello sympathy because he is naive enough to believe Iago, when the audience can plainly see that Iago is tricking Othello.
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