Hannah Metevia 5th Hour A.P.

Lit Othello Paper 10/27/13

Throughout any piece of literature, authors lace many forms of settings, characters, themes and symbols into their work. Each being an important asset, they all work in unison to bind a story together. The setting provides a background or hook for the readers and has the ability to foreshadow major events. Its also a place that influences the ways characters behave, develop and interact between each other. Characters supply a connection to readers that they can relate and get engaged further into the story. Authors use themes to share their impressions and understandings of life and experiences, as well as to hopefully teach their audience an important life lesson. Lastly, symbols give readers a meaning beyond what is actually being said, they enhance the story and add additional depth to the story. Settings, characters, themes and symbols are all very apparent in Shakespeares classic, Othello. Altogether, they enhance the story, keeping it as widely read as it is today. As the main character, protagonist, and hero, Othello is a Christian Moor and a general of the armies fighting in Venice. He is a physically powerful figure, who has captured the respect of all who surround him. Othello is incredibly gullible which Iago, his trusty counterpart, uses against him to his benefit. Othellos tragic lover, Desdemona is the daughter of Venetian senator, Barbantio, who offers no support in the marriage of Othello and Desdemona. Desdemona, who would stereotypically be found behind her husbands shadow, is actually determined, confident, and one of the few genuinely honest characters in the book. Although many allegations were stated against her, she proudly stood next to her marriage and stayed true to her husband responding with dignity to his jealousy. Honest Iago, as Othello refers to him as, is Othellos bearer as well as the strong antagonist in the story. Iagos villainous ways all began

Hannah Metevia 5th Hour A.P. Lit Othello Paper 10/27/13

when Casio was promoted as lieutenant over Iago. After, his actions were deprived from manipulative and obsessive demeanors. He has possessed an uncontrollable will for power and control, and wont stop until hes on top. Cassio, now Othellos lieutenant, is a young and devoted wingman to Othello. With Iagos jealous behavior over taking him, he attempts to sabotage both Othello and Cassio multiple times. One of which being, using Cassios alcoholic past against him, getting him drunk and having Cassio look irresponsible in front of Othello. Thus resulting in Cassio being stripped of his rank. His good looks and close relationship with Desdemona provide no hesitation for Othello when he hears the rumor of Cassio and Desdemonas affair, again, all in spite of Iagos jealousy. Emelia, both Iagos wife and Desdemonas attendant, is also one of the truly honest characters in Shakespeares Othello. When questioned about the affair, Emelia denied every bit of it on Desdemonas behalf because she knows Desdemona was true to Othello. Desperately in love with Desdemona, Roderigo is willing to do anything to win her over, including giving Iago all of his money in hopes that Iago will help him when Desdemonas heart. Furious as Othello finally marries Desdemona, Roderigo agrees to assist in the murder of Cassio after Iago convinces him that Cassio is another potential rival for Desdemonas love. The multiple themes Shakespeare incorporated into Othello include the incompatibility of military heroism and love, jealousy, and the danger of isolation. For example, Desdemona is in face Othellos fair warrior, and he is grateful when they are side by side in the middle of a military conflict or business. However. The military also gives Othello a high advantage in the Venetian society where they all respect and honor him as a soldier, by passing his race. On the other hand, the dancer of isolation affects

Hannah Metevia 5th Hour A.P. Lit Othello Paper 10/27/13

Othello, Iago, Desdemona, Emilia, Roderigo, and all those who occupy Cyprus. The island of Cyprus is confronted by little external forces, causing the characters to prey upon each other. Othello standing away while Iago speaks with Cassio, Roderigo having no actual connection with any of the characters besides Iago, and Othello being treated differently because of the color of his skin are all prominent examples of isolation. By the end of the story, manipulation becomes second nature for Iago. He develops as an expert to isolating the other characters so they give into all his lies of revenge and jealousy. The affects of jealousy can also be harmful as well. With Othello being one of the most well known literary works that focuses on the dangers of jealousy, its no surprise Shakespeare laced it between every line you read. Othello is a perfect example on demonstrating how jealousy can be fueled by unimportant circumstantial evidence and lies. This can lead to ruined friendships, relationships, and even the end of a life. For instance, Othello ends up killing his wife after he is lead to believe that Desdemona was having an affair with Cassio. Ironically, Iago uses jealous against Othello, and everyone else, when jealously is the main reason for his villainous behavior. Shakespeare used many symbols in Othello as well. A symbol is an object, character, or figure that is used to represent an abstract, deeper concept or idea. Such as Desdemonas handkerchief and the Willow song she sings. The handkerchief symbolizes various things to different characters. As a gift from Othello, Desdemona keeps it near and dear as a symbol of his love. However, over time, Iago manipulates the handkerchief against Desdemona. He succeeds in convincing Othello to view it as a representation of Desdemona herself, and her fidelity. On the other hand, it is important to Desdemona simply because it was important to Othello. Woven by a two hundred year

Hannah Metevia 5th Hour A.P. Lit Othello Paper 10/27/13

old female prophet, who used silk and the blood from virgins, Othello claims that his mother gave the handkerchief to his father to keep him faithful to her. Simply, the handkerchief represents marital fidelity to Othello, which is ironic because it is exactly what is used by Iago to finally convince Othello of Desdemonas affair. Besides fidelity, the handkerchief symbolizes virginity as well. The pattern of the strawberries, which was dyed with virgins blood on a white background, represents the bloodstains remaining on the sheets after a virgins wedding night. Preparing for bed in the last act, Desdemona sings a song she was taught by her mothers maid. The song, about a woman betrayed by her insane lover, was sung by the maid who suffered from similar love as Desdemona, she as well sung the song as she died. The lyrics imply that both men and women can be unfaithful to each other, and willows are a symbol of women deserted by their lovers. The place or type of surroundings where something is positioned or where an event takes place is the setting of a story. The setting of Othello takes place in either Venice or Cyprus. In Venice, a growing Italian city full of white people, Othello stands out immensely when mixed when the Venetians. The city symbolizes law and civilization and is infamously known for their scandalous women and prostitutes. On the other hand, Cyprus is the main location for the war. Sacred to Venus, the island is considered the island of love distanced away from all civilization and rationality. Here in Cyprus, amongst the chaos, Iago convinces Othello of Desdemonas affair and Desdemona has lost any source of support that she may have had in Venice. Thus making her vulnerable and open to any kind of violence associated with the men and military occupying the island.

Hannah Metevia 5th Hour A.P. Lit Othello Paper 10/27/13

Characters, symbols, themes and settings are all very important for the author to make the story their own as well as pulling all the pieces together. Setting sets the tone, characters make it relatable, themes teach lessons, and symbols give a deeper meaning to the authors purpose all tying together to give the audience a well-rounded story. Without one, the others would not be sufficient and the author purpose may not be conveyed. Shakespeare used symbols, characters, settings, and themes keep the story Othello popular across the country.