Othellos Fainting as a Point of No Return :: Free Essays Online

Othellos Fainting as a Point of No consecrateIn Act IV, Scene 1 of Shakespeares Othello, Othello faints when confronted with the possibility that his wife has been unfaithful. Through the past few scenes, Iago, exploiting Othellos concerns about his race, has performed a sonant act, slowly but surely leading him towards the inevitable conclusion that his wife and Cassio have cuckolded him. When Iago finally refers explicitly to Desdemonas sexual betrayal, Othello female genitals plunk for it no longer and faints to escape the reality he cannot bear.From the outset, Othello has been uncomfortable in aristocratic Venetian society. He has deep insecurities about his ability to run his role as Desdemonas husband, both sexually and socially. Othello is elated when he realizes that beautiful young Desdemona is attracted to him since he perceives himself to be unworthy of her love, primarily out-of-pocket to his old age, physical unattractiveness, and most importantly because he is a stern Moor. Thus, his realization of his racial identity figures prominently in his musical themeset. Sexually, he fears creation unable to satisfy his wifes desires for it would be only inwrought for her to, having sealed the vows of marriage, seek a companion more like her. For he is rude in speech, / And little blessed with the soft phrase of love-in-idleness (1.381-2), most unfit to wed the daughter of the noble senator Brabanzio1. Thus, he makes it evanesce that he prefers the military atmosphere to the aristocratic civilian one. while Othello has good internalized his concerns regarding his marriage, shrewd Iago is able to perceive and exploit them. Iagos villainous greatness is manifest in his ability to take himself into Othellos confidence. The relationship that develops betwixt the two is of great significance. Iago is most careful to avoid explicitly objective Desdemona of adultery until the time is right. Instead, he gradually weaves the thought into Othellos mind so that Othello is able to independently arrive at the same conclusion. While initially Iago exhibits deference and fear of his king, the power dynamic progressively shifts so that the two become almost equal allies in an implike conspiracy. Othello, at one point, is almost thankful to Iago for revealing to him the truth, declaring that I am bound to thee for ever (3.3218). Iago reciprocates in the next scene upon being prescribed lieutanant, vowing I am your own for ever (3.3482). Especially in this scene, Iago can be seen as representing Satan himself, inducing good Othello to err thereby securing a vow of loyalty from his servant.