Othello: Critical Essay revision
Every year since 2006 the drama questions have allowed us either to
1) Write a character study of Othello as tragic hero
OR
2) Write about a key scene
We have already looked at a possible answer on the final scene, the
denouement where Iago’s plot is exposed and the drama reaches a climax
with Desdemona’s death and Othello’s subsequent suicide (choose a scene
in which an important truth is revealed 2008) but Act 3 Scene 3 is also a
scene which could be said to build to a climax (2010), change our view of a
central character-our loss of sympathy and admiration for Othello as he
transforms from noble warrior to savage killer (2009) be said to be
shocking (2007) or highlights a particular theme of the play- jealousy/
betrayal (2006)
So why is Act3 Scene 3 important ? (bearing possible questions in mind
similar to the ones above)
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Characterisation allows us to see the breakdown in the relationship
between Othello and Desdemona begin.
The dialogue between Iago and Othello furthers Iago’s campaign to
incite jealousy and rage in Othello so is vital for development of
character and theme.It marks a turning point in the action.
The symbolism of the handkerchief is introduced
The language of the brief soliloquy given by Othello reveals his
insecurity as an outsider which is key to his jealousy of Michael
Cassio and suspicion of Desdemona.
The scene builds to a dramatic climax creating pity and terror in
the audience as we witness the success of Iago’s manipulation of
Othello
So here’s Act 3 in a miniature, portable, easy to remember plan-ette.
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
O and D
I and O
Hankie
Soliloquy
Climax
1. O and D- the breakdown in the relationship.
The scene opens with Desdemona assuring Michael Cassio she will
plead with Othello for his re-instatement as lieutenant:
‘thy solicitor shall rather die
Than give thy cause away’
There is grim irony here as Desdemona is unaware her words are
prophetic. Her decision to support Cassio adds to Othello’s suspicions
she is in love with him which leads to her death. We then see Othello
attempt to brush off her determined requests that he ‘call him back’
‘not now, sweet Desdemon’. Her approach is generous, straightforward
and open in tone- if a little too persistent.
2. I and O –‘The Moor already changes with my
poison’
In contrast Iago’s persuasion of Othello that his wife
has been unfaithful is underhand and full of guile. We
can comment on a number of points about character, theme, irony and
imagery here.
Iago’s opportunism and luck –taking advantage of the moment the two see
Desdemona part from Cassio to suggest foul play:
‘I like not that…
That he would steal away so guilty like…’
Othello’s misreading of Iago’s motives and misinterpretation of his
pretended reluctance to speak which leads to dramatic irony:
‘I know thou’rt full of love and honesty
And weigh’st thy words before thou giv’st them breath…’
Of course Iago considers his words carefully ! He wishes to deceive
Othello and cause him the maximum distress through his growing jealousy.
He himself has made it clear to the audience he is not ‘ full of honesty’ in
earlier asides and soliloquies : ‘I am not what I am’. Note how cleverly he
gradually chips away at Othello’s confidence as he depicts Desdemona as
unfaithful, playing on his insecurities:
‘She did deceive her father marrying you…’
Shakespeare’s imagery also develops the theme of jealousy :
‘it is the green eyed monster which doth mock
The meat it feeds on’
Othello is the ‘meat’ here being devoured or consumed by emotion and
unable to control his responses. The image of monster suggests something
terrifying and violent.
The imagery also expresses Othello’s mistaken dependence on Iago and
his version of events as he becomes inextricably tied to him: ‘I am bound
to thee forever’. The imagery of poisoning is also worth commenting on.
3. Othello’s brief soliloquy : ‘This fellow’s of
exceeding honesty…’ further reveals his insecurities
in his relationship with Desdemona and as an
outsider in Venetian society:
‘….I am black
And have not those soft parts of conversation
That chamberers have or for I am declined
Into the vale of years…’
The humiliation of being betrayed by his wife is degrading and
abhorrent to Othello expressed in the imagery where he depict
himself as a repulsive, lowly animal- a toad:
‘I had rather be a toad
And live upon the vapour of a dungeon
Than keep a corner in the thing I love
For others’ uses…’
4. The handkerchief
A very significant moment in this scene comes when Desdemona drops her
handkerchief while mopping her husband’s brow- the stress caused by
Iago’s insinuations has its physical manifestation in a headache. Again,
misfortune or fate plays its part as Emilia recovers it and gives it to Iago.
It is ‘her first remembrance from the Moor’ thus comes to symbolise
Desdemona’s and Othello’s love and fidelity and becomes the ’ocular
proof’ for Othello of infidelity when planted in Cassio’s chamber.
5. The dramatic climax to the scene
We see in the characterisation Othello’s descent into crazed jealousy and
violence:
‘Farewell the tranquil mind; farewell content…’ .
Earlier in the scene Othello commented on the importance of his love for
Desdemona:
‘…perdition catch my soul
But I do love thee! And when I love thee not
Chaos is come again’
His state of mind has indeed become chaotic as his love turns to hatred
and he turns to violence. The stage directions have Othello ‘seize Iago by
the throat’ as he demands proof Desdemona is a whore and his language
reflects his disturbed state of mind- short disjointed exclamations and
interjections feature:
‘O monstrous, monstrous’
‘’l’ll tear her all to pieces’
We are left with the final image on stage of Act 3 Scene 3 of Othello and
Iago kneeling together like bride and bridegroom pledging to kill for the
sake of ‘wronged Othello’ ‘in the due reverence of
a sacred vow’. Iago seems to have replaced
Desdemona in Othello’s affections. He tells him ‘I
greet your love’ and the last line Shakespeare has
Iago tell Othello ‘I am your own forever’.
Conclusions
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A pivotal, memorable, horrifying scene in the tragedy- pity for
Desdemona
Demonstrates Shakespeare’s skill as a dramatist : he makes the
extreme change in Othello’s character convincing through highly
effective use of language and characterisation
Gives insight in the power of an individual to manipulate and deceive
, distorting reality
Prompts us to consider the destructive force that is jealousy