Essay
Explore disturbing aspects of human nature in Shakespeare's Othello (A* Essay)
- Course
- Institution
- Book
An A* essay for the question: Explore disturbing aspects of human nature in Shakespeare's Othello
[Show more]
Connected book
Book Title:
Author(s):
- Edition:
- ISBN:
- Edition:
More summaries for
-
matric Othello notes
-
Othello [Study Note]
-
Othello quote bank organised into themes without analysis - all acts included
2 reviews
By: miamonsoon • 2 year ago
By: lilyrodney4 • 2 year ago
Seller
Follow
izzyalicia09
Reviews received
Content preview
Explore disturbing aspects of human nature in Shakespeare’sOthello
In his 1604 tragedy ‘Othello’, Shakespeare presents the disturbing aspects
of human nature as complex. The character of Iago is presented as a
Machiavellian villain and as exemplifying the dark aspects of human
nature through his skill of manipulation and deceit. Shakespeare also
explores the theme of racism though Iago as well as Brabantio in a time
when those of colour were stereotyped and discriminated against. He also
explores the theme of misogyny and limiting roles of women in Jacobean
society most explicitly through the downfall of Desdemona through the
loss of her reputation and the character of Emilia who acts as a
mouthpiece against the patriarchal society of the time.
Shakespeare presents Iago as a Machiavellian villain to exemplify the
darkest and disturbing aspects of human nature. Joan Kerlin argues that
“Iago is the devil, for Iago’s intent to bring evil out of good”. This is shown
most clearly in his second soliloquy when he plots to turn Desdemona’s
“virtue into pitch and use her own goodness to make the net that shall
enmesh them all”. The juxtaposition of virtue and pitch highlights the
extreme lengths Iago will go for his revenge. The fact that her embroils an
innocent person like the “virtuous Desdemona” creates dislike and
distrust in Iago in the audience. The metaphor creates a sense of
entrapment and foreshadows how the characters will be unable to escape
from his insidious plot for revenge. It is significant structurally, that he
states this in a soliloquy as it creates significant dramatic tension for the
audience as they know his true self rather than his “honest Iago”
pretence. Another time when Iago is presented as a Machiavellian villain is
in his first soliloquy when he stats to conjure his plan and exclaims: “it is
engendered. Hell, and night shall bring this monstrous birth to the world
light”. The rhyming couplet and use of figurative imagery creates a sense
of an incantation or magic spell. The quietus metaphor and juxtaposition
of “birth” and “hell” hyperbolises the destructive and devilish nature of
Iago. Shakespeare has done this to instil fear in the audience for Iago and
the horrors he represents in order to highlight humanities atrocities. Andy
Kerkin who played Iago at the Royal Exchange Manchester in 2012
claimed: “he’s not the devil. He’s like you or me with feelings of jealousy”.
However, I disagree with his argument as Iago’s motivations are highly
convoluted. First, he accuses Othello of having “twixt my sheets” and
having “done my office”. Then he accuses Cassio also of having “done
with my night-cap”. All are euphemisms for sex and yet seem to be
completely base-less. Iago himself even states “I know not if’t be true”.
His justifications seem comical. I therefore agree more with Colderige who
states Iago has a “motiveless malignancy” which suggests he is more of a
devil than a man. This was typical of Machiavellian villain of the time.
Shakespeare and his contemporaries believed that Machiavelli’s ideas
were corrupt and immoral and therefore created a stage archetype of a
villain who was completely evil and totally immoral.
The benefits of buying summaries with Stuvia:
Guaranteed quality through customer reviews
Stuvia customers have reviewed more than 700,000 summaries. This how you know that you are buying the best documents.
Quick and easy check-out
You can quickly pay through credit card or Stuvia-credit for the summaries. There is no membership needed.
Focus on what matters
Your fellow students write the study notes themselves, which is why the documents are always reliable and up-to-date. This ensures you quickly get to the core!
Frequently asked questions
What do I get when I buy this document?
You get a PDF, available immediately after your purchase. The purchased document is accessible anytime, anywhere and indefinitely through your profile.
Satisfaction guarantee: how does it work?
Our satisfaction guarantee ensures that you always find a study document that suits you well. You fill out a form, and our customer service team takes care of the rest.
Who am I buying these notes from?
Stuvia is a marketplace, so you are not buying this document from us, but from seller izzyalicia09. Stuvia facilitates payment to the seller.
Will I be stuck with a subscription?
No, you only buy these notes for $5.15. You're not tied to anything after your purchase.
Can Stuvia be trusted?
4.6 stars on Google & Trustpilot (+1000 reviews)
72042 documents were sold in the last 30 days
Founded in 2010, the go-to place to buy study notes for 14 years now