Othello

Othello

• Moor, successful mercenary general working for state of Venice
• Middle aged bachelor elopes with + marries wealthy young Venetian Desdemona
• Posted to Cyprus as governer during Turkish conflict
• He believes Iagos false tales of wifes adultery and smothers her, afterwards kills himself

• Before he appears Iago makes us believe hes bombastic- actually hes impressive (sincerity, openness, natural authority)
• Unlike other tragic protagonists of Shakespeare he's not monarch, aspiring monarch or displaced prince
• The Moor = descendant of a royal line of kings + has been impressive military commander
• 'Valiant Othello' (l.3.49) commands respect of figures of authority: Duke of Venice, Brabrantio, Governer Montano)
• Conscientious soldier, doesnt want his wedding festivities to get out of hand
• Speaks + acts powerfully, inspires confidence in his character throughout 1st two acts of play ( e.g. dignity in front of the senate Act III Scene 2)
• Positive attributes indicate we…