Othello Term paper

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In his play Othello, Shakespeare uses many elements to enhance the tragedy of the piece. He uses Desdemona as the ultimate innocent victim and he uses true love to arouse our pity. However, most important is the way in which he uses the journey from order to chaos to allow us to trace how the tragedy progresses. He uses the physical journey from Venice to Cyprus, Othello s emotional disintegration, and the fall of Iago s plan to show how the play falls into chaos and from there into tragedy.

The change of setting from Venice to Cyprus brings the characters physically from order into chaos. Venice is a city ruled by law and government (Desdemona s father is a Senator). Iago attempts to cause trouble for Othello but fails because no one takes action against Othello, rather the case is settled in a court of law through weighing the evidence and passing judgment. Another example of Venice s order can be seen in what Brabantio says to Iago and Roderigo. What tell st thou me of robbing? This is Venice. (I.i.102-3) Brabantio is saying that in Venice chaos has no place. When the characters move from Venice to Cyprus, they are no longer ruled by order. Cyprus is not as secure as Venice. It is an outpost to the city, surrounded by water and vulnerable to assault. There are no courts or senators. The only authority is vested in Othello, the governor. (Bradely) Thus, in moving from Venice to Cyprus, the characters are physically moving from order into chaos. This sets up the more abstract or emotional journeys into chaos.

Othello is the most obvious character to undergo this change or journey. He is the governor of Cyprus and his importance in Venice is clear; he can appoint officers, converse with chief citizens, and marry the daughter of a Senator. This is the basis of Othello s paradox- as a heroic officer of the military, he is powerful. But as a black man in a white man s society, he is vulnerable.

Roderigo- Signior, it is the Moor.

Barbantio- Down with him.

[They draw their swords]

Othello- Keep up your bright swords, for the dew will rust them.

Good signior, you shall more command with years

Than with your weapons. (I.ii.289-96)

Othello is able to forestall a battle simply with words, showing his power and importance. However, the way in which others speak of him shows the lack of respects for his race, and the resulting vulnerability. Often, he is not Othello but is rather The Moor . This vulnerability allows for Othello s fall into chaos. He is the epitome of order, but when Iago plants the seeds of doubt regarding Desdemona s fidelity, his emotions become chaotic. He says to Iago, I do not think but Desdemona s honest...And yet, how nature erring from itself- (III.iii.265-7) His emotions have risen beyond control when he hits Desdemona in front of Lodovico.

Othello- [striking her] Devil!

Desdemona- I have not deserved this.

Lodovico- My Lord, this would not be believed in Venice,

Though I should swear I saw t. Tis very much.

Make her amends. She weeps.

Othello- O devil, devil!

If that the earth could teem with woman s tears,

Each drop she falls would prove a crocodile.

Out of my sight! ( ...

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