Othello


Character Studies


Character Studies Othello


First Impressions


Š The play’s protagonist is an unusual tragic hero. Othello seems to be a combination of contradictions. In the beginning, he is proud, patient and self-confident, but once he falls victim to Iago’s influence, he behaves in a most inhuman manner. From the outset, there are significant tensions underlying Othello’s twin roles as dutiful military commander and loving husband.


Š Our initial impression of Othello’s character comes from his enemies, Iago and Roderigo, who depict him in a completely hostile way. Throughout the opening scenes, their obvious hatred and prejudice suggest that because of his Moorish background, Othello is viewed as a black man in a white world, a cultural and racial outsider. Iago describes him as ‘an old black ram’ and the ‘lascivious Moor’, a vile figure who has used witchcraft to seduce the innocent Desdemona.


Š When Othello first appears, however, this negative viewpoint is immediately challenged. Responding to Brabantio, his irate father-in-law, he is self-controlled and diplomatic: ‘Good signior, you shall more command with years/ Than with your weapons’. Audiences are already likely to feel a certain amount of sympathy for Othello because of the discipline he displays in reaction to the offensive treatment he receives.


Š We do not even hear the central character’s actual name until well into Act I Scene 3 when the Duke of Venice acknowledges his military leadership. ‘Valiant Othello’ is clearly a highly regarded and valued servant of the Venetian empire. It’s in the Duke’s interest, of course, to show full support for the commander of the state’s armed forces. Indeed, even Othello’s enemies publicly pretend to respect him since he holds such a vital position as general.


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Š The fact that Othello is distinguished and widely admired could also account for the resentment some characters feel towards him. Iago’s insightful comment that ‘The Moor is of a free and open nature’ can be seen as both a strength and a weakness. Othello himself is understandably proud of his military reputation. He is undoubtedly a fearless and experienced soldier. He is used to military life and the need to act quickly and decisively. In his role as army leader, he is indispensable to the defence of Venice. For this reason, he is sent to fight the Turks and protect Cyprus.


Before we are even introduced


to Othello in person, his character is being mocked and ridiculed by


Iago, who declares the Moor as ‘loving his own pride and purposes’. When Othello does appear, however, his


loyalty to the state of Venice is evident. Ironically, his lengthy military service has made him an outsider from Venetian society.


Š But having spent so much of his life on the battlefield, the Moor is unfamiliar with Venetian culture and the norms of civil society. Although Othello claims that he is ‘Rude’ and inarticulate in his own use of language (‘little blessed with the soft phrase of peace’), his seemingly rehearsed explanation for winning his ‘fair lady’s love’ is polished and persuasive. Is this false modesty? Does it suggest that Othello is really trying to impress? We can only wonder about his egotism and whether it reflects an underlying insecurity.


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