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Discuss the representation of Belonging in your prescribed text.

In your text you should


explain what the text is saying about belonging and how the composer has represented
his/her ideas. include a reflective statement

The dynamic nature of belonging allows for internal and external factors to influence both a
sense of acceptance and isolation over a passage of time.The play Othello by William
Shakespeare instigates a sense of belonging through his use of linguistic and syntactic
techniques in the context of sixteenth century Venice. The playwright exhibits belonging as a
fluid entity where identity and power, relationships and society, and locale impact on an
individuals sense of inclusion. As the play progresses, the evil plots of Iago play a crucial role in
his own downfall and that of Othellos, ultimately leading to loss of power, relationship
breakdown and death. In this essay, Shakespeare's representation of belonging will be
discussed in particular reference to the notion that an individuals sense of affiliation is subject to
continual change.
Within certain environments, an individual can establish a sense of belonging through
challenging the beliefs and values of the society. Shakespeare's representation of the character
Othello portrays him as an exceptional individual whos extraneous, pragmatic and courageous
qualities override the prejudices within a society. His authoritative but euphemistic statement of
Keep up your bright swords, for the dew will rust them exemplifies his power and physical
prowess over the Venetians despite the negative connotations surrounding his racial identity.
Even the derogatory nature of Brabantios allegation stating Othellos use of spells and
medicines to corrupt his daughter does not impair the Senators high regards of Othello. In
addition, it was this allure of exotic presence that woo Desdemona to fall in love with Othello.
The personification of her greedy ear to the dangers [he] had passed exhibits Desdemonas
enticement to Othellos authentic nature and high regard for his accomplishments. Thus,
through the character of Othello, the playwright clearly conveys that an individual can change
the perspective of a society through their compelling stature and intellect which leads to a sense
of acceptance and inclusion.
A lack of tolerance and empathy towards others may lead to the downfall and isolation of an
individual. Shakespeare delves into this idea, and through his representation of Iago clearly
demonstrates that an absence of genuine relationships is destructive to an individual.
Shakespeare alludes to Iago as a demonic-like figure who will use his instruments of hell and
night to produce a monstrous birth of evil amongst the society. Iago trust nobody, and in his
soliloquy, cynically speculates Othello to have done my office. Through his rumination of lurid
scenarios like these, he is further detached from those around him and wants to seek
revenge.The personification of the poisonous mineral which gnaws at [his] inwards
exemplifies his jealousy and descent into further degeneration. Iagos ultimate lack of belonging
is evident when his own wife turns against him, revealing his web of destruction and labelling
him as a murderous coxcomb. In the end, Iago lacked true connection with those around him
which inevitably led to his downfall and exclusion.

The displacement of an individual into unfamiliar and distant locale plays an important role in the
representation of disconnection. Shakespeare exemplifies this as he sets the conflicted area of
Cyprus as the setting for a loss of belonging for characters. Cassios reputation and sense of
inclusion among his fellow Venetians degrades when he becomes drunk and begins a brawl.
Due to Cassios unacceptable behaviour, Othello commands Cassio to never more be officer of
mine. This is a significant embarrassment to Cassio and elucidates his downfall from rank and
importance in the Venetian society. The loss of belonging in Cyprus is further showcased
through Biancas feeling of disunity between Cassio and herself. Her dramatic metaphor of
lovers absent hours, more tedious that the dial eight score times is contrasted with Cassios
apathetic remark that Bianca is such another fitchew. Furthermore Biancas ironic statement of
give it to your hobby-horse implies that Cassio has another mistress and that she herself is
more to Cassio than a strumpet. This dilemma coveys the representation of a lack of belonging
between characters and justifies that Shakespeare utilized the location of Cyprus to parallel the
loss of belonging.
An individual with conflicting values and attitudes to those of the society may encounter
repression and isolation. Shakespeare conveys this in the bold character of Emilia, who feels
trapped in a society where females are insuperior. Emilia, a sincere woman with a shrewd sense
of self, accentuates her belief that women are capable and equal through her allegorical
utterance to Desdemona of we have gall and we have some grace. This statement is a
foreshadowing to the courageous loyalty she will show to Desdemona, even if it is at the cost of
her own life. Furthermore through the loaded diction of her rhetorical question To be called a
whore?would it not make one weep?, her disgust to Othellos treatment of his wife is
elucidated. Emilia is courageous, but her audacity is not appreciated and her death exemplifies
the repercussion of a woman who defies her husband in a male dominated society. In the end,
although Emilia fought for the justice of Desdemona by challenging her husband, she opposition
of the norms of society which resulted in her rejection and tragically, death.
In conclusion, it is the synthesis of a vast range of influences that determine an individuals
sense of belonging. This is manifested in Othello through Shakespeares utilization of a range of
linguistic and dramatic features to create a multifaceted dimension of belonging within the
society. The antagonist of the play, Iago, exploites his understanding of human nature to seek
revenge which leads to the downfall and isolation of many characters. Thus as has been
presented, it is clear that acceptance and isolation are actively interwoven in Othello, and it is a
combination of factors which shape belonging over a passage of time.

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