Othello: Critical Essay revision



Othello: Critical Essay Revision

Act 3 Scene 3

Most years 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 will soon be looking 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 2015) but Act 3 Scene 3 is also a scene which could be said to build to a climax (2016), change our view of a central character - our loss of sympathy and admiration for Othello as he transforms from noble warrior to savage killer (2015) - be said to be shocking (2016) or highlights a particular theme of the play - jealousy/ betrayal (2016)

So why is Act 3 Scene 3 important? (Bearing possible questions in mind similar to the ones above)

• 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. O and D

2. I and O

3. Hankie

4. Soliloquy

5. 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 depicts 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

• 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

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