When we consider a pair of texts together, despite their different contexts, the new can give us a greater appreciation and understanding of the old and the old can give us more insight into the new.
To what extent have you found this to be true of the two texts you have studied in class?
It is generally true that when a pair of texts are considered together, they are both able provide a deeper insight into and understanding of the other as the unchanging nature of the human condition allows themes and ideas to transcend contextual barriers. This is undoubtedly true of Shakespeare’s Othello, as it explores the universal themes of racism, jealousy and the role of women, which are also applicable to modern times, as is displayed in Geoffrey Sax’s …show more content…
During Shakespeare’s time, racism towards foreigners was an accepted attitude, and even Othello himself believed it. He metaphorically refers to Desdemona’s love for him as an instance of ‘nature erring from itself’, implying that he thought her choice of love was an unnatural decision. His melancholic tone ‘for I am black, and have not…soft parts of conversation,’ suggests that he believes himself to be inferior as he is black and not as educated as the members of aristocratic Venetian society. As even Othello himself acknowledges the racial barrier that exists between the blacks and the whites, it becomes apparent that racist attitudes in Shakespeare’s time were the status quo. Although modern society seems to believe that we have overcome our racial differences, it is evident that they still exist beneath the surface, as is accentuated in Sax’s film. Othello comments bitterly on how black men in Britain only ever receive ‘the leftovers’ and ‘other men’s leavings.’ The dark lighting, shadowy elements and Othello’s bitter tone represent the deeply rooted racial hatred hidden behind a façade of acceptance. The idea of a society feigning racial acceptance is compounded by the Primes Minister’s metaphorical comment on …show more content…
In Shakespeare’s society, women were objectified and expected to be docile and submissive, which is apparent in the play through the behaviour of the men. Iago metaphorically warns Brabantio of ‘Thieves! Thieves!’ when he tells Brabantio of Desdemona and Othello’s marriage. The reference to Othello as a ‘thief’ suggests that Desdemona has been ‘stolen’ by Othello, prompting the inference that women were regarded as male property in a society dominated by men. Brabantio also hyperbolically describes Desdemona as ‘a maiden never bold, of spirit so still and quiet’, which is representative of the societal expectations of women to be timid and docile in the sixteenth century. Coleridge wrote that Othello believed Desdemona to have ‘fallen from the heaven of her native innocence,’ which ‘wrought a civil war in his heart.’ It was this idealisation that leads to act of domestic violence such as Othello’s murder of Desdemona, and others that occur today, when the expectations of women to be innocent and pure are not met. Although Sax’s production displays the beginnings of female independence and sexual freedom, it is
To what extent have you found this to be true of the two texts you have studied in class?
It is generally true that when a pair of texts are considered together, they are both able provide a deeper insight into and understanding of the other as the unchanging nature of the human condition allows themes and ideas to transcend contextual barriers. This is undoubtedly true of Shakespeare’s Othello, as it explores the universal themes of racism, jealousy and the role of women, which are also applicable to modern times, as is displayed in Geoffrey Sax’s …show more content…
During Shakespeare’s time, racism towards foreigners was an accepted attitude, and even Othello himself believed it. He metaphorically refers to Desdemona’s love for him as an instance of ‘nature erring from itself’, implying that he thought her choice of love was an unnatural decision. His melancholic tone ‘for I am black, and have not…soft parts of conversation,’ suggests that he believes himself to be inferior as he is black and not as educated as the members of aristocratic Venetian society. As even Othello himself acknowledges the racial barrier that exists between the blacks and the whites, it becomes apparent that racist attitudes in Shakespeare’s time were the status quo. Although modern society seems to believe that we have overcome our racial differences, it is evident that they still exist beneath the surface, as is accentuated in Sax’s film. Othello comments bitterly on how black men in Britain only ever receive ‘the leftovers’ and ‘other men’s leavings.’ The dark lighting, shadowy elements and Othello’s bitter tone represent the deeply rooted racial hatred hidden behind a façade of acceptance. The idea of a society feigning racial acceptance is compounded by the Primes Minister’s metaphorical comment on …show more content…
In Shakespeare’s society, women were objectified and expected to be docile and submissive, which is apparent in the play through the behaviour of the men. Iago metaphorically warns Brabantio of ‘Thieves! Thieves!’ when he tells Brabantio of Desdemona and Othello’s marriage. The reference to Othello as a ‘thief’ suggests that Desdemona has been ‘stolen’ by Othello, prompting the inference that women were regarded as male property in a society dominated by men. Brabantio also hyperbolically describes Desdemona as ‘a maiden never bold, of spirit so still and quiet’, which is representative of the societal expectations of women to be timid and docile in the sixteenth century. Coleridge wrote that Othello believed Desdemona to have ‘fallen from the heaven of her native innocence,’ which ‘wrought a civil war in his heart.’ It was this idealisation that leads to act of domestic violence such as Othello’s murder of Desdemona, and others that occur today, when the expectations of women to be innocent and pure are not met. Although Sax’s production displays the beginnings of female independence and sexual freedom, it is