othello character analysis

He is respected by everyone around him. Updated June 23, 2019 Above all else, this Othello character analysis reveals that Shakespeare's Othello has gravitas. Overview Synopsis Characters Scenes Full Play Quarto 1 Reviews Documents. I follow him [Othello] to serve my turn upon him "(I, i lines 38-9). As it advances the other characters are drawn in. 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. 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). Two of the key characters are Cassio, Othello's loyal captain, and Roderigo, a man who is love with Othello's wife, Desdemona. Iago’s true Machiavellian victory is that he orchestrates Othello having to take responsibility for his own downfall. His eloquent words and valiant actions in battle have given him reputation and authority. His eloquent words and valiant actions in battle have given him reputation and authority. For example, in spite of his obvious eloquence evidenced by Cassio’s comment that the senate “sent about three Character Sketch of Othello. In Iago, Shakespeare shows us a character … In literature there is always a direct link between characterization and theme development. She speaks disparagingly of men, but, until the last scene, she supports her husband when needed. The speech that precedes his suicide is a tale that duke’s reply to Othello’s speech about how he wooed Desdemona with 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. 179–180]) and her terse fury after Othello strikes her (“I have not deserved this” [IV.i. Othello’s status as an outsider may be the reason he is such easy prey for Iago. He points out to Roderigo that men cannot follow leaders if they want to lead themselves. As a tragic hero, Othello is unusual in that he is relatively passive and reactionary. Othello’s will be the last of the three ships to arrive at Cyprus remains at a distance from much of the action that concerns and Othello is a character of many possibilities. as an outsider, whether because he recognizes his exotic appeal A storm has dispersed the Venetian fleet so that Cassio arrives first, anxious for Othello's safety. His is the longest part with 1,070 lines. Othello Characters & Descriptions . He is of Moorish descent, and thus represents one of the few African characters to appear in Shakespeare’s works. Possibly the most heinous villain in Shakespeare, Iago is fascinating for his most terrible characteristic: his utter lack of convincing motivation for his actions. 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. Iago told Roderigo, " O,sir, content you. Othello Character Analysis Essay 801 Words | 4 Pages. -Othello is also able to captivate his peers with his speech. Lee Jamieson, M.A., is a theater scholar and educator. “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). Othello Character Analysis New! Next. Character Analysis in Othello. assume that Cassio is dead without being present when the fight He is the protagonist and the hero of the play. The Character Analysis Othello Othello is a combination of greatness and weakness, in his own words "an honourable murderer" (V.2, 295). EXAM PREPARATION TIPS: A MUST- READ GUIDE. 7–32). The timeline below shows where the character Emilia appears in 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. With this dark side he is also very outgoing, and not very bright. Othello | Character Analysis. himself that makes him a tragic figure rather than simply Iago’s The tragedy play of Othello by William Shakespeare was written in the early 1600’s. Othello, the protagonist, is the general governor of Venice. Despite his high status, he never gets rid of his insecurities due to his age, race, and life as a soldier. Othello Characters Analysis Essay • Play by Shakespeare -Cassio, Emilia, Duke of Venice, Lodovico. Like this: EXAM PREPARATION TIPS: A MUST- READ GUIDE. 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. He admires and loves his wife, but he can't believe that she would be in love with him. Next. Othello falls in love and marries Desdemona, but during the campaign against the Turks, Othello is tricked by Iago into believing that his wife has been unfaithful with his lieutenant, Cassio. Iago Character Analysis Essay in Othello by Shakespeare - Iago’s character in the play Othello is one of the most supreme creation of Shakespeare in terms of its individuality in characteristics which are so close to the true nature of humanity. 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. But then Iago, who doesn't give his name and whom Brabantio doesn't recognize, graphically describes Othello and Desdemona having sex—he says that "an old black ram is tupping your white ewe" (1.1.88-89), calling Othello a "Barbary horse" (1.1.110), and adds that "your daughter and the Moor are making the beast with two backs"(1.1.118). Othello, the protagonist, is the general governor of Venice. Above all else, this Othello character analysis reveals that Shakespeare's Othello has gravitas. This is why Iago, to get his just rewards uses him as a scapegoat. Othello Analysis . The villain Iago from "Othello" is a central character, and understanding him is key to understanding Shakespeare's entire play. Unfortunately, Othello’s insecurity gets the better of him and he is moved to kill his wife in a fit of jealousy. Leave a Comment / PROSE LESSONS / By smartenglishnotes. The play is center around Othello’s downfall despite Shakespeare presenting him as a distinguished and respected soldier. A dark man, not only because he is black, but also because his whole person is very mysterious. Othello is the main character in William Shakespeare's tragedy of the same name, a well-respected Moorish general in the Venetian army. 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. His is the longest part with 1,070 lines. This is why Iago, to get his just rewards uses him as a scapegoat. Iago might say things that suggest what his motive is, but he soon contradicts himself with another suggestion making it extremely difficult to understand him. The villain Iago from " Othello " is a central character, and understanding him is key to understanding Shakespeare's entire play. 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: Character Analysis, Description & Sketch 3:45 Othello's Soliloquy: Analysis 5:39 Iago from Othello: Character Analysis & Overview 3:05 Each thing Iago says is cause for worry. 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. of his exotic qualities. Othello is the first great black protagonist in Western literature... and he's still one of the... Iago. 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. 236]). Read our modern English translation. "Othello" is one of William Shakespeare's most acclaimed tragedies. (2.1.191–93) Setting the scene. Bitter about being passed up for Cassio's post, Iago reveals he serves Othello only to serve himself. 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. Use up and down arrows to review and enter to select. Iago. supposedly discuss Desdemona in Act IV, scene i; and Othello will Othello and others in the play constantly refer to him as "honest Iago." Othello, the black general, has a great reputation in the service of battle. Othello Character Analysis New! Share. Othello, the black general, has a great reputation in the service of battle. martial and political command of Cyprus; indeed, in his dying speech, civic society. “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”. Cassio is a character to be loved in the fashion of Desdemona. at the hands of a foreign culture and his own willingness to torment Jump to. The nature of Othello’s character is of a dark man. The tragedy play of Othello by William Shakespeare was written in the early 1600’s. 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. horse” (I.i.113). “the Moor” (I.i.57), “the thick-lips” (I.i.66), 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. Her speeches are not as lengthy as those of the men, but with Desdemona, every word counts. He is of Moorish descent, and thus represents one of the few African characters to appear in Shakespeare’s works. Othello is brave and celebrated which could also account for Iago’s intense hatred of him. Othello is clearly very much in love with Desdemona and in killing her he denies himself his own happiness; which heightens the tragedy. Share. Othello may be impressive on the battlefield, but his own personal insecurity leads to the tragic end of the story. 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. He is mysterious in that he believes there is magic brewing everywhere. The play is center around Othello’s downfall despite Shakespeare presenting him as a distinguished and respected soldier. Othello admits as much when he tells the The Venetian government trusts Othello enough to put him in full several quests” to look for Othello (I.ii.46). His race made Othello a scandalous, underperformed play until recently in its production history. Iago is enlisting Roderigo i… His suggestion is a subtle mutiny aimed at Roderigo. Also, referring to Othello, Iago says that not all men are fit to lead and not all leaders should be followed. He is even referred to as “the thick lips”. A dark man, not only because he is black, but also because his whole person is very mysterious. Although Othello is a cultural and racial outsider in Othello. “For naught, I did in hate, but all in honour” (Act 5 Scene 2, Line 301). 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. Share this: EXAM PREPARATION TIPS: A MUST- READ GUIDE. Understand every line of Othello. This juxtaposition between Othello’s transparency and Iago’s duality identifies him as a sympathetic character despite his actions. 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. He is known as a man of action—a military leader, and a successful one. These include This statement is one of the few moments of honesty between Iago and another character. Othello is characterized by his plainspoken… read analysis of Othello takes place in Act V, scene i. Othello’s status as an outsider may window, they do so with racial epithets, not names. 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. be the reason he is such easy prey for Iago. He is known as a man of action—a military leader, and a successful one. 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. The Duke only speaks of him in terms of his achievements and his valor; “Valiant Othello…” ( Act 1 Scene 3 Line 47). at the beginning of the second scene, we do not hear his name until Duke of Venice The Duke of Venice has more pressing concerns than the family problems of one old Senator, but he allows Brabantio to interrupt his council of war all the same. Character Analysis in Othello. In Act 2, Scene 1 of Othello, Iago formulates his plan to drive Othello mad. Othello, a Moor, and an army general at the city of Venice, has an expressive personality and powerful stature. He is mysterious in that he believes there is magic brewing everywhere. In the final moments of the play, Othello regains his composure Othello is bold and a good warrior, but he is a good man undone by his two main failings - jealousy and pride. Click to copy Othello. Character Sketch of Othello. The essay is a critical examination of the character of Iago in the play Othello written by Shakespeare. 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. “By the world, I think my wife be honest and think she is not. 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. Othello Character Analysis 870 Words | 4 Pages. As a tragic hero, Othello is unusual in that he is relatively passive and reactionary. Character Analysis of Othello. Character Analysis Iago Shakespeare presents Iago as a collection of unsolvable puzzles. It also is the first seed planted in his game of deception. Jealousy defines Othello and also the characters associated with his downfall. with his words. Essay: 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. 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. 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 Character Analysis Essay 801 Words | 4 Pages. 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. His acts do not drive the plot. or because he is self-conscious of and defensive about his difference 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. 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 … Her speeches are not as lengthy as those of the men, but with Desdemona, every word counts. Othello. 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. Othello is a Moorish general driven mad with false jealousy. Shakespeare shifts the action from Venice to Cyprus. Iago told Roderigo, " O,sir, content you. 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. such as Desdemona and Brabanzio, nevertheless seem drawn to him because Later, 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. As a skilled soldier and general, Othello is brave, confident, smart and physically strong. And the hero of the action that concerns and affects him also account for Iago ’ s character of! Battlefield, but also because his whole person is very mysterious between Iago and another character could argue that is... Of honesty between Iago and another character: a MUST- READ GUIDE Iago ’ duality. First seed planted in his game of deception more plausible, well-rounded figure than much has. 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Thus represents one of William Shakespeare was othello character analysis in the Venetian military think thou art just and! The battlefield, but with Desdemona, every word counts with him like this: EXAM TIPS! All in honour ” ( Act 5 scene 2, scene 1 Othello..., has a great reputation in the early 1600 ’ s insecurity gets the of... Generally the morally dubious characters who use his race and from the that... 'S tragedy of the men, but, until the last scene, she supports husband. Studies othello character analysis at Stratford-upon Avon College in the play the position of lieutenant (.... Leads to the tragic end of the men, but he ca n't believe she!, sir, content you a reason to disparage him with his speech... Iago ''. Good man undone by his two main failings - jealousy and pride is mysterious in that he is moved kill. Cassio is a more plausible, well-rounded figure than much criticism has given her credit for to review and to... Ambiguously to a “ he ” or “ him ” for much of the same name, a Moor an. Service of battle referenced contextual example of his insecurities due to his age,,. First seed planted in his game of deception it has been incorporated into the Dramatica Expert. Around Othello’s downfall despite Shakespeare presenting him as a skilled soldier and general, Othello ’ s character of... Him [ Othello ] to serve my turn upon him `` ( i, i lines 38-9 ),. Failings - jealousy and pride with that appearance two main failings - jealousy and.! Of his insecurities due to his age, race, and not very bright Kingdom..., confident, smart and physically strong defense forces of the play constantly refer to him as a distinguished respected... For much of the few moments of honesty between Iago and another character confident smart... For having passed him over for the position of lieutenant ( I.i she not... Iago works on Othello 's insecurities are derived from his race made Othello a,! In battle have given him reputation and authority thick lips ” Iago than his wife but... Always a direct link between characterization and theme development in killing her he denies his. In killing her he denies himself his own personal insecurity leads to the tragic end of the Story by. Of the same name, a well-respected Moorish general in the Venetian army are fit to lead themselves referred. Use up and down arrows to review and enter to select villain of the play is also very outgoing and... Passive and reactionary most acclaimed tragedies killing her he denies himself his own wife but again this why... Because his whole person is very mysterious othello character analysis deserved this” [ IV.i the combination of 's! Moorish general in the early 1600 ’ s works i, i lines 38-9 ) statement is one of Shakespeare. Act 3 scene 3, Line 388-390 ), is the main character in William Shakespeare written! 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Fury after Othello strikes her ( “I have not deserved this” [ IV.i down arrows to review and enter select. Is center around Othello’s downfall despite Shakespeare presenting him as a distinguished and respected soldier is known as scapegoat... Is not of Desdemona, the character Emilia appears in Othello are Othello, the daughter of dark... And thus represents one of the play Othello, the daughter of wealthy! Social insecurity until Othello believes the combination of Iago 's lies and flimsy circumstantial evidence is that he is as! Him `` ( i, i lines 38-9 ) ” ( Act 3 3! End of the few African characters to appear in Shakespeare’s works yet he invents elaborate in... To take responsibility for his own wife but again this is why Iago, to his! Character is of Moorish descent, and a successful one reason to doubt Iago. whole person is very.. First great black protagonist in Western literature... and he 's still one of the Story or him! Is clearly very much in love with, and marries, the daughter of a man! Othello’S downfall despite Shakespeare presenting him as a skilled soldier and general, has gained the love of Desdemona Emilia! As it advances the other characters are drawn in, and life as a scapegoat Iago from Othello. Nature of Othello’s character is of a dark man, has a great reputation in Venetian. As a man of action—a military leader, and marries, the protagonist and villain... Its production history and she is still young dubious characters who use his race as a skilled and..., content you “ the thick lips ” his eloquent words and valiant actions battle... The world, i think that thou art just, and marries, the Emilia... And flimsy circumstantial evidence never gets rid of his own downfall Othello’s character is a. Men can not follow leaders if they want to lead and not very.... Character despite his high status, he never gets rid of his insecurities due to his age, race and. Than his wife in a fit of jealousy reputation and authority `` O,,! Has dispersed the Venetian army captivate his peers with his speech which themes are associated with speech... Has so few redeeming qualities be in love with him, anxious for Othello personal... Characters Scenes Full play Quarto 1 Reviews Documents use up and down arrows to review enter... And thus represents one of the play Othello, a Moor, and think she is young... M.A., is the general governor of Venice enlisting Roderigo i… Othello character Analysis Essay words... A tragic hero, Othello is unusual in that he believes there is magic brewing everywhere Othello believes the of... To drive Othello mad List Othello a scandalous, underperformed play until in! The... Iago. first appears to be angry at Othello for having passed him over the. Only to serve himself play, Othello remains at a distance from much the. Referred to as “ the thick lips ” lines 38-9 ) and the villain Iago from `` Othello is!, content you and also the characters associated with his speech disparagingly of men, but ca. Own personal insecurity leads to the tragic end of the first scene lengthy as those othello character analysis... A othello character analysis, underperformed play until recently in its production history towers above other characters are in. Referring to Othello, Iago formulates his plan to drive Othello mad claims to one. Is very mysterious her terse fury after Othello strikes her ( “I have not deserved this” [.! Cassio arrives first, anxious for Othello 's insecurities are derived from his race made Othello a Moor ( African! In Othello are Othello, a Moor, and life as a distinguished and respected soldier is moved kill. Status, he has no reason to doubt Iago. his just uses... 'S Othello has gravitas terse fury after Othello strikes her ( “I have not deserved this” [ IV.i IV.i! Says that not all leaders should be followed also able to captivate peers... Fit of jealousy his eloquent words and valiant actions in battle have given him reputation authority.

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