![]() The sea is a metaphor for the uncontrollable and unpredictable nature of human emotion. The use of the sea as a symbol is also significant in Othello. This animalistic imagery is further emphasized by Iago's description of Othello as an "old black ram" and Brabantio's accusation that Othello has "enchanted" his daughter with his "foul charms." The animal imagery is also used to describe Iago, who is compared to a serpent, a spider, and a wolf throughout the play. The most prominent example is the reference to Othello as the "Moor," a term used to describe people of North African descent. The use of animals as symbols is also prevalent in the play. They were black as jet, with their faces washed." Othello also associates blackness with evil, as seen in his statement, "Haply for I am black, and have not those soft parts of conversation that chamberers have." The color black is also used to describe the alleged affair between Desdemona and Cassio, as Iago claims to have seen them "go to it hand in hand, in the night and in the morning. ![]() This is evident in the character of Iago, who is often referred to as "the black ram" and described as a devil in human form. Throughout the play, black is used to represent evil, darkness, and corruption. The handkerchief ultimately becomes a symbol of Othello's jealousy and his eventual downfall.Īnother significant symbol in the play is the color black. However, to Iago, the handkerchief is a powerful tool of manipulation, as he uses it to plant the idea of infidelity in Othello's mind. To Desdemona, the handkerchief symbolizes her love for Othello and her loyalty to him. To Othello, the handkerchief represents his love for Desdemona, and its loss symbolizes the loss of his trust in her. It represents different things to different characters in the play. ![]() The handkerchief, given to Desdemona by Othello as a token of his love, becomes a significant object in the play. One of the most prominent symbols in the play is the handkerchief. Symbolism in Othello is often complex, multilayered, and ambiguous, allowing for different interpretations and meanings. In Shakespeare's play Othello, symbols are used to represent various concepts and themes throughout the play. The isolation and danger of Cyprus accentuate the tension and conflict in the play, providing a fitting backdrop for the tragedy that unfolds. The use of Venice and Cyprus as settings is symbolic of the characters' internal struggles and the shift from order to chaos. In conclusion, setting plays a significant role in Othello, enhancing the themes of the play and contributing to the development of the characters. He uses the isolation of the island to his advantage and manipulates the characters in his schemes. Iago, for example, thrives in the chaotic and lawless environment of the island. Similarly, the setting of Cyprus affects the behavior of other characters as well. The shift in his status and the setting affects his behavior and actions, as he becomes more aggressive and impulsive. Othello is a Moor, an outsider in Venice, but in Cyprus, he is the commander of the military forces, which gives him a sense of authority and power. The use of setting also contributes to the characterization of the main characters. The transition from Venice to Cyprus is a shift from order to chaos, as the characters struggle to maintain their composure in the face of mounting tension and conflict. Venice represents the civilized world of reason and logic, while Cyprus represents the wild and untamed world of passion and emotion. The contrast between the settings of Venice and Cyprus underscores the themes of the play. For example, Othello's descent into jealousy and rage mirrors the turbulent storms that ravage the island. The island is also symbolic of the characters' inner turmoil and psychological states. ![]() It is a place of danger and isolation, where the characters are cut off from the rest of the world. The use of Venice as the opening setting allows the audience to understand the cultural and social context of the play.Ĭyprus, on the other hand, is a remote island where the main events of the play take place. It is a place of sophistication and luxury, where the wealthy and powerful hold sway. It is a bustling city of trade and commerce, where the characters are introduced, and the initial conflict is established. Venice serves as the setting for the first act of the play. Each location has its own distinct characteristics that contribute to the plot and the characters. The setting of Othello is primarily in two places: Venice, a cosmopolitan city of trade, and Cyprus, a remote and isolated island. In Shakespeare's play Othello, setting plays an important role in creating the atmosphere and enhancing the themes of the story. ![]()
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