REFLECTION

Through our performance of Othello Act 3 scene 3, and other groups presentations, many ideas and themes have become apparent. Romance and passion is the predominate theme that is further explored through sub-themes of military life, jealousy, stability and trust. Othello, being a reputable soldier is confident on the battlefield. Using his military tails and stories, Othello wins over Desdemona who becomes his “fair warrior”. But when the need for military consultation and advances disappear and Othello is no longer in the essence of his confidence, his weakness are taken advantages in regard to everyday life and romance. It is then that themes of Jealousy and manipulation arise with Othello beginning to feel uneasy with his footing in a private setting, the bedroom. Iago exploits this apprehension, calling Othello’s epileptic fit in Act IV, scene i, “[a] passion most unsuiting such a man.” Now facing a life that is supported with less confidence then his general military life, Othello must consult his ‘honest’ companion Iago. With this, Iago can gain revenge on a man who he sees to have discredited his capabilities.

To properly address the theme of revenge, Iago uses the manipulation of characters through their faults and weaknesses. The manipulation of Roderigo is a prime example of this. By taking advantage of Roderigo’s love for Desdemona, he is able to create a web of manipulation through a mutual character who he uses as a pawn to get to Cassio without the danger of being exposed. This works well for a weak character like Roderigo, but for a strong protagonist such as Othello, weaknesses must be developed and gaps in confidences and trust must be stretched until the gap is large enough to rip apart. In act 3 scene 3, Iago shows just how confident he is with his grasp on Othello’s trust by portraying himself as a friend of both sides (Cassio, and Othello) even though he sides with neither: “Cassio’s my worthy friend” – line 224 A3 S3. And “I fear her will, recoiling to her better judgement, may fail to match you with her country forms, and happily repent” – line 236 A3 S3.

Race is also a strong theme in Othello, challenging stereotypes and encouraging racial equality. Othello introduces one of the first black protagonists in English literature. By using a ‘Moor’ as one of his main characters, Shakespeare challenges racial stereotypes and normalities. The ‘Moor’ has a high position of power and influence. Shakespeare portrays the attitudes of Desdemona’s father Brabantio as being racist and proves his attitude towards Othello as being wrong through his depiction of a loving and ultimately caring, black husband. At the time of the Elizabethan’s, Brabantio’s morals would have been socially acceptable and even encouraged. So when Shakespeare used Othello to prove Brabantio wrong, he manipulated the morals of his audiences who would have empathized with Brabantio. It is nearly impossible to talk about race in Othello without also discussing gender and sexuality.1

In Act 3 Scene 3 Iago tells Othello to beware of jealousy, the “green-eyed monster which doth mock/ The meat it feeds on”. Emilia depicts jealousy as being a “monster / Begot upon itself, born on itself”. Through the use of the imagery of hell and demons, religion and moral judgement is being demonstrated and explored. Othello refers to Iago as the devil several times in Act 5 and also mentions earlier, Desdemona’s betrayal as being “monstrous, monstrous!”. The animal and religious imagery is used most likely because of Shakespeare’s beliefs and his knowledge surrounding the church and society’s beliefs. Shakespeare uses this to help emphasise the relationships between the characters and their status in the Elizabethan society.

The interpretation of the play through act1 scene1 and act3 scene3 performed in class, tried to portray the themes mentioned above through use of stage directions, acting techniques, costumes and props and script simplifications. Act 3, scene 3 (Molly, Claire and Alana), was a clear example of this. Costuming played a big role in the illustration of their characters. Desdemona wore a white gown which helped to symbolize innocence and purity. Othello wore green jeans, boots and a green tie with the colour symbolizing jealousy and clothing choice representing Othello’s military uniform. Iago wore all black with a red scarf showing his absence of bias and his participation of equal manipulation towards all characters and a red scarf to symbolise blood, evil and death. With a clear contrast in costumes and props, the characters were easily distinguishable and showed a very clear interpretation of each role. They saw their scene as a foreshadow of what was to come in regards to Act 3 Scene 3 being a significant act in the manipulation of Othello. This group demonstrated the weakness of Othello in various ways. The stage directions at one point have Iago cornering Othello, showing Othello’s lack of power and dominance between Iago and himself. The tightening of Othello’s tie at the end of the performance also portrays the foreshadowing of death and Iagos sinister intentions.

http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/masterpiece/othello/tg_race.html http://www.shmoop.com/othello/themes.html

1 http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/masterpiece/othello/tg_race.html - 10/06/13