Introduction
William Shakespeare’s novel Othello is a classic tragedy written in the early seventeenth century. The story depicts the dramatic consequences of jealousy and manipulation and how dangerous it is when these emotions become the basis for decision-making. Shakespeare uses elements of drama, such as conflict, dramatic irony, and symbolism, to convey his theme of human nature and its impact on society.
Human Nature in Othello
At the center of the plot is the main character, Othello, a Moorish general serving in the Venetian army. He marries a white woman named Desdemona, sparking the wrath of his adversary, Iago, who begins to manipulate Othello to destroy his life (Shakespeare 107). Iago lies to Othello, telling him that his wife is cheating on him, and Othello, unable to resist his jealousy, kills his wife and himself.
Shakespeare uses this story to explore the theme of human nature. Iago’s jealousy and manipulation reflect our propensity for deceit and the thirst for control over others. Initially noble and trusting, Othello is ultimately destroyed by his weakness – jealousy. As such, Shakespeare shows that human nature can be weak and subject to the influence of external forces (Shakespeare 69).
However, “Othello” also explores the theme of society. Racial discrimination was prevalent when the novel was written, and Moors were considered foreigners. Othello became a general in the army, but his background often became the subject of disputes and ridicule. Shakespeare shows how society can be cruel and unjust towards people who differ from the majority.
Use of Drama Elements
Conflict
To develop his theme, Shakespeare uses various elements of drama. The conflict between Othello and Iago creates tension that leads to the development of the plot. Iago employs different tactics to convince Othello of Desdemona’s infidelity, including false accusations and forged letters. This fuels Othello’s jealousy, which leads to catastrophic consequences (Shakespeare, 118).
Dramatic Irony
A dramatic concussion is another element Shakespeare uses to enhance the effect of his work. The contrast between the noble and trusting Othello and the deceitful and cruel Iago intensifies the tragedy of the situation. Audiences watch as Othello becomes a victim of his feelings, creating an emotional connection with the character.
Symbolism
Shakespeare also uses symbolism in “Othello.” For example, the colors white and black are frequently mentioned in the novel to convey racial discrimination and the theme of good and evil. Desdemona, a white woman, represents goodness, while Iago, a dark-skinned man, represents evil (Shakespeare, 120). However, Shakespeare also plays on the audience’s expectations regarding Othello. Despite being dark-skinned, he is depicted as a noble and kind person, demonstrating the tragic misunderstanding caused by racial discrimination.
Lessons Learnt from the Play
On the one hand, “Othello” reminds us of the danger of unquestioningly trusting our emotions and judgments. Jealousy and distrust caused by Iago lead to tragic consequences for all the characters. This is an excellent example of how strong feelings can lead to making bad decisions and result in destructive outcomes. We can use this lesson to understand our emotions better and not let them control our lives.
On the other hand, “Othello” reminds us of the importance of fighting against racial discrimination and prejudice. Although the novel was written in the 16th century, the racial discrimination experienced by Othello remains relevant today. Our culture and society must work together to ensure equal opportunities and protection for everyone, regardless of race, gender, or religion.
Finally, “Othello” reminds us how much our actions and words can impact our lives. Iago used his ability to manipulate to destroy the lives of several people. This shows us the importance of being careful about what we say and do, mainly when it affects others. Our behavior can have serious consequences, and we must be prepared for them.
Conclusion
In conclusion, William Shakespeare’s “Othello” is a powerful story that remains relevant and important for modern society. Shakespeare uses elements of drama to convey his theme, and we can use the lessons from this work to better understand ourselves and the world around us. We can learn how to manage our emotions, fight against racial discrimination, and be accountable for our actions and words.
Work Cited
Shakespeare, William. Othello. Clarendon Press, 1975.