1. Othello by William Shakespeare
Intro to what term I was assigned
How Militarism Affected the Characters and the Plot of the Story
By Peter Canteros

2. What is Militarism?
Militarism is the belief or desire of a government or people that a country should maintain a strong military capability and be prepared to use it aggressively to defend or promote national interests
Militarism is also in association with fascism
Reference: Wikipedia

3. Why is Militarism in Othello?
Shakespeare, living from 1564 until 1616, saw his share of national conflict around the world
The setting of Othello is during times of colonialism and conquest – specifically the Turks
Between 1572 and 1668, around twenty-eight bloody uprisings took place in Cyprus
Shakespeare's tragedies traditionally have militaristic backgrounds such as Romeo and Juliet
The Ottoman Empire existed when Shakespeare was alive. It wasn’t until World War I when its reign ended.
The uprisings in Cyprus occurred when the Turks tried taxing the people.
In Romeo and Juliet, you had the Montagues and Capulets. They were rival families.

4. The Beginning of Militarism in Othello
The story’s protagonist is Othello but Iago creates the reason for Othello’s actions
Othello holds a significant title in the army
Iago is aiming to rise in power from a mere ensign to lieutenant
Iago said “In personal suit to make me his lieutenant, off-capped to him; and, by the faith of a man, I know my price, I am worth no worse a place.” (7)

5. The Growth of Militarism Throughout the Play
Iago’s quest for lieutenancy
Iago is unsatisfied with Othello’s actions
European ships are headed towards Cyprus to engage in battle
The approaching war brings all the characters to the island of Cyprus including General Othello and Lieutenant Cassio
Iago wants to get lieutenancy from Othello but Othello has given it to Cassio. Filled with hatred, he seeks revenge against Othello’s “poor” decision. First he tries to present how unworthy Cassio is of the lieutenancy. Then he tries using Desdemona against Othello.
Iago had a lot of experience in the military (he was at Rhodes, Cyprus, and on other grounds – Pg.9)
“Something from Cyprus, as I may divine. It is a business of some heat” (23)
The invading Turks die at sea due to a storm

6. Cyprus

7. Militarism Cont’d
With all the characters on the island of Cyprus, Iago stirs up trouble and causes Othello to make some rash decisions
Othello does not give Iago the lieutenancy until both vow to kill Desdemona and Cassio
After receiving lieutenancy from Othello, Iago furthers his revenge against Othello
Every character suffers from Iago’s plans
Othello takes away Cassio’s lieutenancy and sends him away
He hits Desdemona and calls her a whore in the presence of other officials
Finally believing that Desdemona is unfaithful, Othello vows to kill Desdemona. Meanwhile, Iago vows to kill Cassio for “loving Desdemona”.
When Othello kills Desdemona, he is told by Emilia about the hankerchief story. Othello tries killing Iago but it is no use.
Othello kills Desdemona and himself. Iago kills Roderigo and Emilia. Iago is then sent to be tortured and killed.