Othello's Demise

Book Review # 108339

Drama and Theater > English
English > Analysis
Shakespeare > Othello

Othello's Demise

A psychoanalytical interpretation of Othello's demise in William Shakespeare's "Othello".

1,346 words () | 0 sources | 2008 Australia

Paper Summary:

This paper discusses how Shakespeare's "Othello" is primarily orientated with a psychoanalytical viewpoint and one of evil in humanity and the notion of humanistic elements of society from which all responders can relate. It examines how, through these interpretations, the tragedy of Othello is defined through his inexperience in love and his emotional instability whilst the presence of evil in society culminates his downfall.

From the Paper:

"The key to Othello's emotional instability is sourced from his extreme love of Desdemona and his inability to understand and comprehend it. Derived from contrast between expectations of Othello and his personality, Shakespeare delves into the notion of sociology and the vast variations between the appearance and reality of his characters and humans in generals. From the outset of the play, Othello is established as an outsider as shown through Brabantio's reaction to the information that a moor has seduced his daughter and the mentality of Iago and Roderigo that this fact would be such a disposition to the honour of Brabantio's family. From this however, Othello's prestige is revealed whilst in the council of the Duke and his confidence revealed whilst addressing his unknowing father-in-law. Jonathan Bates argues that as the play develops and Othello's integrity collapses, the role of Iago's evil wit prevails and Othello becomes impregnated with Iago's obsessions."