How and Why does Shakespeare represent ‘powerplay’ in his drama Othello?
In the drama ‘Othello’, Shakespeare represents ‘powerplay’ though themes, manipulation of characters as well as dramatic features and techniques. The characterisation of the antagonist Iago, demonstrates his ability to mislead others by encouraging them to misinterpret what they actually see. Characters also gain power thought, deception; Iago uses this to manipulate other characters into his plans. Throughout this time we see Iago’s emotionless characteristics of a sociopath using ‘powerplay’ to benefit him for his own entertainment. Shakespeare uses a diverse range of techniques and several different themes to express how ‘powerplay’ is portrayed in ‘Othelllo’.
Powerplay can be found from the use of prejudice, in the play. Throughout ‘Othello’, many character display prejudice to try and gain power others by othering them and making them feel like they are the outsider. The most common display of prejudice is racial, towards Othello. Roderigo and Iago using metaphorical language by calling him a ‘moor’, ‘beast’, ‘thick lips’. In nearly every case, prejudice characters describe Othello as an animal or a beast again with the use of metaphors they are othering Othello though racial prejudice. However, Othello seems to have inner self-prejudice, calling himself simular terms. Racial prejudice is not the only prejudice on display. Many characters exhibit misogyny or hatred of women. In all cases, the characters displaying prejudice seek power and control on others. Prejudice works as a kind of strategy to identify out siders and to place yourself with the dominate group, and Othello seems to understand this. In Othello he tells the audience though his poignant solilquy on suicide,how he killed a ‘Muslim Turk’ a “circumcised dog” who had killed a Venetian, so Othello tries to use religious prejudice against Muslims to try and get accepted in to mainstream Christian Venetian Society.
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