What are the main themes in Othello?
What are the main themes in Othello?
Some of the major themes in this play include racial prejudice, manipulation, and jealousy. Specifically, Othello is regarded as a beast by other characters because he is black. Iago is jealous of Cassio because Othello promotes him to a higher military position.
What is the theme of Othello Act 2?
Revenge & Hatred Unjustified hatred leads to unfounded projection of emotions and unnecessary conflict instigation. We know Iago feels wrong done for the promotion he felt he was deserving of, being given to Cassio.
What does the Willow Song in Othello symbolize?
The willow song expresses the meaning of Desdemona’s name (ill-starred) and foreshadows her terrible fate. Desdemona’s mother had a maid, Barbary, who died singing the willow song which ‘expressed her fortune’ (line 27). There are clear parallels here with Desdemona.
What does Othello represent?
Othello is an outsider who is intelligent and confident in military matters but socially insecure. He leads an intense life, swinging between triumph and dread. He is different from those around him, due to his origins and his life history, but he shares their religion, values, and patriotism to Venice.
What is the theme of jealousy in Othello?
Works Cited
| The Tragedy of Othello, the Moor of Venice | |
|---|---|
| Published | 1622 |
| Tone | Dramatic Ironic, Vengeful, Cynical, Bitter |
| Themes | The Issue of Racial Prejudice, The Jealousy, Manipulation, Relationships Between Men and Women |
| Characters | Brabantio, Cassio, Desdemona, Duke of Venice, Emilia, Iago, Othello |
Is prejudice a theme in Othello?
Othello is unique with its key theme of racial prejudice. The protagonist, Othello, a Venetian Moor, experiences racial prejudice. Because of this prejudice based on the pigment of his skin tone, Othello’s otherwise prosperous and respected life and career is reduced to nothing.
What is foreshadowed by the Willow Song Why?
Another moment that foreshadows Desdemona’s death comes in Act IV, scene iii, when she sings for Emilia a song called “Willow” about a lover who becomes mad, foreshadowing Othello’s madness. Desdemona says her mother’s maid died while singing the song, further foreshadowing that Desdemona will soon die as well.
Why is the Willow Song on Desdemona’s mind?
Her subconscious seems to understand her impending doom, however, for she can’t get “Willow”—a song symbolizing a forsaken woman’s sorrow and impending death—out of her mind. Just like Barbary, Desdemona will die soon after the song’s words fall from her lips.
What is the main cause of the tragedy in Othello?
A combination of putting trust into Iago due to male pride, his lack of confidence of Desdemona and the perception of infidelity and racial insecurities, as well as jealousy that was triggered due to Iago’s tactic of exploiting Othello’s psychological weaknesses.
Was Othello a real person?
That Othello and Desdemona, whose real name was Palma, really existed, is clearly proved. Even the mad jealousy of Othello is historical.
