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