techniques used to provide insight into the mindset of a central character - LG

 Discuss how effectively two techniques are used to provide insight(s) into the mindset of a central character in one text on your comparative course. Develop your answer with reference to the text. 

One technique Shakespeare used well in Othello to provide insight into the mindset of a central character was is use of soliloquies. Throughout the play there are a number of moments when a character confides what they really think and feel to the audience, this shows us some insight into what character is thinking and gives us more of a backstory for the character. In act 1 scene 3 Iago tells the audience his reasoning for hating the Moor, “He hath done my office”, without Iago’s soliloquies we wouldn’t understand why he hated the Moor so much, we would believe he had no reasoning for it and yet now we have insight into his mindset, we can see where his thinking is coming from. Through Iago’s soliloquies we see he hates the Moor and wants to “bring this monstrous birth to the worlds light.” 

Another soliloquies that gives us insight into the mind of a central character is Othello’s in Act 5 Scene 2. He speaks about how Desdemona “must die, else she’ll betray more men.” We see how Othello feels and what his reasoning is for wanting to kill Desdemona, we see how he feels betrayed and how confused he is. It gives us insight into how torn Othello is, he still loves her, and he will still love her after he kills her, “Be thus when thou art dead, and I will kill thee, and love thee after”. If Shakespeare hadn’t used soliloquies in his texts, a part of the story would be miss and we wouldn’t be able to see the full picture, but the techniques he used provided insight into the minds of central characters. 

Another technique Shakespeare uses well to provide insight into the mindset of central characters is with his use of imagery throughout the play. It shows us how the characters associate each other and what they really think of each other. For example, Othello describes Desdemona has having “whiter skin than snow” and previously in the play she is described as a “white yew”, this shows that many of the characters in the play see Desdemona as something pure, white and innocent. She is pure compared to Othello’s “black ram”, and the constant use of the word “devil”. Othello is seen as something hellish, dangerous and strange; it is thought that his “black devil” will corrupt Desdemona and her pure self. 

Iago is also always described as “honest Iago”, a name that would spark trust and yet due to the soliloquies we know that he is anything but honest. The imagery in the play shows us some insight into what the characters really think, “honest Iago”, “white” Desdemona, and “black Othello”. 

Both the two techniques shown, soliloquies and imagery provide us with useful insight into the mindsets of central characters in the play Othello. 

 

"the effective use of a variety of techniques can influence how we respond to characters"

Techniques are used effectively in order to influence the readers views of the characters. Shakespeare uses a variety of techniques to shape how we respond to the central characters, especially the complex character of Iago. 

Iago is seen as a charming and honest person by others in the play and is even referred to as “honest Iago” throughout the play. However, Shakespeare’s use of language directly indicates that this is all an act, and he is secretly an evil character who is determined for revenge on Othello. In act 1 scene 1 we are immediately shown this as Iago says, “I follow him to serve my turn upon him”. Iago says this line to Roderigo as he explains that he secretly hates Othello and is plotting against him. Although everyone, including Othello, believes that Iago is a loyal friend. Iago uses this to his advantage as he can easily manipulate and control Othello. The quote shows that even from the very start of the play, Shakespeare’s use of language is shaping our views on Iago and how he is already looking for ways to bring Othello’s down. Shakespeare truly shows us how cruel and ruthless Iago really is when in Act 4, scene 1 he says, “strangle her in bed, even the bed she hath contaminated”. This shows how controlling Iago is as he wants to also chose the way Desdemona dies. The use of language portrays how sinister Iago really is as he is not satisfied with Desdemona having a peaceful death.
Shakespeare also shows us that Iago is a misogynistic, sexist and even racist person by effectively using techniques such as imagery and irony. Whether it is in soliloquies or in dialogues, Iago constantly makes offensive comments about women. He believes that all women are unfaithful and should be kept inside. In Act 2 scene 1, Iago makes offensive comments towards his wife Emilia in a casual way in front of many. “Come on, come on. You are pictures out of door, bells in your parlours; wildcats in your kitchens, saints in your injuries; devils being offended, players in your housewifery, and hussies in your beds.”
Shakespeare uses imagery to show the racist thoughts of Iago. In act 1 scene 1 while talking to Desdemona’s father, Iago says, “At this very minute an old black ram is having sex with your little white lamb. Wake up, wake up, ring a bell and wake up all the snoring citizens. If you wait too long, you'll have black grandchildren”. The animal imagery used here shows how Iago views black people and we can suggest that this is another reason why he has so much unfair, cruel hatred towards Othello.
The frequent use of language, imagery and irony shape how we view Iago compared to how he is viewed by the other characters. We get an insight into his thoughts and how much of a cruel, misogynistic and evil villain he really is.

 

General Vision Viewpoint 1 (a) Personal Beliefes

 

1. General Vision & Viewpoint. 

1.   “Our personal beliefs – our views and values – can influence our sense of the general vision and viewpoint of a text.” 

(a)    With reference to one text on your comparative course, explain how your sense of the general vision and viewpoint was influenced by at least one of your personal beliefs. Develop your response with reference to the text.    

 

In Shakespeare’s “Othello”, there is a large amount of racism and sexism to be seen in the text. I believe that my views on racism and sexism influenced my general vision viewpoint of the text. In the text, Othello, a black general in Venice is treated quite well as he has worked hard to achieve the status he has. Although the other characters in the text initially treated Othello with respect and kindness, there was an internalized racist view amongst the Venetians. To begin with, Brabantio, Desdemona’s father had acted very respectfully to Othello for his time as general but once he had heard that his daughter had chosen to marry Othello his inner racist views and bigotry begun to shine through the niceties. For example, Brabantio says “O that you had her” to Roderigo showing that he would prefer to have the annoying Roderigo marry his daughter then a respectable black man. I believe that my view of racism in such a negative way influenced how I viewed the text because it meant I saw a greater evil in characters who acted in such a way such as Brabantio and later Iago. This racist view from the people also meant that it was hard to trust who was an antagonist and who had a modern view on different races. For example, it was hard to tell if any of the characters such as Cassio and Emilia were only being kind and accepting of Othello until he had struck a nerve that would cause a large outburst like it had to Brabantio.  

 

My personal views on sexism and misogyny were also a factor which influenced my general vision viewpoint in the text. The repetitive sexism and misogyny also reinforced the ancient nature of this text and how the text can seem like it is about a modern and respectable group of people, there is still the unjust treatment of people because of their gender or race. For example, when Iago is addressing Emilia and Desdemona as “Wild cats, Bells, Saints in your injuries,” This shows that even to his own wife who he should be treating with the upmost respect, Iago treats Emilia harshly throughout the play. The relationship between Iago and Emilia is also portrayed as loveless and physical. For example, “would she give you so much of her lips As of her tongue she oft bestow’d on me, You would have enough.” This is regarding how Iago feels that Emilia either is giving out to him or kissing him. Throughout the play it is also seen that Iago brushes off Emilia and only shows any love or gratitude when she helps him with his evil plan by getting the handkerchief while also not telling her his true plan with it. This proves the dishonest and loveless marriage they have and shows how some men in this text, such as Iago would use their wives for only devious means and thus proving the repetitive misogyny and sexism seen in this text which influenced my general vision viewpoint.  

Othello Literary Genre Question 2

 

Literary Genre

2.     “Our interest and attention can be captured at the beginning of a text by the effective use of various techniques.”    initial impact of protagonist/interaction with other characters - dramatic action/flashbacks/flash‐forwards/voice overs attract attention early in the text - language, dialogue, tone, contrast/lighting, music, sound effects to arouse interest - powerful imagery, symbolism, motifs to capture initial interest and attention.

 

Othello, the play by William Shakespeare consistently uses techniques that keep the audience engaged with the tragic and tense storyline. This essay will explore three such techniques, how they are used and what makes them so effective.

Firstly, the setting at the beginning of the poem. The audience begins the story in darkness, reflective of the secretive nature of, arguably the plays most important character, Iago and the important theme of trickery. During this first scene the audience is also informed of a wedding being held that night in secret. This is effective in creating the question of why these characters must keep their wedding hidden? Later in the story we find that the bride’s father has not blessed the union. This in turn illustrates to the audience the norms of the Venetian high society. These social differences between Venice at the time and modern cities will hold an audience’s interest. War is also a feature of the setting and time period, as well as meaning the characters must move away from the safety of the wealthy and orderly city of Venice. Cyprus provides a great contrast to Venice further in the play and the different setting is effective in moving the play along and adding action. This holds the audiences interest as well.

The second technique is language and imagery. This introduces the audience to key motifs and symbolism, that continue throughout the play. There is more reference to deception with the use of the “Silence motif”, Iago’s first line includes the quote “you will not hear me”. This foreshadows Iago’s secretive and destructive actions that the other characters are unaware of. Iago and Brabantio’s racism and prejudice against Othello are also revealed. Both use animalistic and religious language, e.g. describing Othello as a “devil”, “ram” and “beast”, this reveals to the audience that their hatred of Othello and anger at his marriage are, at least in part, due to their racist attitudes. This is effective in engaging the audience as they learn more about the plays villain(s). This language also shows the religious and superstitious nature of the cultures beliefs, another interesting point for the audience. Iago’s villainy is also referenced as he describes his words as poison in the quote “poison his delight”, this is one of the most important points in the play; that Iagos cunning use of words and manipulation can poison the mind of even the best of us.

The beginning of the play also introduces us to all the main characters. The audience learns of Iago’s plan and his use of Roderigo as his pawn. This creates a tense atmosphere for the audience from the very start of the story. The audience sees how easily he lies to Roderigo and manipulates Brabantio creating a sense of dread with regards to his future plans. His motivation of jealousy, rage and racism paint him in a truly cruel light and is effective in connecting the audience to him emotionally. Othello is also introduced. Well spoken, a diplomat and a great warrior, he seems from the very beginning invincible. Not to mention deeply devoted and in love with Desdemona, who clearly shares these feelings. He urges others not to fight in the street, agrees to lead the army in Cyprus and proudly expresses his love for Desdemona, “She loved me for the dangers I had passed, and I loved her, that she did pity them”. This introduction becomes a great contrast with the man he becomes due to Iago’s lies, and engages the audience as they watch this transformation. Desdemona is also shown to be brave, defiant and adoring of Othello, “I challenge, that I may profess due to the moor”. This connects the audience to her and makes her fate even more tragic in their eyes.

In conclusion, the beginning of a play or any story is what hooks the reader/watcher in. It introduces the characters, themes, messages and language that remain for the rest of the story. Othello effectively engages the audience from the very start using dialogue, symbolism, character interaction and setting. This beginning is captivating enough to create a strong basis for the rest of the story to go from.