Othello Review

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Recommended: Critical analysis of Othello

‘Othello’ in itself as a play is very dramatic and appeals to an audience today just as much as it did then because many people can relate to the themes in it and also because the story line is so thrilling. The play ‘Othello’ would’ve been very striking in Shakespearian times as the union of a Black Muslim and a White Christian would’ve been rare and frowned upon. Black people at the time were thought of as savages and monsters and being Muslim would’ve made it worse. This contrast of two completely opposite people was shocking and therefore would have attracted many people, as it was unusual. Also in the end Othello kills her mercilessly, which for people would’ve reflected an idea they had on Othello’s ‘kind’.

At the start of Act 5, Scene 2, Othello enters the stage and comes with the intention of killing Desdemona. On stage there is only one torch burning and so most of the stage would be in darkness, In the Trevor Nunn production ‘Othello’ the only things visible to the audience would be the fair Desdemona lying asleep in her white wedding sheets and the black Othello, the man playing Othello (Willard White) wears black robes in this scene. This contrast of black and white is clearly visible to the audience. Firstly the darkness on the stage will give the audience a sense of foreboding. This would increase the tension.. Shakespeare has intentionally used this contrast of black and white for dramatic impact. The colour black of Othello and his clothes will be seen as a representation of evil. The colour black is symbolic of badness and the fear of the colour is used even in literature, for example ‘black mail or ‘black hole’, where as the white been seen as good with phrases such as ‘whitewash’ or ‘whiter than white’. Othe...

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...k on thy sins’ and Desdemona replies ‘They are the loves I bear for you.’ This shows the audience the love of Desdemona is. It’ll also lead to the audience hating Othello for believing the evil Iago plotting agaist him.

In my opinion in this scene Shakespeare has used dramatic impact. Some critic from Shakespeares time said ‘the tragical part (of ‘Othello’) is none other than a bloody farce, without salt or savour.’-Thomas Rhymer, but I disagree with this and think Act 5, Scene 2 is like an emotional rollercoaster with the deaths and with all the loose ends bieng tied up and believe the audience would’ve enjoyed Othello and the last sequence would help them realise the importance of trust and jealousy. I conclude it would make the audience feel they understand some things like trust better also conclude it had a huge dramtic impact as it would affect an audience.

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