Compare the ways in which Othello and Gatsby are presented when they are first introduced to the reader
Lujayn Hourani
Compare the ways in which Othello and Gatsby are presented when they are first introduced to the reader. (Focus on chapters 3 & 4 of Gatsby and Act 1 Sc 2 & 3 in Othello.)
Upon reading Shakespeare’s “Othello” and Fitzgerald’s “The Great Gatsby”, many similarities can be identified between the protagonists Othello and Jay Gatsby. These two pieces of literature (Although written in different periods of time, where the dominant themes in literature varied) posed questions of love and relationships, relating to the society in which the protagonist was living in. Themes such as race, ideals of love, and social class were explored with the use of Othello and Gatsby. These concepts are initially evident in both pieces of literature, and introduce the audience to characters very powerfully in order to highlight their progress throughout the plots.
Although the two pieces of literature were written in varying periods of time, both Shakespeare and Fitzgerald choose to show the importance of social significance, something that to this day, still possesses relevance. In order to emphasize the importance of social status, both characters are introduced by other characters, giving the audience an outside view of the protagonists and allowing us to create images of the characters based on the perceptions of others. Othello is first introduced through a conversation between Iago and Roderigo, giving the initial idea that Othello is a character hated by the “sinister” character and therefore, one to empathize with. The conversation also is written to suggest that the audience should not be listening to it, suggesting its secrecy and again showing Othello as an innocent character being plotted against. He is described juxtaposingly, showing that he holds a high status in the military of Venice, but regarded using crude language such as an “old black ram” and “moor”, showing how some view him. Jay Gatsby is also depicted in a similar way, being introduced into
Compare the ways in which Othello and Gatsby are presented when they are first introduced to the reader. (Focus on chapters 3 & 4 of Gatsby and Act 1 Sc 2 & 3 in Othello.)
Upon reading Shakespeare’s “Othello” and Fitzgerald’s “The Great Gatsby”, many similarities can be identified between the protagonists Othello and Jay Gatsby. These two pieces of literature (Although written in different periods of time, where the dominant themes in literature varied) posed questions of love and relationships, relating to the society in which the protagonist was living in. Themes such as race, ideals of love, and social class were explored with the use of Othello and Gatsby. These concepts are initially evident in both pieces of literature, and introduce the audience to characters very powerfully in order to highlight their progress throughout the plots.
Although the two pieces of literature were written in varying periods of time, both Shakespeare and Fitzgerald choose to show the importance of social significance, something that to this day, still possesses relevance. In order to emphasize the importance of social status, both characters are introduced by other characters, giving the audience an outside view of the protagonists and allowing us to create images of the characters based on the perceptions of others. Othello is first introduced through a conversation between Iago and Roderigo, giving the initial idea that Othello is a character hated by the “sinister” character and therefore, one to empathize with. The conversation also is written to suggest that the audience should not be listening to it, suggesting its secrecy and again showing Othello as an innocent character being plotted against. He is described juxtaposingly, showing that he holds a high status in the military of Venice, but regarded using crude language such as an “old black ram” and “moor”, showing how some view him. Jay Gatsby is also depicted in a similar way, being introduced into