Universal themes are explored by composers, transcending time by its reimagination across various mediums to reflect the context of contemporary audiences. The study of this enables individuals to evaluate perceptions of issues in society, particularly those targeting the vulnerability embedded in humans, thus enhancing one’s understanding of its repercussions. Shakespeare’s “Othello” and Sax’s 2001 film “Othello” effectively demonstrates changes in values and context in society through the illustration of the flaws in humanity such as prejudice and deception. The connections established between Shakespearean, Sax’s and the modern responder’s contexts can be investigated to broaden one’s understanding of the fragility of the human condition
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Deceit is integral in both Shakespeare’s and Sax’s Othello, where the collapse of individuals is a consequence of the antagonist’s, Iago and his counterpart, Ben Jago’s, machinations exercised to attain their aims. The overall use of dramatic irony enables the audience to recognise his façade and deceiving nature in Shakespeare’s Othello. Iago, himself, alludes to the two-faced god, “By Janus, I think no”, while having little reasoning for his resentment towards Othello, consequently highlighting his Machiavellian traits to target the insecurities of those around him. He demonstrates his ability to manipulate, speaking cryptically to an ignorant Roderigo about his plans in an ironic statement, “I will wear my heart upon my sleeve for daws to peck at”, symbolising his awareness that he will be targeted by foolish humans if he were to reveal his intentions. Iago uses an analogy, “Our bodies are our gardens, to the which our wills are gardeners,” which while providing an impression of free will, symbolises the act of Iago planting the seeds of doubt in Othello’s mind. He continues to instil doubt in all characters, whilst maintaining the illusion of an “honest Iago” till the end. Sax extends Shakespeare’s manipulative ability of Iago due to changes in context, commenting on the stretch of one’s influence due to the widespread viewership of social media. Whilst Iago uses Emelia as a way to place Cassio in the position for Othello to doubt him, Jago takes advantage of the anonymity of the internet to manipulate unknowns, further emphasising his Machiavellian qualities. Additionally, the use of shadows hiding these anonymous characters as Dessie runs past, illustrates the mystery of Iago’s influence in the downfall of Othello. This notion is furthered through Jago’s breaking of the fourth wall, juxtaposing his
Deceit is integral in both Shakespeare’s and Sax’s Othello, where the collapse of individuals is a consequence of the antagonist’s, Iago and his counterpart, Ben Jago’s, machinations exercised to attain their aims. The overall use of dramatic irony enables the audience to recognise his façade and deceiving nature in Shakespeare’s Othello. Iago, himself, alludes to the two-faced god, “By Janus, I think no”, while having little reasoning for his resentment towards Othello, consequently highlighting his Machiavellian traits to target the insecurities of those around him. He demonstrates his ability to manipulate, speaking cryptically to an ignorant Roderigo about his plans in an ironic statement, “I will wear my heart upon my sleeve for daws to peck at”, symbolising his awareness that he will be targeted by foolish humans if he were to reveal his intentions. Iago uses an analogy, “Our bodies are our gardens, to the which our wills are gardeners,” which while providing an impression of free will, symbolises the act of Iago planting the seeds of doubt in Othello’s mind. He continues to instil doubt in all characters, whilst maintaining the illusion of an “honest Iago” till the end. Sax extends Shakespeare’s manipulative ability of Iago due to changes in context, commenting on the stretch of one’s influence due to the widespread viewership of social media. Whilst Iago uses Emelia as a way to place Cassio in the position for Othello to doubt him, Jago takes advantage of the anonymity of the internet to manipulate unknowns, further emphasising his Machiavellian qualities. Additionally, the use of shadows hiding these anonymous characters as Dessie runs past, illustrates the mystery of Iago’s influence in the downfall of Othello. This notion is furthered through Jago’s breaking of the fourth wall, juxtaposing his