Othello - Essay Example

Download file to see previous pages Lago and Roderigo constantly use the words “him” or “he” throughout the first part of the play. When they finally start to specify whom they are referring to, they do so with nicknames that depict racism. Racial epithets used by the actors include “the thick lips” and the “Barbary horse.” Although the presence of Othello is there in the second scene of the play, he becomes vocal at the center of Act 1, scene III. Later, Othello is the last to arrive at Cyprus as depicted in Act II, scene I. He stands apart while Lago and Cassio engage in a discussion, in Act IV the first scene. He also assumes that Cassion has passed away when the Act V’s fight occurs. The status of Othello as an outsider may be why he appears to be an easy target for Lago.
Although Othello stands as a racial and cultural outsider in Venice, his experience and skills as a leader and soldier are valuable to the state, and he serves as an important part of Venetian society. The senate and the duke demand Othello greatly, as evidenced by Cassio’s pronouncements that the senate “sent around three several quests” to search for him (I.ii.46). The Venetian government places sufficient trust in Othello to put him in complete political and martial command of Cyprus. Othello, during his dying moments, helps the people of Venetian to recall the “service” he gave to their state (V.ii.348).
Those who regard Othello as their civic and social peer, such as Brabanzio and Desdemona, appear drawn to him because of his exotic characteristics. Othello admits and tells of his friendship with Brabanzio. He states, “Desdemona’s father loved me, oft invited me” (I.iii.127–129). The character manages to capture the attention of his peers using his speech. The Dukes respond to the speech he gives by describing how he captured the attention of Desdemona with the fables of ...Download file to see next pagesRead More