SHAKESPEARE X BLAKE : othello vs songs of innocence and experience
Othello
William Shakespeare has artfully crafted some of the most prominent tragic heroes of all time.
With one of the greatest being Othello. Othello is a tragic hero because of his noble traits, his
tragic flaws, and his tragic downfall.
Tragic Hero:
Aristotle's idea of a "tragic hero" is a protagonist who is socially higher than those around him but has a downfall to a
tragic flaw (hamartia)
Beginning of the play:
● We are led to believe Othello is bombastic, conceited and personally lascivious.
● However, his first appearance in A.1 S.2 contradicts this:
Contrast heightens intensity
Emulates Iago’s deceitful nature
“An old, black ram tupping your white ewe” - racism/ animalistic imagery. Ewe is a symbol of innocence, so the
imagery of ‘black’ and ‘tupping’ alongside this word illustrates a corruption of a pure, chaste and innocent
Desdemona. - perception of women
“To the gross clasps of a lascivious Moor” - Racial slur towards Othello, showing the dangerous and sexual tendencies
that were assumed of those with dark skin.
● We see an impressive figure (othello) in A.1 S.2 : openness,sincerity and natural
authority calmly and deftly putting Brabantio's anger aside. (HUBRIS??)
● Emulates Aristotle’s idea of a tragic hero starting off as confident and powerful
● Othello’s downfall begins when Iago begins planting seeds of doubt into Othello’s already
insecure mind. Iago’s manipulative words convince Othello that his wife is unfaithful;
from then on he begins to lose his noble traits.
Fatal Flaw: Jealousy
- May also be othello allows himself to be deceived into believing the prejudices he is faced with; he had
internalized, that is taken into himself, the prejudices of those who surrounded him. In his heart he had
come to believe what they believed: that a black man is an unattractive creature, not quite human,
unworthy of love. Thinking this, he could not believe that Desdemona could truly love him for himself. Her
love must be a pretense, or a flawed and corrupted emotion. Iago hinted at these ideas, and Othello rushed
to accept them, because they echoed his deepest fears and insecurities.
Jealousy:
● "O, beware, my lord, of jealousy! / It is the green-eyed monster which doth mock / The
meat it feeds on." (Act 3, Scene 3)
Foreshadowing: The quote foreshadows Othello's downfall by indicating that jealousy is a
destructive force. The phrase "beware, my lord, of jealousy" suggests that jealousy possesses a
,SHAKESPEARE X BLAKE : othello vs songs of innocence and experience
potent danger. It hints at the idea that Othello's susceptibility to jealousy will lead him to his
tragic fate.
Emulating Othello's Fatal Flaw: The phrase "the green-eyed monster" personifies jealousy,
attributing it with monstrous qualities. This imagery emphasizes the destructive nature of
jealousy and highlights how it takes control of Othello's emotions. By associating jealousy with a
monster, the quote reflects the intensity and overwhelming power that jealousy holds over
Othello.
"which doth mock / The meat it feeds on" :
This phrase suggests that jealousy, while feeding on suspicions and doubts, ironically
undermines and mocks the very foundation on which it is built. In Othello's case, his jealousy
feeds on his love for Desdemona and his desire for fidelity. However, as the play unfolds, we see
how jealousy distorts his perception, leading him to doubt and accuse Desdemona unjustly.
Therefore, the quote reflects how Othello's jealousy not only consumes him but also undermines
the very love and trust that he seeks to protect.
● "Trifles light as air / Are to the jealous confirmations strong / As proofs of holy writ."
(Act 3, Scene 3)
Othello, now consumed by jealousy, believes even the smallest pieces of evidence confirm his
suspicions. The phrase "trifles light as air" suggests that these proofs are flimsy and
insignificant, yet to Othello, they hold as much weight as sacred texts. This demonstrates how
jealousy clouds Othello's judgment, making him susceptible to manipulation by Iago
Good vs. Evil
dichotomy of good vs evil and the subjective gray between "black and white"
● Quote: "I am not what I am." (Act 1, Scene 1)
This paradoxical statement spoken by Iago at the beginning of the play introduces the
complexity of the theme. On the surface, it suggests a lack of self-awareness, but it also hints at
the deceptive nature of appearances. Iago, often portrayed as the embodiment of evil, masks his
true intentions, blurring the line between good and evil. The quote challenges the notion of
clear-cut distinctions and establishes the play's exploration of moral ambiguity.
,SHAKESPEARE X BLAKE : othello vs songs of innocence and experience
● "Heaven truly knows that thou art false as hell." (Act 4, Scene 2)
Othello, consumed by jealousy, accuses Desdemona of infidelity. The juxtaposition of "heaven"
and "hell" underscores the contrasting forces at play. It reflects Othello's internal struggle to
reconcile his belief in Desdemona's goodness (heaven) with his suspicion of her betrayal (hell).
The quote showcases the complexity of human nature and the blurred line between good and
evil within individuals.
● "I kissed thee ere I killed thee. No way but this, / Killing myself, to die upon a kiss." (Act
5, Scene 2)
In the climactic moment, Othello murders Desdemona and then takes his own life. The
intertwining of love and violence in this quote exemplifies the gray area between good and evil.
Othello's love for Desdemona, initially rooted in goodness, is tragically distorted by jealousy,
leading to an evil act. The quote showcases the twisted complexity of human emotions and the
potential for darkness within even the most virtuous.
● "Reputation is an idle and most false imposition; oft got without merit and lost without
deserving." (Act 2, Scene 3)
The parallel structure of "oft got without merit and lost without deserving" emphasizes the idea
that reputation can be acquired or lost without any basis in actual merit or deservingness. It
highlights the arbitrary nature of reputation and its detachment from true moral worth.
Conclusion:
The theme of good versus evil in "Othello" raises questions about the nature of morality and its
subjectivity. Philosophers throughout history have offered different perspectives on the concept
of morality, some arguing for its subjectivity while others proposing more absolute notions.
Additionally, it is worth exploring the significance of the term "black and white" as it relates to
both morality and race in the context of the play.
The theme of good versus evil in "Othello" raises questions about the nature of morality and its
subjectivity. Philosophers throughout history have offered different perspectives on the concept
of morality, some arguing for its subjectivity while others proposing more absolute notions.
Additionally, it is worth exploring the significance of the term "black and white" as it relates to
both morality and race in the context of the play.
1. Subjectivity of Morality:
, SHAKESPEARE X BLAKE : othello vs songs of innocence and experience
● Friedrich Nietzsche and Jean-Paul Sartre have argued that morality is subjective
and varies from individual to individual or culture to culture.
● They believe that moral values are not inherently fixed but are created by humans
based on their subjective experiences, beliefs, and societal norms.
● In "Othello," the gray area between good and evil demonstrates the subjectivity of
moral judgments. Characters like Iago challenge conventional moral standards,
suggesting that what may be considered evil to one person could be justified by
another.
2. Absolute Morality:
● philosophers like Immanuel Kant and Thomas Aquinas argue for the existence of
objective moral truths. They propose that certain actions are inherently right or
wrong, regardless of individual perspectives or circumstances.
● These philosophers emphasize the universal principles that guide moral behavior.
● In "Othello," the moral consequences faced by the characters reflect a clash
between these absolute moral principles and the subjective choices made by
individuals.
3. "Black and White" as Metaphor:
● The term "black and white" can be associated with race, but it is also often used
metaphorically to represent stark contrasts and clear distinctions.
● In the context of "Othello," the use of the term "black" to describe the protagonist
underscores the racial prejudice and stereotypes prevalent in the society
portrayed in the play.
● This racial aspect adds another layer of complexity to the exploration of morality,
as Othello's character is constantly confronted with societal expectations and
biases based on his race.
Fate vs Free Will
● 'Virtue? A fig! 'Tis in ourselves that we are thus or thus. Our bodies are our gardens, to
the which our wills are gardeners;' (1.3)
Iago challenges ideas of predestination and asserts we control our own fates
Language analysis (practice)
1. Figurative Language:
● The quote contains figurative language, such as the metaphor comparing our bodies to
gardens and our wills to gardeners.
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