ACT 4 SCENE 2
Othello’s downfall has begun; yet its true beginning starts when the other characters understand the change that Othello has undergone. Act 4 scene 2 is dominated by Desdemona, her image or personality has shaped itself so as to not tread on Othello’s temper. Shakespeare uses his characters to underline Othello’s downfall by expressing a slight difference in their speech or behaviour. One of the characters being Desdemona, whose change of nature towards Othello empathises the shear foreboding that lingers in her subconscious.
Her gentle character has become even more subtle and tender so as to please her “lord” rather than let Othello “stick the smallest opinion on my [her] least misuse”. Her speech carries a more formal tone; one which addresses a higher power or superior ranking. “My lord, what is your will?” Desdemona’s language is seen to have become more submissive to her husband, this change in tone is perhaps due to Othello’s change of character and the apprehension she gets from his exterior; her complete submission is also down to the fact that she simply does not want to provoke Othello’s already potent fury.
Shakespeare alters Desdemona’s language to render the imbalance of their marriage into awareness; from beginning as equals; there’s now a shift of power- Othello having gained most of it- where now Desdemona is trying to survive the hidden wrath of Othello’s jealous resentment towards her. Her language shows this alteration in power “I hope my noble lord esteems me honest”; this new formality with Othello has derived from the fact that Desdemona is aware that he has endured a huge transformation or ‘rebirth’.
Othello’s language has further reinforced her judgment of his conversion; before Othello’s revival he would simply refer to Desdemona as “O, my fair warrior”- note that he calls her a warrior a term which wouldn’t be used for Women as they are seen as inferior to men or incapable- his speech expresses how Othello sees Desdemona as his equal; in strength of mind and in strength of heart. But subsequent to his regeneration he now perceives her to be an “imprudent strumpet!” “You mistress.....whore”. His language has provided further confirmation of his demise.
Shakespeare shrewdly accentuates the protagonist’s downfall not only through their change in nature but also through the representation of the other characters. This achieves the final stage of Othello’s downfall as his reputation is now tarnished as a result of his rebirth; which has now equipped him with a new abhorrence towards humanity. Desdemona is conscious not only of his change but also of the extent of his corruption.
>Moena<
Shakespeare shrewdly accentuates the protagonist’s downfall not only through their change in nature but also through the representation of the other characters. This achieves the final stage of Othello’s downfall as his reputation is now tarnished as a result of his rebirth; which has now equipped him with a new abhorrence towards humanity. Desdemona is conscious not only of his change but also of the extent of his corruption.
>Moena<
