Essay on Othello

Write Up On Othello:
Othello as an Outsider

Shakespeare’s Othello, written in approximately 1603, is a tragic play that centralises around the role of Othello, the Moor of Venice. Throughout the play, a notion that is consistently evident is that of “the outsider”.
In Othello, many characters are in some way outsiders. Each character devises their own unique way to rid themselves of this “outsider” status, whether it be by marriage, gaining strength or through means of manipulation. As persistently as they may try, characters in the play never completely eradicate themselves of the title of the “outsider” label which is placed upon them.

The most prominent outsider in the play is the protagonist, Othello. His experiences and racial aspects are what differentiate him from those around him, and it turn, he is considered to be the outsider.

Coming to Europe from Egypt is one major factor that contributes to Othello being considered and outsider. Because he is not originally from Europe, he is less familiar with the customs of Venetian society. From the commencement of the play, Othello is depicted as being distant from most of the issues that concern him. Roderigo and Iago refer, quite ambiguously, to Othello as “he” or “him” in the majority of the first scene. When it becomes clear that they are talking about Othello, they still do not refer to him by his name, but rather, address him with a series of racial epithets. This is distinctly seen in Act I, Scene I when Roderigo and Iago are beneath Brabantio’s window and refer to Othello as the “the Moor”, “the thick-lips”, “an old black ram” and “a Barbary horse”. Other characters in the play focus on how Othello is different from those around him, which is seen when Iago contrasts Othello and Desdemona in the line, “an old black ram tupping your white ewe”.

Othello attempts to break his outsider status by gaining becoming the best warrior in town. In doing so, he thinks that he will gain respect and acceptance. Despite his efforts, Othello is continually haunted with the title of “the Moor” throughout the play. Othello’s difference is further reinforced when Brabantio accuses him of using black magic to win Desdemona and her love; “Judge me the world, if ‘tis not gross in sense that thou hast practis’d on her with foul charms”. As persistent as he is in his efforts, not even becoming the most powerful warrior in Venice is able to aid Othello is gaining acceptance and breaking his label of being an outsider.

In addition to racial aspects which deem Othello an outsider, his alternate experiences contribute to his sense of “otherness”. Because Othello is less familiar with the customs and traditions of Venetian society, he easily falls victim to the manipulation of other characters like Iago. Othello’s previous experiences in battle have led him to believe that loyalty, rather than competition, exists between men. It is this very mentality which exists in Othello’s mind that Iago is able to use to his advantage. The effect of Iago’s manipulation is portrayed when jealousy, symbolised by “the green-eyed monster which doth mock the meat it feeds on” starts to control Othello as Iago’s devious remarks and sexual allusions come to dominate his mind.

This ideology is maintained in Act IV, Scene I when Iago states “Or to be naked with her friend in bed, an hour or more, not meaning any harm?” Iago is so motivated by rage and resentment due to his lack of promotion that he begins to cause discord in Othello’s life. Iago’s hatred for Othello is vividly illustrated by his passionate tone when he states “I hate the Moor, and it is thought abroad that ‘twixt my sheets has done in my office”.

Othello’s transition from a noble and composed individual to an outrageous and barbaric person is an idea which eventually, transforms him into an outsider. Initially, Othello is depicted as the noble Moor and is regarded as “valiant” by the Duke. The lack of true acceptance that Othello feels leads to a repressed fear regarding his “otherness” and his place in Venetian society, and simultaneously makes him an easy and viable target for Iago’s deceit and manipulation. As Iago continues to cunningly sway Othello’s mindset with fabricated lies and scenarios, he successfully turns Othello against his own wife, Desdemona and eventually becomes what can be described as “barbaric “and “uncivilised”. This is portrayed when he slaps Desdemona and eventually kills her. The fact that Othello never directly addressed his wife about her unfaithfulness, but rather believes Iago’s words, is a true depiction of just how powerfully Iago is able to manipulate him and make him an outsider.

Othello’s isolation in Venice is sometimes presented by himself in his own dialogue. Despite his obvious eloquence throughout the play, Othello feels that he is “rude” and “little bless’d with the soft phrase of peace”. This is ironically followed by and enthralling monologue in iambic pentameter.

His “otherness” is also represented through various physical traits such as scars, tattoos and being bald, which differentiates and separates him from his peers.

As Othello is slowly consumed by Iago’s manipulation and the jealousy that he feels as a result, he begins to trust the fabricated lies that Iago tells him, more than his wife. This seen through the dramatic irony employed in Act V, Scene II when Othello refers to Iago as “an honest man, and hates the slime that sticks on filthy deeds”. It is this dramatic irony and his unknowing victimisation which makes the audience view Othello as an oblivious, tragic figure.

To be an outsider can be difficult, but trying to gain acceptance can be even harder. Many of the characters in Shakespeare's Othello, especially Othello himself, are never given the opportunity to break the "outsider" label placed upon them. Othello's great fighting and marriage of a senator's daughter does not grant him the respect he desires, but rather, only turns him into a barbaric and uncivilised individual who falls victim to Iago’s cunning plots.
Despite his persistent attempts, Othello continues to feel ostracised in Venetian society and hence, is viewed as an outsider.