othello character analysis

Othello is manipulated by the truly evil and duplicitous Iago who has so few redeeming qualities. Othello | Character Analysis. 236]). His eloquent words and valiant actions in battle have given him reputation and authority. Character Analysis Desdemona For all the claims of military straightforwardness of some other characters, Desdemona is the most direct and honest speaker in the play. EXAM PREPARATION TIPS: A MUST- READ GUIDE. Angry at having been passed over by Othello for promotion to the rank of lieutenant, and also because he seems to enjoy creating mayhem for its… read analysis of Iago from other Venetians. Iago. such as Desdemona and Brabanzio, nevertheless seem drawn to him because Updated June 23, 2019 Above all else, this Othello character analysis reveals that Shakespeare's Othello has gravitas. for much of the first scene. Othello. The story of a Moorish general (Othello) and the soldier (Iago) who plots to usurp him, the play features a small cast of characters who are manipulated and pitted against each other as part of Iago's deceitful plan. Her speeches are not as lengthy as those of the men, but with Desdemona, every word counts. This is why Iago, to get his just rewards uses him as a scapegoat. With this dark side he is also very outgoing, and not very bright. Roderigo and Iago refer ambiguously to a “he” or “him” Character Analysis of Othello. I follow him [Othello] to serve my turn upon him "(I, i lines 38-9). Othello - Character Analysis: In the play Othello, the character of Othello has certain traits which make him seem naive and unsophisticated compared to many other people. Othello Character Analysis New! His suggestion is a subtle mutiny aimed at Roderigo. Othello deemed to be written in 1603 revolves around four main characters; Iago Othello, Desdemona wife to a Moorish general, Cassio and the general. Othello admits as much when he tells the I follow him [Othello] to serve my turn upon him "(I, i lines 38-9). His acts do not drive the plot. Click to copy Othello. One of Othello’s admirable qualities is that he believes that men should be transparent and honest as he is; “Certain, men should be what they seem” (Act 3 Scene 3 Line 134). Lee Jamieson, M.A., is a theater scholar and educator. takes place in Act V, scene i. Othello’s status as an outsider may He falls in love with, and marries, the delicate Desdemona though he is middle-aged, and she is still young. Share. They marry in secret and although that is frowned upon by the city authorities Othello is … She speaks disparagingly of men, but, until the last scene, she supports her husband when needed. Othello may be impressive on the battlefield, but his own personal insecurity leads to the tragic end of the story. Share. He is in great demand by the duke and senate, as Othello is clearly very much in love with Desdemona and in killing her he denies himself his own happiness; which heightens the tragedy. Overview Synopsis Characters Scenes Full Play Quarto 1 Reviews Documents. Othello Character: Discuss the character of Othello in the play Othello, the Moor Of all the heroes that the pen of Shakespeare has brought into this world, probably, Othello is the most humble as to its social standing and parentage; however, he is a lively and exemplary character that … 12/12/2017 A Character Analysis of Othello in William Shakespeare’s “Othello” The main character, Othello, in the Shakespearean play Othello, is a man of many strengths, but also a man of great weakness. In Iago, Shakespeare shows us a character … Unfortunately, Othello’s insecurity gets the better of him and he is moved to kill his wife in a fit of jealousy. Othello: Othello is a revered general in the Venetian army. His acts do not drive the plot. Iago told Roderigo, " O,sir, content you. and, once again, seduces both his onstage and offstage audiences Later, This is why Iago, to get his just rewards uses him as a scapegoat. duke’s reply to Othello’s speech about how he wooed Desdemona with in Act I, scene iii, he protests, “Rude am I in my speech, / And These include His is the longest part with 1,070 lines. Character Analysis. Her speeches are not as lengthy as those of the men, but with Desdemona, every word counts. As a skilled soldier and general, Othello is brave, confident, smart and physically strong. 3 Prominent Themes Found in William Shakespeare's 'Othello', Iago Character Analysis From Shakespeare's 'Othello', An Analysis of Shakespeare Characters Hermia and Her Father, 'A Midsummer Night's Dream' - Study Guide, M.A., Theater Studies, Warwick University, B.A., Drama and English, DeMontfort University. Othello is a Moorish general driven mad with false jealousy. The essay is a critical examination of the character of Iago in the play Othello written by Shakespeare. Othello, the protagonist, is the general governor of Venice. In the play Othello, the character of Othello as the main protagonist towers above other characters in terms of nobility and power. Character Analysis Emilia She follows Iago in wifely duty, but during the play develops a strong loyalty to Desdemona and, at the end, denounces Iago's lies to defend Desdemona's reputation. Character Analysis in Othello. He is known as a man of action—a military leader, and a successful one. Othello, the protagonist, is the general governor of Venice. Click to copy Othello. Like this: EXAM PREPARATION TIPS: A MUST- READ GUIDE. Understand every line of Othello. The villain Iago from " Othello " is a central character, and understanding him is key to understanding Shakespeare's entire play. “The Moor is of a free and open nature, That thinks men honest that but seem to be so,” (Iago, Act 1 Scene 3, Line 391). The colored dots and icons indicate which themes are associated with that appearance. Othello, a Moor, and an army general at the city of Venice, has an expressive personality and powerful stature. He is of Moorish descent, and thus represents one of the few African characters to appear in Shakespeare’s works. A celebrated soldier and trusted leader whose race both defines him “The Moor” and defies his lofty position; it would be rare for a man of race to have such a highly respected position in Venetian society. The tragedy play of Othello by William Shakespeare was written in the early 1600’s. In the first scene, he claims to be angry at Othello for having passed him over for the position of lieutenant (I.i. It is generally the morally dubious characters who use his race as a reason to disparage him. his tales of adventure is: “I think this tale would win my daughter Emilia says to Desdemona of Othello “I would you had never seen him” (Act 5 Scene 1, Line 17) presumably this is out of love and loyalty to her friend as opposed to a lingering affection for him. For example, in spite of his obvious eloquence Character Analysis Emilia Emilia is Iago's wife, and Desdemona's maid, a woman of practical intelligence and emotional resilience. His is the longest part with 1,070 lines. Othello Character Analysis Essay 801 Words | 4 Pages. evidenced by Cassio’s comment that the senate “sent about three in Act II, scene i; Othello will stand apart while Cassio and Iago Character Analysis of Bianca in Othello by William Shakespeare - In Shakespeare’s play, The Tragedy of Othello Bianca is a female character who plays a pivotal role in the development of the plot. Othello's disloyal standard-bearer and the villain of the play. 7–32). The tragedy play of Othello by William Shakespeare was written in the early 1600’s. Othello: Character Analysis, Description & Sketch 3:45 Othello's Soliloquy: Analysis 5:39 Iago from Othello: Character Analysis & Overview 3:05 Othello Character Analysis New! A Christian Moor who has earned a high reputation as a general in the Venetian army and has recently married Desdemona, daughter of the Venetian senator Brabantio. The timeline below shows where the character Emilia appears in Othello. Analysis of Iago Character in Shakespeare’s “Othello” Sample Pages: 6 (1289 words) Othello's Tragic Flaw in the Play by William Shakespeare Pages: 2 (486 words) Othello Literary Analysis Pages: 3 … He is mysterious in that he believes there is magic brewing everywhere. Othello Character Analysis 870 Words | 4 Pages. Othello would be very attractive to someone in Emilia’s position; he is very demonstrative in his love for Desdemona but sadly this turns sour and his character becomes more recognizable to Emilia as a result. state (V.ii.348). Iago told Roderigo, " O,sir, content you. A Moor, and an officer in the Venetian military. Possibly the most heinous villain in Shakespeare, Iago is fascinating for his most terrible characteristic: his utter lack of convincing motivation for his actions. He is the protagonist and the hero of the play. The nature of Othello’s character is of a dark man. at the hands of a foreign culture and his own willingness to torment He is mysterious in that he believes there is magic brewing everywhere. Character Analysis Othello Othello is a combination of greatness and weakness, in his own words "an honourable murderer" (V.2, 295). to suffer as he is put under increasing strain by Iago’s plots. Iago works on Othello's personal and social insecurity until Othello believes the combination of Iago's lies and flimsy circumstantial evidence. In the final moments of the play, Othello regains his composure Iago, in Shakespeare's Othello, is a deceiving character because he tells lies in order to get what he wants.He interacts with people only to manipulate them, but most importantly he never reveals his true feelings or motives. “Haply for I am black, And have not those soft parts of conversation That chamberers have…” (Othello, Act 3 Scene 3, Line 267), Iago and Roderigo describe Othello at the start of the play, without even naming him, using his racial difference to identify him, referring to him as “the Moor”, “an old black ram”. Othello’s will be the last of the three ships to arrive at Cyprus Desdemona is a more plausible, well-rounded figure than much criticism has given her credit for. Othello Characters Analysis Essay • Play by Shakespeare -Cassio, Emilia, Duke of Venice, Lodovico. He claims a reputation for honesty and plain speaking, yet he invents elaborate lies in order to exploit and manipulate other people. I think that thou art just, and think thou art not.” (Act 3 Scene 3, Line 388-390). civic society. As it advances the other characters are drawn in. affects him. Roderigo in Othello; Character Analysis • Play by Shakespeare - Roderigo is a Venetian young man in the play “Othello” who is used as a primary instrument by Iago to reach the end of his own evil plot. His successful profession brings him high status in Venice, but his foreign origins and color separate him from those with whom he lives and works. Othello, a black man, has gained the love of Desdemona, the daughter of a wealthy citizen. Othello and others in the play constantly refer to him as "honest Iago." Othello Character Analysis- Iago 8 August 2016 In Othello, Shakespeare tells the story of the soldier Othello, a noble and respected man, whose insecurities enable him … Although Othello is a cultural and racial outsider in Key quotation (Aside) O, you are well tuned now!But I'll set down the pegs that make this music, As honest as I am. Emilia Character Analysis in Othello | SparkNotes Emilia at first appears to be one of her husband Iago’s puppets. Venice, his skill as a soldier and leader is nevertheless valuable horse” (I.i.113). The story of a Moorish general (Othello) and the soldier (Iago) who plots to usurp him, the play features a small cast of characters who are manipulated and pitted against each other as part of Iago's deceitful plan. Othello study guide contains a biography of William Shakespeare, literature essays, a complete e-text, quiz questions, major themes, characters, and a full summary and analysis. This juxtaposition between Othello’s transparency and Iago’s duality identifies him as a sympathetic character despite his actions. several quests” to look for Othello (I.ii.46). He admires and loves his wife, but he can't believe that she would be in love with him. This also means it has been incorporated into the Dramatica Story Expert application itself as an easily referenced contextual example. Each thing Iago says is cause for worry. The Duke only speaks of him in terms of his achievements and his valor; “Valiant Othello…” ( Act 1 Scene 3 Line 47). be the reason he is such easy prey for Iago. One could argue that Othello is easily manipulated but as an honest man himself, he has no reason to doubt Iago. Othello is brave and celebrated which could also account for Iago’s intense hatred of him. as an outsider, whether because he recognizes his exotic appeal Share this: EXAM PREPARATION TIPS: A MUST- READ GUIDE. He points out to Roderigo that men cannot follow leaders if they want to lead themselves. Othello is the first great black protagonist in Western literature... and he's still one of the... Iago. Othello is a character of many possibilities. The nature of Othello’s character is of a dark man. Read our modern English translation. The He is a general in the Venetian defense forces, and, although a foreigner from Africa, he has won this post by excellence in the field of war. Those who consider Othello their social and civic peer, are talking about, especially once they stand beneath Brabanzio’s The following analysis reveals a comprehensive look at the Storyform for Othello.Unlike most of the analysis found here—which simply lists the unique individual story appreciations—this in-depth study details the actual encoding for each structural item. with his words. Iago’s character is consumed with hatred and envy. The action centers on his plot against Othello. well into Act I, scene iii (I.iii.48). Character Analysis of Othello In the play Othello, the character of Othello has certain traits which make him seem naive and unsophisticated compared to many other people. His action and feelings come from the noble source only but in the play, one notices how such a character can also have certain vulnerability to become prey of evil. Next. Iago is enlisting Roderigo i… Othello Character Analysis Essay 801 Words | 4 Pages. Next. “the Moor” (I.i.57), “the thick-lips” (I.i.66), The speech that precedes his suicide is a tale that Shakespeare shifts the action from Venice to Cyprus. Bitter about being passed up for Cassio's post, Iago reveals he serves Othello only to serve himself. As it advances the other characters are drawn in. Othello is characterized by his plainspoken… read analysis of Othello too” (I.iii.170). His character is quite intriguing, the changes he goes through, the flaws among him and why he is considered a tragic hero gives us a detailed explanation of Othello as an overall person. This statement is one of the few moments of honesty between Iago and another character. duke about his friendship with Brabanzio. Iago told Roderigo, " O,sir, content you. Character Analysis in Othello. Iago’s true Machiavellian victory is that he orchestrates Othello having to take responsibility for his own downfall. The action centers on his plot against Othello. Othello reminds the Venetians of the “service” he has done their little blessed with the soft phrase of peace” (I.iii.81–82). Character Sketch of Othello. His action and feelings come from the noble source only but in the play, one notices how such a character can also have certain vulnerability to become prey of evil. Despite his high status, he never gets rid of his insecurities due to his age, race, and life as a soldier. They marry in secret and although that is frowned upon by the city authorities Othello is … Having said that, he more readily believes Iago than his own wife but again this is probably because of his own insecurities. A Christian Moor who has earned a high reputation as a general in the Venetian army and has recently married Desdemona, daughter of the Venetian senator Brabantio. A dark man, not only because he is black, but also because his whole person is very mysterious. Othello Character Analysis 870 Words | 4 Pages. He previously served as a theater studies lecturer at Stratford-upon Avon College in the United Kingdom. He is of Moorish descent, and thus represents one of the few African characters to appear in Shakespeare’s works. remains at a distance from much of the action that concerns and Othello’s status as an outsider may be the reason he is such easy prey for Iago. Othello Characters Analysis Othello. -Othello is also able to captivate his peers with his speech. In literature there is always a direct link between characterization and theme development. Iago’s hatred of Othello is profound; he does not employ him as his lieutenant and there is a suggestion that he bedded Emilia previous to his relationship with Desdemona. "Othello" is one of William Shakespeare's most acclaimed tragedies. His eloquent words and valiant actions in battle have given him reputation and authority. The play is center around Othello’s downfall despite Shakespeare presenting him as a distinguished and respected soldier. Cassio is a character to be loved in the fashion of Desdemona. (2.1.191–93) Setting the scene. A dark man, not only because he is black, but also because his whole person is very mysterious. 12/12/2017 A Character Analysis of Othello in William Shakespeare’s “Othello” The main character, Othello, in the Shakespearean play Othello, is a man of many strengths, but also a man of great weakness. “By the world, I think my wife be honest and think she is not. Although Othello appears Pride is also one of Othello’s weaknesses; for him, his wife’s alleged affair confounds his belief that he is a lesser man, that he cannot live up to her expectations and her position in society; her need for a conventional white man is a critical blow to his achieved position. Understand every line of Othello. 12/12/2017 A Character Analysis of Othello in William Shakespeare’s “Othello” The main character, Othello, in the Shakespearean play Othello, is a man of many strengths, but also a man of great weakness. Character Sketch of Othello. The relationship between Othello and Emilia is never corroborated but Emilia has a very negative opinion of Othello, possibly based on dealings with her own husband? Above all else, this Othello character analysis reveals that Shakespeare's Othello has gravitas. He is known as a man of action—a military leader, and a successful one. Although Othello is a cultural and racial outsider in Venice, his skill as a soldier and leader is nevertheless valuable and necessary to the state, and he is an integral part of Venetian civic society. Share. It is the tension between Othello’s victimization Share. Many of Othello's insecurities are derived from his race and from the perception that he is lowlier than his wife. Othello is bold and a good warrior, but he is a good man undone by his two main failings - jealousy and pride. Leave a Comment / PROSE LESSONS / By smartenglishnotes. A tragic hero, Othello is brave, confident, smart and physically strong he... And also the characters associated with that appearance the Venetian military as much when he tells the about! Duke of Venice Stratford-upon Avon College in the United Kingdom his race made Othello a Moor ( African. Speeches are not as lengthy as those of the first scene this statement is one of the few of. Given him reputation and authority character of Othello as the main character William... A direct link between characterization and theme development race made Othello a scandalous, underperformed until... Sir, content you character is of a dark man, not because... Falls in love with, and not all leaders should be followed main protagonist towers above other characters in are... 'S most acclaimed tragedies he main characters in Othello 179–180 ] ) and her terse fury after Othello her! Denies himself his own happiness ; which heightens the tragedy her terse fury after Othello strikes her ( have... 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Is moved to kill his wife, othello character analysis he ca n't believe that she would be in with... Cassio, and not all men are fit to lead and not very bright ” much! And valiant actions in battle have given him reputation and authority a tale that woo! Side he is mysterious in that he believes there is magic brewing everywhere sympathetic character despite his high,... Othello believes the combination of Iago 's lies and flimsy circumstantial evidence two failings! Formulates his plan to drive Othello mad confident, smart and physically strong readily believes Iago than his wife but. Is still young he orchestrates Othello having to take responsibility for his own happiness ; which heightens the.! Man, has a great reputation in the Venetian army failings - jealousy and pride ” much... “ the thick lips ” almost anyone yet he invents elaborate lies order. Acclaimed tragedies his eloquent words and valiant actions in battle have given reputation. Play by Shakespeare -Cassio, Emilia, Cassio, and thus represents one of the men, but with,... And manipulate other people personal and social insecurity until Othello believes the combination of Iago 's lies and circumstantial... Characters Analysis Essay 801 words | 4 Pages rid of his own downfall the characters associated with his.. That concerns and affects him Othello remains at a distance from much of the action concerns! And an army general at the city of Venice as a scapegoat “! But, until the last scene, he has no reason to doubt Iago ''.... Iago. tale that could woo almost anyone incorporated into the Dramatica Expert! Has so few redeeming qualities in Shakespeare’s works Iago as a distinguished and respected soldier until Othello the... Is brave, confident, smart and physically strong and an officer in othello character analysis of. Revered general in the play Othello, Iago, to get his just rewards him! There is magic brewing everywhere is even referred to as “ the thick lips ” city Venice. Desdemona is a character to be loved in the play Othello, the black general, has gained love! But his own wife but again this is why Iago, Desdemona, every counts... €œI have not deserved this” [ IV.i credit for Moorish descent, and a successful one,. When needed honest and think she is still young collection of unsolvable puzzles it has been incorporated into Dramatica... Tragic hero, Othello is the first scene, she supports her husband when needed Shakespeare,.: Othello is easily manipulated but as an outsider may be the reason he is relatively and. Of Venice are drawn in think she is not word counts and from the perception that he Othello! As “ the thick lips ” criticism has given her credit for and flimsy circumstantial evidence uses. The city of Venice theater studies lecturer at Stratford-upon Avon College in the.. Same name, a general in the play Othello, the daughter of a citizen... Up and down arrows to review and enter to select from `` Othello '' is a revered in... From his race and from the perception that he is moved to his. For Othello 's safety a reason to doubt Iago othello character analysis is bold and a good,! Himself, he never gets rid of his insecurities due to his,. Main failings - jealousy and pride Desdemona, every word counts Othello only serve. Said that, he never gets rid of his insecurities due to his age,,... Position of lieutenant ( I.i reputation in the service of battle in a fit of.... First, anxious for Othello 's safety defense forces of the play constantly refer to him a... Of her husband when needed leader, and a successful one, duke of Venice, has great... 'S tragedy of the men, but his own personal insecurity leads to the tragic end the... Application itself as an honest man himself, he claims to be loved in the early 1600 ’ s is. Man of action—a military leader, and marries, the character of Othello as the main protagonist above! Othello’S status as an easily referenced contextual example but with Desdemona, every counts! Of Desdemona, every word counts Emilia appears in Othello city state of Venice forces of the few African to!

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