Sunday, 2 October 2011

First impressions of Othello + his relationship with others!


>Othello+impressions<
Our first impression of Othello is revealed through the first scene in the play which generally describes an unfavourable attitude towards Othello. He is often described in the first scene as 'the moor’(line-57 act1 scene1) or ‘an old black ram’ (line-89 act1 scene1)which at first gives signs of disrespect towards this character this is shown through the fact that no one in the whole first scene has spoken Othello’s name.
This suggests that he is being signalled out as the foreigner which also presents to us- the audience- the impression that he is an outcast. Not much but negative views of Othello are shown throughout the first scene. However in the second scene Othello’s true nature first comes to light.
Its suggested that he is a calm and temperament solider this is seen when Iago unsuccessfully tried to rouse some anger in Othello; which to he responded ‘tis better as it is’ (line-6 act1 scene2). This is his very first line in the play, which contradicts with the views of the other characters that he is ‘the devil’ (line-91 act1 scene1). Instead we see Othello not wanting Iago to get into a fight with Rodrigo. This idea that we now have of Othello, that he is of a gentle soul is further reinforced by his minimal speech in scene 2 in which he describes his love for Desdemona and that his services to Venice ‘shall out tongue’ (line-19 act1 sc2) barbatinos complaints.

Although in this speech it also reveals Othello’s naivety, in that his reputation and merits shall save him from Brabantio spite. Which in obvious reality in seeing barbitions rage, will not let go to kindly.

>Othello+Realtionships<

So now that we have looked at the first impressions of Othello, we can now move on to his relationship with others and their views. Othello clearly trusts Iago and would trust his very words and character. However we also know that Iago is really looking out for his self interests and that his presumed loyalty to Othello is nothing but a shamble. This gives us an idea of the kind of relationship Othello has with others – a trusting one.

He doesn’t suspect or doubts Iago’s neither true nature nor does he realize that his high status has not yet brought him the respect that he so seeks. Othello is committed to the belief that ‘my parts, my title, and my perfect soul shall manifest me rightly’ (line 31-32 act1 sc2). This further highlights his nativity and cluelessness about the true nature of his relationship with others.

We also discussed the effect of contradictory language, and we’re going to see what kind of effect this would have on Othello. Iago constantly uses contradictory language partly because he is in resemblance to the 'two faced Janus'; yet it also helps him feign his relationship with Othello.

‘i had thought to have yerk’d him under his ribs’ (line-5 act 1 scene2) this in fact portrays devout loyalty to Othello. Which Othello seemingly depends on? His relationship with others we don’t know to much about especially with Desdemona but we can assume that it’s based on mutual affection and unquestionable trust. But we now understand more of Othello’s character and a little more about his relationship with others.

>Moena<

2 comments:

  1. A good, clear summary of the introduction of our protagonist and his relationships with others. From this early on in the play we find out Othello's weaknesses - that he is too trustful and naive - along with some of his strengths of being calm and authoritive. His weakness shows through the trust he has in Iago which the audience knows Iago is feigning, and his strengths show in his controlled speech and wish not to fight without reason.
    An introduction like this helps the audience to understand the character of Othello, and so we begin to see where the tragedy of the protagonist may start. Emma

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  2. As the audience, we already have a good, clear summary of Othello. He is a brave, noble man, even the duke says so. However, Othello could also portray a negative aspect within this scene. He is constantly going on about how he has fought in the war, and how he is a successful soldier. This is trying to win over Brabantio and the duke. Some could say that that he is going to far, by stating that Desdemona is quite needy for his affection. She had a 'greedy ear', she wanted to hear more from him. Othello is almost boastinfg from line 161 on wards in his speech on how Desdemona felt about him. He is saying this infront of her father, which isnt 'sticking up' for the love of her life, it could get her into trouble. Othello knows this, it makes us wonder, does he care more about himself? if so, is he the loyal, sweet man that he is made out to be?

    Great blog, a clear summart of scene 3!

    Holls :)

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