• Analysis of Shakespeare story Othello

Analysis of Othello

Othello is one of Shakespeare's most famous plays and has been subject to numerous analyses and interpretations over the years. This research paper will explore the various themes, characters, and literary devices used in the play and examine their significance in the overall meaning of the play.

Themes

One of the most prominent themes in Othello is jealousy. Jealousy is explored through the character of Othello, who becomes consumed by it after being convinced by Iago that his wife, Desdemona, is having an affair with his lieutenant, Cassio. Othello's jealousy leads him to murder his wife, believing her to be unfaithful.

Another significant theme in the play is the nature of appearance vs. reality. Iago is a master of deception and uses his ability to manipulate appearances to his advantage. He is able to convince Othello that Cassio and Desdemona are having an affair by creating false appearances and manipulating reality.

Betrayal is another theme that is explored in the play. Othello feels betrayed by his wife, who he believes has been unfaithful to him. He also feels betrayed by Cassio, whom he believes has violated his trust by sleeping with his wife. Iago is the ultimate betrayer in the play, as he betrays everyone around him to achieve his own selfish goals.

Characters

Othello is the tragic hero of the play. He is a Moorish general in the Venetian army who falls in love with Desdemona. Othello is a noble character, but his jealousy and lack of trust ultimately lead to his downfall.

Desdemona is Othello's wife and a beautiful, virtuous woman. She is falsely accused of infidelity and is ultimately murdered by her husband. Desdemona represents the innocent victim of jealousy and betrayal.

Iago is the main antagonist of the play. He is a manipulative and deceitful character who uses his ability to deceive and manipulate to achieve his own selfish goals. Iago is a master of appearance vs. reality and is able to create false appearances to achieve his own ends.

Literary Devices

Shakespeare uses a variety of literary devices in Othello, including imagery, symbolism, and foreshadowing. One of the most significant uses of imagery in the play is the use of animal imagery. Othello is frequently referred to as a "black ram" and a "Barbary horse," which reinforces the racial prejudices against him. The use of animal imagery also reinforces the theme of appearance vs. reality, as Othello's appearance as a noble general is contrasted with the animalistic imagery used to describe him.

Symbolism is also used throughout the play, with the handkerchief that Othello gives to Desdemona serving as a significant symbol. The handkerchief is a symbol of love and fidelity, and its loss represents the breakdown of the trust and love between Othello and Desdemona.

Finally, foreshadowing is used throughout the play to hint at the tragic ending. Othello's speeches in Act III, Scene III, for example, foreshadow his eventual descent into jealousy and violence.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Othello is a complex and multi-layered play that explores themes of jealousy, appearance vs. reality, and betrayal. The characters are well-developed and represent different facets of these themes, with Othello representing the tragic consequences of jealousy and Iago representing the destructive power of betrayal. Shakespeare uses a variety of literary devices to reinforce these themes and to create a sense of foreboding throughout the play. Overall, Othello remains a timeless and powerful play that continues to resonate with audiences today.

References

1.    Shakespeare, William. Othello. Edited by E. A. J. Honigmann, Arden Shakespeare, 2003.

2.    Bradley, A. C. Shakespearean Tragedy: Lectures on Hamlet, Othello, King Lear, Macbeth. Palgrave Macmillan, 1991.

3.    Bloom, Harold. Shakespeare: The Invention of the Human. Riverhead Books, 1998.

4.    Berry, Edward. "Othello: A Postcolonial Reading." Literature Compass, vol. 10, no. 2, 2013, pp. 117-127.

5.    Felperin, Howard. "Othello: The Moor and the Metaphor." Shakespeare Quarterly, vol. 32, no. 2, 1981, pp. 125-140.

6.    Stoll, E. E. "Iago." Shakespeare Quarterly, vol. 4, no. 4, 1953, pp. 327-336.

7.    Greenblatt, Stephen. "Shakespeare and the Exorcists." Representations, vol. 9, 1985, pp. 27-48.