Analysis of the Character Othello
Othello is a complex character who encapsulates both brilliance and weakness. In his own words, he describes himself as “an honourable murderer.” Despite being a foreigner from Africa and not a Venetian citizen, Othello holds the rank of general in the Venetian armed forces due to his exceptional performance in combat. He is revered for his bravery, intelligence, and command skills, and his soldiers hold him in high esteem for these qualities. When the safety of the colony of Cyprus is threatened by the antagonist, the Duke and the Senate turn to the “brave” Othello to lead the defense of the territory.
After a long and distinguished military career, Othello finally settles down in Venice, among the cultured residents of the city. The invitation extended to him by Senator Brabantio to visit his residence comes as a surprise to the soldier. Othello is captivated by the easygoing lifestyle, intelligent conversations, and advanced civilization he now encounters. He appoints Cassio, a student of military expertise, as his lieutenant, realizing opportunities for himself that he had previously been oblivious to.
Othello is a foreigner who is intellectually and emotionally strong when it comes to military matters but emotionally vulnerable. He leads a tumultuous life, wavering between success and fear. Due to his background and life experiences, he is different from those around him; however, he shares their devotion to Venice, their religion, and their values. Significantly, his distinctiveness is compounded by the color of his skin. Othello is constantly aware that when his fellow soldiers see his dark visage, they are reminded that he is not truly one of them, despite his exceptional military prowess. Shakespeare depicts this reality, not only through the play’s dialogue but also through its physical staging: Othello’s is the only black face in a sea of white, and he is constantly referred to as “The Moor,” representing an African, while the other characters are known solely by their personal names and seen as autonomous individuals. When Othello is referred to as “black,” it signifies not only the color of his skin but also the symbolism of black representing wickedness and crime in the Elizabethan moral framework, with white representing honor and innocence.
Desdemona listens intently as Othello shares his past, gaining insight into his character. The story of Othello’s life, characterized by early separation from home, family, and a life of danger and adventure, mirrors that of countless men who became “soldiers of fortune” and perished young without being mourned, paid, or remembered. Othello’s accomplishment lies not only in surviving such a challenging life but also in doing so with remarkable success, eventually rising to become one of the most powerful men in the Venetian defense forces.
On the battlefield, Othello is skilled and victorious. However, in social settings, he is hesitant to open up about his life until Desdemona encourages him to do so. It is Desdemona, in addition to Othello himself, who turns their clandestine marriage into a social triumph with her eloquent defense.
Othello views his marriage to Desdemona as the pinnacle of happiness and proclaims, “If it were now to die, / ‘Twoulde now to be most happy, for I fear / My soul hath her content so absolute, / That not another comfort, like to this / Succeeds in unknown fate” (II.1, 190-194). In both love and battle, Othello emerges as a victorious hero. However, such triumphs are fleeting in a tragic tale.
Othello is acutely aware of the fragile balance between success and happiness. He believes that love has saved him from chaos. He states, “But I do love thee, and when I love thee, chaos is come again” (III.3, 91-93). These words reflect the perspective of a man who has experienced chaos and is convinced that love rescued him from it. Love brings order, tranquility, and contentment to Othello’s inner world, which would otherwise revert to its previous state of disarray. Raised in a life of exile, slavery, danger, and despair, Othello, now a professional soldier, faces chaos on the battlefield. However, he does not need to experience it within himself because he has love. Desdemona, through her love, becomes the angel who saves Othello from chaos.
Othello’s confidence wavers when he contemplates the challenges of balancing love and marriage, as he has never faced this situation before. Iago, realizing that Othello’s insecurities lie close to the surface, easily persuades Othello that Desdemona loves someone else, igniting his jealousy. Othello sees Cassio as a man who represents the ideal suitor for most Venetian women, including Desdemona. Consequently, Othello believes that Desdemona would turn to Cassio if she ever ceased to love her husband. He, in a sense, anticipates the realization of his worst fears, that Desdemona made a mistake in marrying him and that his fantasy will come crashing down.
With just a few insinuations and hints, Iago manages to break through Othello’s confident façade and expose his fears, desires, and potential for violence. Othello’s insecurities are so close to the surface that they are easily exploited. Unable to tolerate uncertainty, Othello ultimately loses his humanity. However, once he commits to a course of action, he reverts back to the military man he was before. Iago needs only to convince Othello of his betrayal for the rest of his plan to succeed – Othello condemns and ultimately kills Desdemona.
Like the tragic characters of ancient Greek dramas, Othello faces a harsh destiny. However, he is also the only one who confronts this destiny by summoning the best of his humanity. In his final speeches, Othello briefly recaptures glimpses of his former greatness – his military glory, his unwavering loyalty to Venice, the intensity of his love, and the terrible realization that by killing Desdemona, he has destroyed the best parts of himself. While no man has complete control over his fate, every man possesses the power to judge himself, carry out his own punishment, and die alongside the woman he loves.