Deterioration of the Character Othello
A pioneer of Literacy, William Shakespeare’s works have stood the test of time, and this is by no means due to coincidence. The masterful application of language techniques throughout his plays to portray idea’s and intentions are what set him aside from other play writes of his time, and the tragic Othello is no exception. The play is driven by the portrayal of the transformation of the play’s protagonist, Othello, whose love for his wife Desdemona is manipulated and contorted by the antagonist/instigator Iago. The outcome of the ordeal is a character that is highly contrasting to that of before, and it is this change that drives this literary master piece.
The setting of the play plays an integral part in defining the character Othello, as it places him against a back drop of political turmoil which acts as a perfect catalyst to the turbulent domestic issues faced by the character due to the conflict of his public and private life; issues that will ultimately undo the character. Initially the play is set in Venice, where all is well. A land of peace devoid of confusion and conflict, it is here where Othello is regarded in high respect as a valiant war hero. His status is complimented by the articulate nature of his speech, which is apparent in his meeting with the Duke in Act one, scene three “Most potent grave and reverend signiors/ my very noble and approved good masters….with such proceedings I am charged with all/ I won his daughter”. The rhythmic pace and fluency of the lines is the reason why many dub his speech as “Othello Music”, as it is highly articulate and set at a well thought out pace as representation to the rationality of the character. Shakespeare is prone to the use of rhyme to illustrate the intellectual capabilities of a character, ergo his class, as a character that is able to speak with such fluency is obviously of a high intellect. He is respected even by those above him in the political hierarchy, evident in the words of the Duke as he makes contact with him referring to him as “Valiant Othello, we must straight employ you”. The sanity of Othello is maintained at this point, as he has the apparent ability to keep his personal life from interfering with his occupation, he himself stating “My speculative and officed instruments/ that my disports corrupt...