Examination of Othello's Character Through the Key Speeches

Examination of Othello's Character Through the Key Speeches

'Things that we see are not always the truth … senses are deceptive,

truth is love.' This was Shakespeare's philosophy on life and it, as

described by the phrase 'appearance and reality' is a theme in all

Shakespearean tragedies. The theme of "Appearance and Reality" creates

dramatic irony when things aren't as they seem; this keeps the play

interesting even where there is not much physical action.

In the case of the tragedy: "Othello", the interest is held by the

change in Othello's character throughout the play caused by Iago's

meddling. When we first hear him speak in act 1 scene 3, he is a long

way from the racially stereotyped witch who won Desdemona "by spells

and mountebanks" that Brabantio builds him up to be: he is an

eloquent, humble and well educated speaker who speaks in verse and

uses many Latinate words.

His first speech is in act 1 scene 3 and is a defence of himself to

the governors of Venice from Brabantio's charges of abusing and

corrupting Desdemona (Brabantio's daughter using "spells and

mountebanks". The very first thing that he says "most potent, grave,

and reverend signors," shows Othello to be a long way from his

stereotype: he begins by complimenting the judges and is calm and

controlled in his speech; the long vowel sounds give him an air of

authority. He even speaks in iambic pentameter (a type of verse used

in Shakespearian plays that has 10 syllables on each line), showing

how eloquent and articulate he is.

After using flattery to push his cause, he then turns to his military

reputation to help defend himself. He says: "for since these arms of

mine had seven years pith" (I have worked in the military for 7

years). In saying this he says that it would be unfair to punish him

after 7 years of loyal service. He also uses military metaphors

throughout his speech like saying "the very head and front of my

offending"; these further push his military reputation as a defence