Othello extract Analysis (3.3.435-476)

The first 200 words of this essay...

Othello Analysis (3.3.435-476)

This extract seems fitting for analysis as it embodies the meaning of tragedy in the Aristotelian sense: the chief emotions induced in the audience from this 40-line exchange are pity and fear which by Aristotle's definition announce a tragedy. The crucial event in this extract - Iago's claims to have seen Cassio "wipe his beard" with the handkerchief - provoke a breakdown in Othello leading to his ceremonial vow to enact his revenge. This sequence stimulates pity in the audience as they witness the "monstrous creation" Iago gleefully describes at the close of Act 1 drive Othello into a rage, shouting "blood, blood, blood". Moreover, losing this composure which the audience had hitherto experienced in Othello evokes fear in the audience with the realisation that Othello has became the animalistic beast Iago derided him as being throughout the whole play.

Thomas Rhymer's contemptuous view on Othello is notorious as he questions "so much ado, so much stress, so much passion and repetition about an handkerchief! Why was not this call'd the Tragedy of the Handkerchief?". Rhymer clearly appreciates the importance of the handkerchief in Othello. Preceding this extract the importance of the handkerchief to