Reading Othello is proving to be quite an interesting experience because I have never encountered a character as deceptive as Iago in any Shakespeare play I have read. Even Medea, who was very persuasive in her words, is not as manipulative as Iago, because she does not feign her true intentions to the extent that Iago does. Because he uses deceit in nearly all of his actions, I feel a natural sympathy towards Othello, whereas I had a little contempt for Jason because he was unfaithful to Medea as a husband. But Othello is more innocent and virtuous, which is furthered by Othello’s entrance in the play, for he appears as a character with quiet calm instead of the passionate and violent persona Iago connotates with him, taking away any credibility the reader has for Iago.
I found Othello’s societal position particularly intriguing because he is welcomed but also remains a foreigner in Venetian society. For instance, his race, physical appearance, and life history distinguish him from other Venetians, which ignites Brabanzio’s fears that he has utilized withcraft on his daughter. At the same time, other characters, such as the duke, treat him as vital part of the state. This is underscored when Othello and the others enter and the duke immediately delves into business, telling Othello that they need him to war against the Ottoman Turks. It is after addressing Othello that the duke notices Brabanzio, and when Brabanzio asks for justice, the duke wants to hear more from Othello. Once Othello delivers his moving speech about winning Desdemona’s heart, the duke feels the matter is over and Othello is not at fault. Thus, Othello continues to overshadow and overpower Brabanzio physically and politically.
Discussion questions: How does Othello’s “flaws” contribute to Iago’s goal to destroy him?
How does isolation on the island of Cyprus allow many of the play’s effects to develop?
Blindness appears yet again as recurring theme in tragedy. Which characters are blind to the “truth” or “reason,” and what comparisons can be made to other plays and works we have read that emphasize blindness?
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