Character analysis of emilia in othello by william shakespeare emilia is desdemonas attendant. He is a respected general, but less respected as a person, because of his dark skin and foreign roots. The text published in the first folio of 1623 seems to have been based on a version revised by shakespeare himself that sticks close to the original almost line by line but introduces numerous. A storm has dispersed the venetian fleet so that cassio arrives first. Most characters in the novel meet an undeserved fate. A storm has dispersed the venetian fleet so that cassio arrives first, anxious for othello s safety. Othello is a moorish general driven mad with false jealousy. Pdf downloads of all 1282 litcharts literature guides.
He is jealous of cassio for obtaining the position of lieutenant over him, jealous of othello believing that he has bedded his wifeand jealous of othello s position. The play is a study of how jealousy can be fueled by mere circumstantial evidence and can destroy lives. Othello act 1 summary and analysis english summary. With a free litcharts account, youll also get updates on new titles we publish and the ability to save highlights and notes.
Mastopiece analysis of othello characters emilia emilia is the wife of iago, and the handmaiden of desdemona. From the beginning of the play, othello is victimized and characterized as an outcast in venetian society. Iagos accusations of desdemona and cassios affair affect othello severely and. Characters character list othello the plays protagonist and hero. Phil english language and literature, department of english language and literature, chenab college of advance studies, mianwali abstract. It is thought that his life and character were ruined by the art and skill of the incredible villain, iago. Othello characters the main characters in othello are othello, iago, desdemona, emilia, cassio, and roderigo. Tragically, desdemona is apparently aware of her imminent death.
Othello the moor of venice william shakespeare with related readings the emc masterpiece series access editions emcparadigm publishing st. Othello literary analysis essay example graduateway. Othello is believed to be one of the noblest characters in english literature. Character list othello a moor an african, a general in the defense forces of the city state of venice. The basic purpose of the study is the character analysis of othello and. Othello act 1 summary and analysis by william shakespeare in a street of venice at night, roderigo complains iago for not letting him know about desdemonas elopement with othello.
Othello character analysis and general notes othello iago. Jun 23, 2019 above all else, this othello character analysis reveals that shakespeares othello has gravitas. He verbally abuses his wife in front of others, who are shocked at the change in the noble and powerful man. The 2004 national tour of othello is sponsored by shakespeare in american communities, a national theater touring initiative sponsored by. Roderigo are meeting to discuss their hatred of othello. The following discussion sketches in broad strokes some of the most influential literary critical approaches to othello, including character criticism, formalism, psychoanalysis, and a range of politically inflected approaches such as feminism and new historicism. The basic purpose of the study is the character analysis of othello and iago in the play othello by william shakespeare. During the movie, lotso gained the trust of the toys at the daycare as well as andys toys. Requesting a new title requires a free litcharts account. Othello character analysis essay 801 words 4 pages.
Character analysis of iago as we read othello in class, iago reminded me of a character named lotso from the movie toy story 3 that was released in 2010. His marriage to beautiful desdemona, the daughter of a prominent. Jun 06, 2017 alexandra melville provides a close reading of the villainous character of iago in act 2, scene 1 of othello. In the play, such isolation causes the disastrous deaths of the main character.
She is the noblest and most unselfish character in the play. Othello characters analysis features noted shakespeare scholar william hazlitts famous critical essay about characters of othello. Othello study guide contains a biography of william shakespeare, literature essays, a complete etext, quiz questions, major themes, characters, and a full summary and analysis. All characters othello iago desdemona michael cassio. Daughter of brabantio, wife of othello, and victim of iagos machinations and othello s jealousy. Othello character analysis and general notes free download as word doc.
Later, when desdemona accidentally drops a handkerchief that othello had given to her as a lovetoken, emilia gives it to iago, who had long asked her to steal it for him. Othello the tragedy of othello, the moor of venice is a tragedy by william shakespeare, believed to have been written in 1603. He doesnt realize he has been played until he gives all his jewelry. Iago, othello, roderigo, and even emilia falls in this category. Iago has manipulated roderigo into trying to kill cassio. Othello, in full othello, the moor of venice, tragedy in five acts by william shakespeare, written in 160304 and published in 1622 in a quarto edition from a transcript of an authorial manuscript. A christian moor and general of the armies of venice, othello is an eloquent and physically powerful figure, respected by all.
Sep 07, 2011 this printable worksheet resource contains worksheets for each major character in othello by william shakespeare to track the plot and character developments. Get the entire othello litchart as a printable pdf. His successful profession brings him high status in venice, but his foreign origins and color separate him from those with whom he lives and works. In the play othello, the character of othello has certain traits which make him seem naive and unsophisticated compared to many other people. In act 2, scene 1 of othello, iago formulates his plan to drive othello mad. Above all else, this othello character analysis reveals that shakespeares othello has gravitas. The relationship between these characters is another unusual feature of othello. Character analysis othello othello is a combination of greatness and weakness, in his own words an honourable murderer v. Othello is bold, a good warrior, and a decent person overall. Desdemona is a central character in william shakespeares othello. In the period setting of the play, to show honor, women are expected to be subservient to their husbands. Mr bruffs guide to gcse english language mr bruffs guide to gcse english literature. The villain iago from othello is a central character, and understanding him is key to understanding shakespeares entire play.
It is the greeneyd monster, which doth mock the meat it feeds on. Othello is among the most tragic of shakespeares dramas and so are its characters including the heroine desdemona and her lover othello, the moor. Othello character essay in the play, othello, by william shakespeare, othello is a general in the venetian army, who also happens to be black and of muslim descent, although he is a converted christian. Othello activity book woodland hills school district. She is the only character in the play who doesnt fully trust iago. Othello, takes the bait, repeatedly praising iago for his honesty. The story revolves around its two central characters. Shakespeare shifts the action from venice to cyprus. Given its varied and enduring themes of racism, love, jealousy, betrayal, revenge, and repentance, othello is still often performed in professional and community theatre alike, and has been the source for numerous operatic, film, and literary adaptations. The titular and main character s engagement in murder, jealousy, and betrayal could easily portray him as the villain.
Othello, a moorish general in the venetian army, and his treacherous ensign, iago. Having this news from cassio, he shares the latters worry at the fact that the storm parted othello s ship from the rest of the fleet. Written in 1604, othello is one of shakespeares most highly. Iago hates othello because he promoted cassio to lieutenant over iago, and roderigo is a heartbroken, failed suitor of desdemonas. Othello believes biancas possession of the handkerchief is proof that desdemona and cassio are lovers. Othello critical views of othello king edward vii academy. She spends much of her day in desdemonas service, so she has insight and more clear to. Characters in othello 10 character quotes 11 major themes and motifs 12 systems of oppression in othello a glossary of terms 17. His marriage to beautiful desdemona, the daughter of a prominent venetian, provokes racial slurs against him. Othello by william shakespeare directed by joe dowling the guthrie lab production of othello is sponsored by american express, the national endowment for the arts and target. Pdf critical analysis of the characters othello and iago in. I follow him othello to serve my turn upon him i, i lines 389. In spite of his elevated status, he is nevertheless easy prey to insecurities because of his age, his life as a soldier, and his race.
Pdf critical analysis of the characters othello and iago. Click here for a digital copy of othello 16034, by william shakespeare. In order to have a better understanding of othellos character, examining his changes throughout the play, flaws and why he is considered a tragic hero. All characters othello iago desdemona michael cassio brabantio emilia duke of venice. Character analysis of othello essay 1653 words bartleby. Act 1 scene 1p3 the contradiction of this statement clearly establishes iagos duplicity.
Othello, a moor, and an army general at the city of venice, has an expressive personality and powerful stature. They decide to wake up senator brabantio with the news that his daughter, desdemona, has secretly married othello, the general of the venetian army and a moor. In the end, othello stifles the speech that made desdemona so powerful. She spends much of her day in desdemonas service, so she has insight and more clear to desdemonas personal life.
Othello summary from litcharts the creators of sparknotes. Explore an analysis of desdemonas character and learn about the significance. Of all the deaths that happen in othello, desdemonas is the most tragic and undeserved. A character analysis of iago essay 855 words bartleby. Shakespeares othello is a tragic tale of jealousy and deceit set in venice. William hazlitt published characters of shakespeares plays in 1817 in which he referred to, the picturesque contrasts of character in this play are almost as remarkable as the depth of the passion. Othello s influence can also be seen in modernday psychological suspense thrillers think writer james patterson or film director stanley kubrick, because the entire momentum of the play is based on the twisted mind games of two and often more characters. Black moor who is the greatest army general in venice. Study guide for othello 1995 film othello 1995 film study guide contains a biography of director oliver parker, literature essays, quiz questions, major themes, characters, and a full summary and analysis. He is a general in the venetian defense forces, and, although a foreigner from africa, he has won this post by excellence in the field of war. Detailed analysis of characters in william shakespeares othello.
His word choice exudes selfconfidence, referring to his parts, title, and perfect soul. The third gentleman of cyprus brings montano the news that the turkish fleet is sunk by the storm and that cyprus is therefore safe. Othello is also the name of the main character in the play, he is quite hard to understand. He even went as far as to give mostly all of his money to iago to get with desdemona and almost kill cassio. A celebrated soldier and trusted leader whose race both defines him the moor and defies his lofty position.
Character analysis of emilia in othello english summary. Iago roderigo othello he is a jealous follower of desdemona who will do anything to be with desdemona. Othello is a combination of greatness and weakness, in his own words an honourable murderer v. With two such prominent characters so closely associated, determining which is the central figure in the play and which bears the greater responsibility for the tragedy is difficult. Iago is othello s ensign in the venetian military and most trusted advisor.
Mans honor the main male characters in shakespeares play othello kill their wives in order to defend their own honor. Othello is proud of the services he has provided for the venetian state and believes that he will be judged on their merits. Through the first few acts, othello seems strong, noble and boastful, but this swiftly changes when iago puts his plan into action. Othello summary and complete analysis william shakespeare. He is a moor, a darkskinned man born in africa, and has risen through the ranks of the venetian army through hard work and success in battle. Othello context quote analysis iago and roderigo are discussing cassios appointment as othellos lieutenant over iago. Emilia has the will of a fighter in her that desdemona lacks. To increase your analysis and understanding, in the notes section following each scene, write any ideas. Othello othello is a general in the army of venice. Ultimately this demonstrates a flaw in othello s character, an. Apr 12, 2018 buy my revision guides in paperback on amazon. Othello character analysis essay example graduateway. Learn vocabulary, terms, and more with flashcards, games, and other study tools. A christian moor and general of the armies of venice, othello is an eloquent and physically powerful figure, respected by all those around him.
But ill set down the pegs that make this music, as honest as i am. Iago confesses that he hates both men and intends to only appear to show them loyalty. Othello is the most famous literary work that focuses on the dangers of jealousy. Learn all about how the characters in othello such as othello and iago contribute to the story and how they fit into the plot. Othello, upset, demands that iago show him proof of desdemonas. He is an honest man, and believes that people are honest. This is why iago, to get his just rewards uses him as a scapegoat. A study of contrast between english and persian translation international journal on studies in english language and literature ijsell page 23repository of conscience and pridedominated by the morality principle, serves to repress or inhibit the drives of the id. Iago is a character who owns tragic flaws, and is responsible for othello s demise. He falls in love with, and marries, the delicate desdemona, though he is middleaged, and she is still young. The villainous iago plans and executes his elaborate revenge on othello.
442 729 262 1321 856 123 164 650 566 1313 1239 1301 348 160 1296 922 1298 511 920 1365 1369 259 1153 819 1179 1395 760 765 301 1241 823 151 863 933 679 338 1328 1451 32 634 609