Othello Coursework
Samuel Taylor Coleridge once wrote that Iago's soliloquies are the "motive - hunting of motiveless malignity." Do you think this is how Shakespeare wanted to portray or present Iago's character? Shakespeare's most controversial and intriguing tragedy was written in 1603 and named Othello. It is a cruel and malicious play with a limited supply of humour and wit present. The play is very precise and clear-cut yet it has elements of anticipation and excitement. It mainly focuses on domestic issues and exercises the audience's judgment by using the signified / signifier throughout the script. Critics such as Bradley have said in the past that "Othello is one of the most painfully exiting and the most terrible tragedy written by W. Shakespeare." This reinforces the audience's judgement after they familiarise with the play. By writing Othello, Shakespeare may have intended to shock and captivate his audience's attention with a play that is undemanding yet gripping. Shakespeare does not introduce any sub-plots in the play and keeps it at consistent scenery. This contrasts with the characters who change their personality traits repetitively. Desdemona contradicts the typical stereotypical role of a woman in the Elizabethan times as they were expected to be timid, well spoken and never defy or dispute their father's or husband's judgements. Desdemona opposes her father and
