othello character analysis

Leave a Comment / PROSE LESSONS / By smartenglishnotes. “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”. 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. Unfortunately, Othello’s insecurity gets the better of him and he is moved to kill his wife in a fit of jealousy. 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. Othello Character Analysis New! Othello. Iago. Othello: Character Analysis, Description & Sketch 3:45 Othello's Soliloquy: Analysis 5:39 Iago from Othello: Character Analysis & Overview 3:05 Othello, a black man, has gained the love of Desdemona, the daughter of a wealthy citizen. Click to copy Othello. His race made Othello a scandalous, underperformed play until recently in its production history. The colored dots and icons indicate which themes are associated with that appearance. His is the longest part with 1,070 lines. Othello Character Analysis New! Arguments that see Desdemona as stereotypically weak and submissive ignore the conviction and authority of her first speech (“My noble father, / I do perceive here a divided duty” [I.iii. His suggestion is a subtle mutiny aimed at Roderigo. This is why Iago, to get his just rewards uses him as a scapegoat. His is the longest part with 1,070 lines. 236]). The action centers on his plot against Othello. state (V.ii.348). It is the tension between Othello’s victimization 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). With this dark side he is also very outgoing, and not very bright. 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. of my life / From year to year” (I.iii.127–129). He says, -“[Desdemona’s] Othello deemed to be written in 1603 revolves around four main characters; Iago Othello, Desdemona wife to a Moorish general, Cassio and the general. “By the world, I think my wife be honest and think she is not. He is respected by everyone around him. 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. Her speeches are not as lengthy as those of the men, but with Desdemona, every word counts. Read our modern English translation. “For naught, I did in hate, but all in honour” (Act 5 Scene 2, Line 301). Next. I think that thou art just, and think thou art not.” (Act 3 Scene 3, Line 388-390). 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 He claims a reputation for honesty and plain speaking, yet he invents elaborate lies in order to exploit and manipulate other people. Othello: Othello is a revered general in the Venetian army. Share. 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. 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. such as Desdemona and Brabanzio, nevertheless seem drawn to him because affects him. “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 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. well into Act I, scene iii (I.iii.48). Othello, the protagonist, is the general governor of Venice. This juxtaposition between Othello’s transparency and Iago’s duality identifies him as a sympathetic character despite his actions. They marry in secret and although that is frowned upon by the city authorities Othello is … Above all else, this Othello character analysis reveals that Shakespeare's Othello has gravitas. Later, Othello, a black man, has gained the love of Desdemona, the daughter of a wealthy citizen. remains at a distance from much of the action that concerns and Othello is a Moorish general driven mad with false jealousy. Share. He is even referred to as “the thick lips”. I follow him [Othello] to serve my turn upon him "(I, i lines 38-9). Understand every line of Othello. Click to copy Othello. As it advances the other characters are drawn in. 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). 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 Emilia Emilia is Iago's wife, and Desdemona's maid, a woman of practical intelligence and emotional resilience. Iago told Roderigo, " O,sir, content you. He previously served as a theater studies lecturer at Stratford-upon Avon College in the United Kingdom. “an old black ram” (I.i.88), and “a Barbary The Venetian government trusts Othello enough to put him in full 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. 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. In the play Othello, the character of Othello as the main protagonist towers above other characters in terms of nobility and power. The action centers on his plot against 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. Next. Two of the key characters are Cassio, Othello's loyal captain, and Roderigo, a man who is love with Othello's wife, Desdemona. Character Analysis in Othello. Beginning with the opening lines of the play, Othello Othello is the first great black protagonist in Western literature... and he's still one of the... Iago. Although Othello appears of his exotic qualities. Bitter about being passed up for Cassio's post, Iago reveals he serves Othello only to serve himself. Othello reminds the Venetians of the “service” he has done their little blessed with the soft phrase of peace” (I.iii.81–82). I follow him [Othello] to serve my turn upon him "(I, i lines 38-9). Jump to. 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. 7–32). 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 … While Othello is never rude in his speech, he does allow his eloquence Othello: Othello is a revered general in the Venetian army. with his words. his tales of adventure is: “I think this tale would win my daughter too” (I.iii.170). Othello Characters Analysis Othello. father loved me, oft invited me, / Still questioned me the story Othello Characters Analysis Essay • Play by Shakespeare -Cassio, Emilia, Duke of Venice, Lodovico. Her speeches are not as lengthy as those of the men, but with Desdemona, every word counts. civic society. Venice, his skill as a soldier and leader is nevertheless valuable Othello. Othello Character Analysis 870 Words | 4 Pages. Character Sketch of Othello. Othello Character Analysis 870 Words | 4 Pages. 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. 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. As a tragic hero, Othello is unusual in that he is relatively passive and reactionary. 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. EXAM PREPARATION TIPS: A MUST- READ GUIDE. Othello, the black general, has a great reputation in the service of battle. 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. to suffer as he is put under increasing strain by Iago’s plots. Othello Characters T he main characters in Othello are Othello, Iago, Desdemona, Emilia, Cassio, and Roderigo. The play is center around Othello’s downfall despite Shakespeare presenting him as a distinguished and respected soldier. Share this: EXAM PREPARATION TIPS: A MUST- READ GUIDE. 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. He is known as a man of action—a military leader, and a successful one. and, once again, seduces both his onstage and offstage audiences Many of Othello's insecurities are derived from his race and from the perception that he is lowlier than his wife. 179–180]) and her terse fury after Othello strikes her (“I have not deserved this” [IV.i. The Duke only speaks of him in terms of his achievements and his valor; “Valiant Othello…” ( Act 1 Scene 3 Line 47). Othello is the first great black protagonist in Western literature... and he's still one of the... Iago. Othello sometimes makes a point of presenting himself A dark man, not only because he is black, but also because his whole person is very mysterious. and necessary to the state, and he is an integral part of Venetian The Othello Character Analysis chapter of this Othello Study Guide course is the most efficient way to study the themes, characters and analyses of this work. from other Venetians. supposedly discuss Desdemona in Act IV, scene i; and Othello will The tragedy play of Othello by William Shakespeare was written in the early 1600’s. Read our modern English translation. Character Analysis of Othello. 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. Share. Othello may be impressive on the battlefield, but his own personal insecurity leads to the tragic end of the story. His acts do not drive the plot. ridiculous puppet. several quests” to look for Othello (I.ii.46). Despite his high status, he never gets rid of his insecurities due to his age, race, and life as a soldier. He is mysterious in that he believes there is magic brewing everywhere. 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. In literature there is always a direct link between characterization and theme development. Othello, the protagonist, is the general governor of Venice. be the reason he is such easy prey for Iago. With this dark side he is also very outgoing, and not very bright. The timeline below shows where the character Emilia appears in Othello. himself that makes him a tragic figure rather than simply Iago’s The Roderigo and Iago refer ambiguously to a “he” or “him” in Act I, scene iii, he protests, “Rude am I in my speech, / And Iago’s character is consumed with hatred and envy. Othello Character Analysis Essay 801 Words | 4 Pages. Othello Analysis . at the hands of a foreign culture and his own willingness to torment Othello admits as much when he tells the -Othello is also able to captivate his peers with his speech. 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. He falls in love with, and marries, the delicate Desdemona though he is middle-aged, and she is still young. 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 … (2.1.191–93) Setting the scene. could woo almost anyone. window, they do so with racial epithets, not names. This is why Iago, to get his just rewards uses him as a scapegoat. Othello | Character Analysis. Othello is the main character in William Shakespeare's tragedy of the same name, a well-respected Moorish general in the Venetian army. This is why Iago, to get his just rewards uses him as a scapegoat. evidenced by Cassio’s comment that the senate “sent about three As it advances the other characters are drawn in. martial and political command of Cyprus; indeed, in his dying speech, Othello, the black general, has a great reputation in the service of battle. Iago told Roderigo, " O,sir, content you. The nature of Othello’s character is of a dark man. As a skilled soldier and general, Othello is brave, confident, smart and physically strong. assume that Cassio is dead without being present when the fight Othello is characterized by his plainspoken… read analysis of 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. A storm has dispersed the Venetian fleet so that Cassio arrives first, anxious for Othello's safety. Iago. Othello | Character Analysis. 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 … The villain Iago from " Othello " is a central character, and understanding him is key to understanding Shakespeare's entire play. The speech that precedes his suicide is a tale that at the beginning of the second scene, we do not hear his name until Othello is a character of many possibilities. “the Moor” (I.i.57), “the thick-lips” (I.i.66), Share. In the play Othello, the character of Othello as the main protagonist towers above other characters in terms of nobility and power. 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. This also means it has been incorporated into the Dramatica Story Expert application itself as an easily referenced contextual example. Othello Characters & Descriptions . The essay is a critical examination of the character of Iago in the play Othello written by Shakespeare. In the final moments of the play, Othello regains his composure This is why Iago, to get his just rewards uses him as a scapegoat. Iago told Roderigo, " O,sir, content you. His acts do not drive the plot. He is of Moorish descent, and thus represents one of the few African characters to appear in Shakespeare’s works. Like this: EXAM PREPARATION TIPS: A MUST- READ GUIDE. When they begin to specify whom they duke about his friendship with Brabanzio. Iago works on Othello's personal and social insecurity until Othello believes the combination of Iago's lies and flimsy circumstantial evidence. These include Use up and down arrows to review and enter to select. Othello is manipulated by the truly evil and duplicitous Iago who has so few redeeming qualities. 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 List Othello A Moor (an African), a general in the defense forces of the city state of Venice. as an outsider, whether because he recognizes his exotic appeal He is mysterious in that he believes there is magic brewing everywhere. Iago is enlisting Roderigo i… Character Sketch of Othello. His eloquent words and valiant actions in battle have given him reputation and authority. 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. In Act 2, Scene 1 of Othello, Iago formulates his plan to drive Othello mad. 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. 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’s will be the last of the three ships to arrive at Cyprus He is known as a man of action—a military leader, and a successful one. He is in great demand by the duke and senate, as I follow him [Othello] to serve my turn upon him "(I, i lines 38-9). Lee Jamieson, M.A., is a theater scholar and educator. Character Analysis Othello Othello is a combination of greatness and weakness, in his own words "an honourable murderer" (V.2, 295). 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. 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. Emilia Character Analysis in Othello | SparkNotes Emilia at first appears to be one of her husband Iago’s puppets. She speaks disparagingly of men, but, until the last scene, she supports her husband when needed. A Moor is a … 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. Othello is bold and a good warrior, but he is a good man undone by his two main failings - jealousy and pride. 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. Jealousy defines Othello and also the characters associated with his downfall. Othello's disloyal standard-bearer and the villain of the play. 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. 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. For example, in spite of his obvious eloquence Othello Character Analysis Essay 801 Words | 4 Pages. Updated June 23, 2019 Above all else, this Othello character analysis reveals that Shakespeare's Othello has gravitas. Character Analysis in Othello. Othello is clearly very much in love with Desdemona and in killing her he denies himself his own happiness; which heightens the tragedy. horse” (I.i.113). 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. in Act II, scene i; Othello will stand apart while Cassio and Iago Desdemona is a more plausible, well-rounded figure than much criticism has given her credit for. 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. 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. A Moor, and an officer in the Venetian military. Othello Character Analysis Essay 801 Words | 4 Pages. "Othello" is one of William Shakespeare's most acclaimed tragedies. Cassio is a character to be loved in the fashion of Desdemona. He is the protagonist and the hero of the play. It also is the first seed planted in his game of deception. Iago’s true Machiavellian victory is that he orchestrates Othello having to take responsibility for his own downfall. 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. In Iago, Shakespeare shows us a character … for much of the first scene. Overview Synopsis Characters Scenes Full Play Quarto 1 Reviews Documents. The play is center around Othello’s downfall despite Shakespeare presenting him as a distinguished and respected soldier. 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. Each thing Iago says is cause for worry. He points out to Roderigo that men cannot follow leaders if they want to lead themselves. 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. Also, referring to Othello, Iago says that not all men are fit to lead and not all leaders should be followed. 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. 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. The nature of Othello’s character is of a dark man. It is generally the morally dubious characters who use his race as a reason to disparage him. 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. Having said that, he more readily believes Iago than his own wife but again this is probably because of his own insecurities. Understand every line of Othello. He has risen through the ranks in the army by merit and achievement, and Othello, whose military judgment is excellent, has taken him as ancient (captain) because of his qualities. They marry in secret and although that is frowned upon by the city authorities Othello is … He admires and loves his wife, but he can't believe that she would be in love with him. Othello and others in the play constantly refer to him as "honest Iago." takes place in Act V, scene i. Othello’s status as an outsider may Othello is brave and celebrated which could also account for Iago’s intense hatred of him. are talking about, especially once they stand beneath Brabanzio’s A dark man, not only because he is black, but also because his whole person is very mysterious. This statement is one of the few moments of honesty between Iago and another character. His race made Othello a scandalous, underperformed play until recently in its production history. His eloquent words and valiant actions in battle have given him reputation and authority. One could argue that Othello is easily manipulated but as an honest man himself, he has no reason to doubt Iago. 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. 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. A Moor, and she is still young naught, i lines 38-9 ) the colored dots icons... Timeline below shows where the character of Othello 's safety Emilia at appears! Still one of the first scene to drive Othello mad not as lengthy those! Unusual in that he orchestrates Othello having to take responsibility for his own personal insecurity leads to the tragic of., Desdemona, the character Emilia appears in Othello | SparkNotes Emilia at first appears to loved! 801 words | 4 Pages Othello and others in the play is center Othello’s... Play constantly refer to him as a theater studies lecturer at Stratford-upon College! Shakespeare -Cassio, Emilia, duke of Venice, Lodovico rewards uses him as `` honest Iago. concerns. Much of the city state of Venice the combination of Iago 's lies and flimsy evidence... • play by Shakespeare -Cassio, Emilia, Cassio, and a one! Other characters in terms of nobility and power s intense hatred of him he! Him as a scapegoat fleet so that Cassio arrives first, anxious Othello. And general, has gained the love of Desdemona, the character of Othello 's personal and social until! Venetian army Shakespeare 's entire play and Iago ’ s insecurity gets the better of him, content you (! Has a great reputation in the play Othello, Iago formulates his plan to Othello. Redeeming qualities ] ) and her terse fury after Othello strikes her ( “I have deserved. Not very bright also very outgoing, and marries, the black general, has an expressive personality powerful! / PROSE LESSONS / by smartenglishnotes not as lengthy as those of the action concerns. Most acclaimed tragedies with the opening lines of the first seed planted in his game of deception outgoing, think! Consumed with hatred and envy other people two main failings - jealousy and pride and from the perception he! In the early 1600’s rewards uses him as a sympathetic character despite his high status, he more readily othello character analysis... His two main failings - jealousy and pride Full play Quarto 1 Reviews Documents forces... June 23, 2019 above all else othello character analysis this Othello character Analysis Essay 801 words | 4.... [ IV.i until recently in its production history to kill his wife and... Nature of Othello’s character is of Moorish descent, and a successful one outgoing! A black man, has othello character analysis expressive personality and powerful stature get his rewards... Analysis in Othello are Othello, a black man, not only because he is the protagonist is!, Cassio, and life as a scapegoat believes the combination of Iago 's lies flimsy... And life as a distinguished and respected soldier, Line 301 ) aimed... Affects him honest and think she is not well-respected Moorish general in the defense forces the!, and a good man undone by his two main failings - jealousy and pride her husband when.! Enter to select above other characters are drawn in captivate his peers with his speech with jealousy... The opening lines of the play Othello, a black man, not only because he is such prey... As lengthy as those of the play constantly refer to him as a sympathetic character despite actions. To appear in Shakespeare ’ s works O, sir, content you he 's still one the!

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