Othello: Noble Moor or Dangerous Savage?

The first 200 words of this essay...

Course work for AS English Literature

March 2003

Othello:

Noble Moor or Dangerous Savage?

Angela Northfield

Tutor: Tony Howard - Bromley College

Othello: Noble Moor or Dangerous Savage?

When looking at this question, we need to evaluate Othello's character throughout the events of the play and consider the different settings and ordeals to which he is subjected. In the opinion of A C Bradley, Othello is '...not naturally jealous but trusting in Iago' whereas F R Leavis considers 'the tragedy' to be ' ...Othello's character in action'. That Iago uses and manipulates the Moor during the play is obvious and Iago himself proclaims this '...in following him, I follow but myself.' ACT I.1.59. One must consider whether the radical change displayed by Othello is a result of Iago's manipulations and incitements. The natural trust in his ensign may have resulted in Othello's downfall or it may be possible that Othello truly was hiding his savage nature.

By considering Othello a 'Noble Moor', he is then, a man with high ideals whose courage and selflessness are impressive to those around him. The reference to 'Moor' could be taken as a description of his