This document is an in-depth and detailed plan for the essay question: ‘ Explore how Shakespeare presents the theme of marriage in Othello’. In this essay plan It contains a plan for three paragraphs which cover all the assessment objectives and insured that I got an A in my A-level exam
Explore how Shakespeare presents the theme of marriage in
‘Othello’
PARAGRAPH 1:
Manipulation and Deception: [A01] The theme of marriage is tainted by
manipulation and deception, as Iago's scheming undermines the trust and
intimacy within Othello and Desdemona's relationship by exploiting racial
prejudice.
"A black ram is tupping your white ewe" - Iago (act 1 scene 1)
[A02] The contrast between the colours black and white symbolises the
contrast between Othello, a Moor, and Desdemona, a white woman. The
imagery of the ram and ewe also carries connotations of aggression and
dominance, hinting at Othello's perceived intrusion into Desdemona's
purity and innocence.
Shakespeare often employs animal imagery to convey complex human
emotions and relationships. In this case, the comparison to animals serves
to dehumanise and simplify the characters' identities, highlighting the
racial and cultural tensions at play.
Structure: When the play starts, an event has occurred which is already
too late to reverse- and which may have been impetuous- and it seems as
though the marriage has created a swift chain of cause + effect which
pulls in everyone else.
[A03] Context: marriage - Interracial marriages were shocking / to marry
without the permission of the father of the bride could be viewed as theft /
marriage was not just a spiritual union but also a property transaction.
Especially as the audiences first impressions of Othello is formed by Iago,
they too may have been initially manipulated by Iago words as blackness
during the Jacobean era indicated sin.
Sub-point: Iago's manipulation exploits Othello's insecurities about his
marriage, planting seeds of doubt and jealousy that ultimately lead to the
tragic downfall of the couple.
"Not to affect many proposed matches of her own clime, complexion, and
degree... We see all things tend" - Iago act 3 scene 3
[A05] Critic quote: "The crucial fact of her marriage is not that she elopes
but that she, a white woman, weds a black man." - RELATIONSHIP OF
DESDEMONA AND OTHELLO- (S N Garner):
Agreeing with S N Garner's statement, in "Othello," the marriage between
Desdemona, a white woman, and Othello, a black man, is indeed a pivotal
aspect. Shakespeare's portrayal confronts societal norms and prejudices
of the time, challenging the audience's perceptions of interracial
relationships. The audience may react with shock, curiosity, or discomfort,
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