Sax And Othello Comparative Essay

A retrospective understanding of an author’s context, allows us to identify and contrast between the social values apparent in their respective literature. This is evident in both Shakespeare’s 16th century play ‘Othello’ and Geoffrey Sax’s 2001 variation. Both texts explore the differences in human nature; such as revenge and discrimination in the form of gender inequality and racial prejudice and this can be seen as a reflection it its context. Since these ideas are constant throughout both texts a comparative analysis would indicate the differing values of the society of each text. Shakespeare’s Othello has been crafted for an Elizabethan audience, thus he’s given importance to a higher supernatural figure as that was the belief of their time. In comparison Sax portrays a more modern ideology such as science
to better suit his contemporary audience.
Discrimination has long been apparent in society as people are often exploited due to their inability to combat racial and gender stereotypes inherent to their time.
As such Shakespeare’s construction of Othello as an authoritative general can be viewed as controversial to his context, even at such a commanding level in a patriarchal society he is continuously referred to as ‘The Moor’, ‘thick lips’ or ‘His Moorship’. The use of derogatory language and pun had no noticeable effect on his character this is because of the social values of his context, as racism was generally accepted. “Your daughter and the Moor are now backing the best with two backs”, also uses derogatory and demonic language to convey discrimination. Gender inequality was another belief that was held firmly by the male dominated society. “O beware, my lord, of jealousy”, Iago uses the cultural and stereotypic references of all Venetian women being dishonest to provoke the anger that lies within Othello and promote gender inequality. Due to the social values of the time women weren’t permitted to having high class jobs which further prompted the disparity between males and
females. Although discrimination is intrinsic to society, it’s perceived differently within the 2001 reconstruction of the play, due to the specificity of its contemporary target audience. Othello is re-contextualised into the role of commissioner and addresses his senior officers, using definitive language; “From now on zero tolerance for racism”. The Othello that Sax provides to us takes a stand for his rights, for his dignity and his respect, this is done through the close up and panning camera shots which signifies authority. This is different to the Othello that is provided to us from Shakespeare as he doesn’t take a stand for his rights when he is being a victim of racial prejudice. The confidence that is shown by Sax’s Othello has arisen due to the evolved social values of contemporary society and such is reflected within his movie. Gender inequality is another issue that is presented in both texts, however unlike racism it’s a problem that hasn’t undergone much change, “its ‘always me talking and you listening. Isn’t that... the way with men and women”, through generalised stereotypic language Desi indicates that sexism is a value that has been integrated into contemporary society. Another way gender inequality is portrayed is through the ACTIVE nature of both the women and the men; “I ‘faith, sweet love, I was coming to your house”, when Cassio exploits his ACTIVE nature with Bianca it’s alright, however when Desdemona is accused of adultery she is struck across the face and called “Devil”, the derogative remark illustrates the message to the audience that there is an imbalance between the men and women of the Elizabethan patriarchal society.
Revenge is the idea that untwines the relationships between the characters and it’s also the key factor in determining the fate of the story. Shakespeare uses the manipulative Iago to sow the seeds of jealousy and doubt into Othello’s mind. Iago uses his cunning Shakespearian language to drive Othello into wanting to extract information out of him “I do beseech you, though I perchance am vicious in my guess“, these remarks are used throughout the play and indulge Othello into the devious world of Iago. Iago also plays on cultural and stereotypic references of all Venetian women are dishonest to trick Othello into murdering Desdemona “O, beware, my lord, of jealousy; it is the green-eyed monster which doth mock/The meat it feeds on”, there is a great sense of irony as jealousy is exactly what Iago is trying to promote in the heart and mind of Othello. Revenge is apparent in Sax’s variant of the play as it is personified in the form of Jago. Jago is represented by demonic imagery constantly throughout the play which can be an illustrative way to show the contemporary audience revenge. Another way revenge is illustrated to the modern audience is through the ‘water motif’, this water motif signifies to the audience that not everything in the play is as clear as it seems, as when Jago’s image is reflected on to the rippling water, symbolises that on the surface everything may look ordinary, however when observed with the keen eye beneath the dark surface of the water everything starts to fall apart. Another way revenge is portrayed through the film is through the chiaroscuro effect which shows one half of Iago’s face being deluged in darkness whilst the other in light, representing a picturesque image of revenge.
Both Shakespeare’s Othello written in the 16th century and the modernised variant of the play directed by Geoffrey Sax in 2001, depict how racism, discrimination of women and revenge thrive in their relative contexts, through changed social values.