How Does Shakespeare Present Othello Between Act 1 Scene 1 and Act 2 Scene 3?
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How does Shakespeare present Othello between Act 1 scene 1 and Act 2 scene 3?
Shakespeare first uses other characters to build up an initial impression of Othello. Frequently referring to him in racist slur in Act 1, Scene 1, Roderigo and Iago refer to him as having “thick-lips” and an “old black ram”, which illustrates that Othello is black. This is interesting because black people at the time were not treated as equals, as these quotes show. However, despite the derogatory nature of these comments which perhaps shows that people do not have respect for him, it does also show that Othello must be a very strong person because we know that he is in a high position in the army as he is able to appoint Cassio. As a result, the reader gets the impression that he is a man of high worth and strong character as he is in the position he is in, despite the clear racism and lack of respect that occur.
The reader’s initial impression of Othello then changes as Iago and Rodrigo speak to Brabantio, father of Othello’s wife, Desdemona. They create an image that Othello is a lustful and dangerous kidnapper, for Iago states to Brabantio that he has “lost half your soul” and “even now, an old black ram is tupping your white ewe”. This infers that Othello has taken a white girl away to allow him to sleep with her, which portrays Othello in a very negative light. Furthermore, Othello is then referred to as “the devil”, which imprints the image of a man out of control, dark and unpleasant.
Othello’s appearance in Act 1, Scene 2, instantly challenges any pre-conceived ideas that the audience may have had of his character. Othello is first introduced by saying “’Tis better as it is”, which depicts a calm and peaceful natured character. After all of the racists slurs and offensive accusations made behind his back, Othello is keen to defend his good reputation and speaks proudly of his value to the Venetian state: ‘My services which I have done the signiory shall out tongue his...
Shakespeare first uses other characters to build up an initial impression of Othello. Frequently referring to him in racist slur in Act 1, Scene 1, Roderigo and Iago refer to him as having “thick-lips” and an “old black ram”, which illustrates that Othello is black. This is interesting because black people at the time were not treated as equals, as these quotes show. However, despite the derogatory nature of these comments which perhaps shows that people do not have respect for him, it does also show that Othello must be a very strong person because we know that he is in a high position in the army as he is able to appoint Cassio. As a result, the reader gets the impression that he is a man of high worth and strong character as he is in the position he is in, despite the clear racism and lack of respect that occur.
The reader’s initial impression of Othello then changes as Iago and Rodrigo speak to Brabantio, father of Othello’s wife, Desdemona. They create an image that Othello is a lustful and dangerous kidnapper, for Iago states to Brabantio that he has “lost half your soul” and “even now, an old black ram is tupping your white ewe”. This infers that Othello has taken a white girl away to allow him to sleep with her, which portrays Othello in a very negative light. Furthermore, Othello is then referred to as “the devil”, which imprints the image of a man out of control, dark and unpleasant.
Othello’s appearance in Act 1, Scene 2, instantly challenges any pre-conceived ideas that the audience may have had of his character. Othello is first introduced by saying “’Tis better as it is”, which depicts a calm and peaceful natured character. After all of the racists slurs and offensive accusations made behind his back, Othello is keen to defend his good reputation and speaks proudly of his value to the Venetian state: ‘My services which I have done the signiory shall out tongue his...