Essay about Animality and Darkness in Othello - 1034 Words

Animality and Darkness in Othello An initial reading of Othello would suggest that animality and darkness are indeed in opposition to beauty and light. This view is affirmed by looking at the language and actions of Iago, Though I do hate him as I do hell-pains in contrast to Desdemona, (or even the early Othello),Not to pick bad from bad, but by bad mend. Animality and darkness can be clearly seen in the character and more specifically the language of Iago. From the very opening of the play, curses and language which intone hate fall easily from his lips. His enigmatic declaration that I am not what I am is preceded by the disturbing image that when he is sincere I will wear my heart upon my sleeve/For daws to peck†¦show more content†¦By 1604, the first performance of Othello, racism and racial prejudice were firmly ingrained in the English psyche. It is possible to claim that the play is both racist in its approach to the character of Othello and in its generalised negative view of all that is not Christian or civilised. If one perceives that the play presents Othellos race and skin colour as something animalistic, uncivilised and as having an inherent darkness, as many characters and even Othello himself do, the notions of a civilised moor can be seen to be an oxymoron in the ideology of the play. This can be clearly seen in the claims of Brabantio thou foul thief.../Damned as thou art, thou hast enchanted her. This contradiction in Othello, or dichotomy, is clearly revealed in Act 1 scene 2 . In attempting to explain himself Othello is clearly presented as a skilled orator, intelligent and self-controlled, Most potent, grave and reverent signiors, not the passionate, rude an uncivilised barbarian we are presented with by Iago and Roderigo. Yet as part of his explanation Othello presents the audience with tales of that which is uncivilised and exotic, The Anthropophagi, and men whose heads/ do grow beneath their shoulders. In essence he is presenting himself as a calm and civilised being who is from and has been part of RoughShow MoreRelated Othello’s Diversity of Imagery Essay2781 Words   |  12 Pages      Ã‚   The diverse imagery found in Shakespeare’s drama Othello represents a world all by itself. And this world of imagery contributes to the prevailing sentiment of pain and suffering and unpleasantness.    There is no shortage of imagery in the play; this is for certain. Critic Caroline Spurgeon in â€Å"Shakespeare’s Imagery and What it Tells Us† sorts through the plethora of imagery in the play:    The main image in Othello is that of animals in action, preying upon one another, mischievous