Similarities Between Othello And The Dressmaker

A well-written text is one that explores and analyses enduring values pertinent to the foundation of humanity. These texts reveal what it means to be human and how it influences one’s way of life. This is conspicuous in William Shakespeare’s tragic play, ‘Othello’ and Jocelyn Moorehouse’ film, ‘The Dressmaker’. Both texts remain significant because of their relationship with timeless values. Fabricating the responder’s awareness to the complex nature of social values, distinctly those pertaining appearance versus reality and gender. As such the concepts make close reference to values that remain significant to the core of humanity.
Appearances can be deceiving as often what appears to be real is in truth an illusion. This notion is presented in Othello as it explores how appearances and societal perceptions are often fraudulent in comparison to true. This is evident when the antagonist, Iago employs dramatic irony stating that, “Men should be what they seem”. Here, Iago is hypocritical as he is perceived to be honest by the Venetians. However, this social façade is only masking his duplicitous nature. Iago’s character is further revealed through the use of metaphor, “The Moor has already changed with my poison”. In this instance Iago is attempting to conjure up the insecurities of Othello, such as Desdemona’s fidelity and devotion to

In this instance Molly blatantly confronts Tilly with the truth, which is attempting to change characters, and their perception of her through clothes, will not be enough to deter the hatred as they are incapable of change. Such as in the case of Gertrude whom Tilly transforms outer appearance, to be perceived the way she wishes to be. Thus, the appearance and power of a dress is incapable of masking a character’s true self, a notion which is pertinent to the human