Lesson outline.  Consider and discuss Othello’s character.  Analyze an extract from the play and note what it reveals about Othello.  Outsider.  Victim.  Villain.

Character  A noble "Moor", in the service of the Venetian State.  Respected by the Duke of Venice, who is the first to address him by name (Othello in Act I, Scene III) and who sends for him when Cypress is threatened by Turkish forces.  An accomplished military general.  Seeks to become an equal member and participant in Venetian society through marriage to Desdemona (daughter of a senator in Venice).  Accepted in the political sphere of Venetian society.

 Impressive figure, who displays a number of fine qualities; openness, sincerity, a natural authority and cool-headedness.  Calm and dignified.

 Impressive figure, who displays a number of fine qualities; openness, sincerity, a natural authority and cool-headedness. “ Not I; I must be found. My parts, my title, and my perfect soul shall manifest me rightly.” Act 1 Scene 2.  Calm and dignified. “Keep up your bright swords, for the dew will rust them.” Act 1 Scene 2.  What does the following extract tell us about Othello? “Her father loved me, oft invited me,(140) Still question'd me the story of my life From year to year, the battles, sieges, fortunes, That I have pass'd…” Act 1 Scene 3. Exotic appeal through his stories etc.

Outsider  Black man in a white society.  A soldier among civilians.  Iago and Roderigo refer to him ambiguously as a “he” or “him” for much of the first scene.  Beneath Brabantio’s window, they refer to him as; “the moor”, “thick lips”, “an old black ram”. These racists comments emphasise Othello’s difference from other Venetians.  Othello presents himself as an outsider, “Rude am I in my speech and little bless’d with the soft phrase of speech” (Act 1 Scene 3). Self conscious of and defensive about his difference from other Venetians.

 Although Branbantio was happy to have Othello dine with his daughter many times before, the intimacy of marriage proves a step too far and illustrates the prejudiced views held against Othello.  Othello presented as an outsider to the events that take place throughout the play. He is unaware of the conversations and relationships that are taking place between other characters.  Dramatic irony plays a large role, an example of this is Iago being referred to as “honest, good and true.”

Credible character? Victim.  A victim of Iago’s villainy  Mere pawn in Iago’s hand, blinded by hurt and ruined by his own naiveté.  Should Othello be held accountable for his actions?

Villain  Allowed himself to be manipulated.  Iago’s suggestion of the infidelity of Desdemona provided just the excuse Othello needed to justify the destruction of the wife he never believed could love him  Not mentally weakened and manipulated by Iago, but rather his own pride and lack of confidence resulted in the murder of Desdemona.  Strong leader, self assured in his abilities to handle military matters, but is insecure with his personal qualities.  He is in a new city with different customs.

 Younger bride, who he is does not know that well. Their relationship is based in the unknown and exotic appeal.  Wonders why Desdemona would defy her culture and fellow white venetians by marring a black man (prejudice).  Doesn’t give Desdemona the opportunity to defend herself.  Vulnerable on the grounds of race and cultural differences. “...Haply for I am black, and have not those soft parts of conversation that chambers have, for I am declin’d into the vale of years.” (Act 3 Scene 3)  Othello is in a military setting while in Cyprus. Approaches relationship with Desdemona like a military campaign. Does not have the calming influence of the Duke etc in Venice.