I decided to do my Easter presentation on the theme of “Light vs Darkness” in Othello. I choose this topic because I feel that it is a key aspect of the drama because so many themes and characters are linked to light and dark in terms of their personalities and in the way they incorporate the aspects into their speech.
Generally in everyday life, light is usually referenced to people who are pure and innocent as it is seen as the “good” and usually darkness is depicted as evil and malicious as it is seen as the “bad” in people. In the play, Desdemona is the key character that is surrounded by light as she is seen as the pure and innocent character while Iago is surrounded by darkness as he seen as the evil and malicious character.
The concept of light vs darkness is not only evident in the characters but is also evident in the prominent theme of the play, Racism. From the beginning of the play Iago uses dark-insulting words to describe Othello and Desdemona’s relationship to Brabantio; “an old black ram is tupping your white ewe”. This quote signifies the relationship Shakespeare used between light (white) and darkness (black) to link it in with the theme of racism. Another key quote that signifies the so called angel-like qualities that come with the characteristics of light is in the final act of the play when Emilia discovers Desdemona’s dead body; “O, the more angel she/And you the blacker devil”. This shows that Shakespeare wanted to create the illusions that darkness is mainly related to evilness and light is related to angel-like qualities and innocence.
The symbol of the Candle in the final act symbolises the final battle between light and darkness. I interpret the candle as representing the final flame of both Othello and Desdemona’s life and relationship. Othello says “put out the light” not only to describe killing Desdemona but also symbolises the end of his devotion for her and her supposed loss of purity. In the end, Othello chooses to let darkness overcome him and acts on the plan that Iago put into his head and ends both their lives. With light and dark constantly in conflict, Shakespeare uses the images to illustrate a wide range of emotions and themes, from bitter to jealousy to uncompromising love, to the most destructive form of hate.
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