Othello Passage Analysis Act 3, Scene 3, Lines 163-215

OTHELLO PASSAGE ANALYSIS

ACT 3, SCENE 3, LINES 163-215

The passage act 3, scene 3, lines 163-215, is a true reflection of many valid and evident themes throughout the play, Othello. A dialogue between the two characters, Othello and Iago, is shared, and through it, much revealed. With great ideas, and tentative use of setting, it is a passage which truly highlights Shakespeare’s two characters.

Othello is a great, powerful man of Venice, who has recently acquired the hand of a young, highly sought after maiden named Desdemona. A strong character, Othello has great integrity, one that most everyone in the country holds at a very high regard. Othello is portrayed as a very noble character throughout the play, and in many ways, regarded by the audience, as somewhat of a hero. He has strong views on many things, and will not allow the country that he is governing to be led astray by a wrongdoer. However, when he is blinded by the malice of the tongue, he is none the wiser. Iago is quite the opposite of kind, good hearted Othello. A vulgar character, he is completely self-motivated, not having time for a single soul other than his own. Iago, although a terrible character, is clever nonetheless. He holds the key to a weapon that will cut down even the bravest warrior, or be the end to the holiest saint; a conniving tongue. Iago is able to make the strongest man fold under his hand, and believe near anything he says. Granted, it may take some time for his enemy to fold, but as reflected in the passage, Iago is patient.

From the beginning of the passage, Iago has planted the seed of doubt in Othello’s mind. At first, it has little effect on Iago; “Nor from mine own weak merits will I draw the smallest fear or doubt of her revolt, for she had eyes and chose me. No, Iago, I’ll se before I doubt.” At this stage of the passage, Othello has stood his ground and not faltered in his belief of his wife’s faithfulness. This is extremely reflective of Othello’s character, virtuous and never one to jump to conclusions. Yet Iago’s response to Othello’s reaction is one that shows his true colors. “I am glad of this, for now I shall have reason to show the love and duty that I bear you with franker spirit” Iago tested the waters with his accusation of Desdemona’s unfaithfulness, and realizing that he had pushed the boundaries, recoiled, and drew on Othello’s emotions. Playing on the element of respect and love that he falsely shows to Othello, Iago draws him further into his deceitful plan to eventually kill him.

The ranking of men is very evident throughout this play, and in effect, has great impact on the way in which men relate with each other, and thus, the plot and themes of the play. Set in Italy, Othello is the Duke of Venice, and Iago, his ensign. The small country of Venice gets along relatively well, with no mishaps, except for the deceit that is happening directly under the Duke’s nose. Throughout the passage, it is evident that Iago is putting his plan into action. His motif is simple, to over-throw the Duke. The confrontation in the passage, is conducted by Iago. Pulling on the false loyalty he has created between himself and the Duke, Iago has full faith that he has the opportune moment in which to carry out his intention.

The play, Othello, is quite clearly one of Shakespeare’s tragedies, this fact is not forgotten in the chosen passage. It would be fair to say that typical themes of Shakespearean tragedy are love and