How_Does_Shakespeare_Present_Othello_Between_Act_1_Scene_1_and_Act_2_Scene_3_

How does Shakespeare present Othello between Act 1 scene 1 and Act 2 scene 3' Shakespeare first uses other characters to build up an initial impression of Othello. Frequently referring to him in racist slur in Act 1, Scene 1, Roderigo and Iago refer to him as having “thick-lips” and an “old black ram”, which illustrates that Othello is black. This is interesting because black people at the time were not treated as equals, as these quotes show. However, despite the derogatory nature of these comments which perhaps shows that people do not have respect for him, it does also show that Othello must be a very strong person because we know that he is in a high position in the army as he is able to appoint Cassio. As a result, the reader gets the impression that he is a man of high worth and strong character as he is in the position he is in, despite the clear racism and lack of respect that occur. The reader’s initial impression of Othello then changes as Iago and Rodrigo speak to Brabantio, father of Othello’s wife, Desdemona. They create an image that Othello is a lustful and dangerous kidnapper, for Iago states to Brabantio that he has “lost half your soul” and “even now, an old black ram is tupping your white ewe”. This infers that Othello has taken a white girl away to allow him to sleep with her, which portrays Othello in a very negative light. Furthermore, Othello is then referred to as “the devil”, which imprints the image of a man out of control, dark and unpleasant. Othello’s appearance in Act 1, Scene 2, instantly challenges any pre-conceived ideas that the audience may have had of his character. Othello is first introduced by saying “’Tis better as it is”, which depicts a calm and peaceful natured character. After all of the racists slurs and offensive accusations made behind his back, Othello is keen to defend his good reputation and speaks proudly of his value to the Venetian state: ‘My services which I have done the signiory shall out tongue his complaints’. From this, the reader can infer that Othello is a man of pride and backbone for he is able and willing to stand up for himself; this, therefore, is the first indication of the type of soldier and leader Othello is. The idea of Othello being a strong leader is then reiterated when Brabantio and Roderigo draw swords, as Othello states, “Keep up your bright swords, for the dew will rust them”. This calming and peaceful nature of Othello truly reflects the respect he has as a leader, for they both listen to Othello and put their swords down. Furthermore, “Were it my cue to fight, I should have known it without a prompter”, is a key section of the piece, for it shows how Othello is able to go from a calm, considered portrayed and highly respected leader, to a strong and aggressive soldier when he feels it correct and right to do so. As a result, it can also be concluded that Othello has very good decision making skills and does not react on impulse, knowing what to do and when. This is a very important aspect in the build up of Othello’s character as a noble, authoritative and self controlled leader. Despite the highly respected, solid leader side of Othello’s character, the reader is also introduced to a sincere and loving side to his character too. When questioned about his relationship with Desdemona, Othello replies: “I love the gentle Desdemona”. The use of language in this speech, particularly the use of “gentle”, illustrates how much respect Othello has for his wife, and in turn how much love he has for her. Consequently, the reader believes Othello and start to sympathise with him, for they start to understand and appreciate the love he has for his wife, and that he does not rape or steal her. Shakespeare then starts to introduce Othello’s ability to whole-heartedly trust people; which is perhaps his later downfall. “Let her speak of me before her father”, is Othello asking for Desdemona to speak about their love, putting his life on the line for it: “But let your sentence, even fall upon my life”. This not only portrays Othello’s love for Desdemona, but his trust in her to speak the truth about their relationship. However, this could also be interpreted rather more cynically as Othello may be manipulating the situation, by putting his life in someone else’s hands, knowing that they won’t let him die, and therefore Desdemona will say she loves for her to save his life, because she would feel guilty if she didn’t. Perhaps, therefore, if this is the case, this shows a dark and arrogant side to Othello, as well as one of quick intelligence and bravery. In Act 2, Scene 1, the reader observes a dramatic change in Othello’s character. From going from a person of considered, polite, calm and peaceful speech (especially to his wife), he exclaims “O my fair warrior!” It is important to note that the scene is now set in Cyprus, where a war is currently brewing. Subsequently, there is a key change in Othello’s language, as he turns in to his role as a soldier, even calling his wife his warrior! This is a key language change in the play because it is a simple representation of how Othello is able to adapt and change to the circumstances and situation he is in. However, Othello’s credibility is then questioned when he states “Iago is most honest”, as the audience are aware of Iago’s malicious play to bring the downfall of Othello, yet The Moor’s fatal flaw of investing too much trust in someone has blinded his ability to see the real intent of Iago. Consequently, the audience start to question how much of a good leader and strong character Othello actually is, because he is unable to see what his close friend is manipulating, still investing his full trust in him. Having said this, Shakespeare is very clever at how he builds up Iago and Othello’s relationship, and perhaps it is harsh to conclude that Othello trusts Iago too much, for it is almost unthinkable to think your friend would want to cause your demise. Yet, Iago has only become Othello’s trusted friend to cause the Moor’s downfall, and perhaps the audience would argue that if Othello was the character Shakespeare had created, then surely he should have been able to see what was coming. Towards the end of the section, Othello reinstates himself as a dependable, authoritative and self assured leader. In relation to a fight which is about to occur, Othello exclaims “Hold for your lives!” which shows his resentment towards fighting at the wrong and unnecessary time. Due to Montano and Iago not proceeding again reiterates the idea that Othello is a well respected leader who has a sound control over his men. The audience are therefore reassured of the noble leader that he is, just as his true downfall is about to occur. In conclusion, Shakespeare portrays quite a controversial character in Othello. At first, he is depicted as evil and a thief, however as the audience are introduced to Othello, we gain the understanding that he is a calm and measured character, who is not only very good in control, but also extremely passionate, loving and honest. We also learn that he is a strong leader, who has the ability to make the correct decision at the right time. Having said this, the reader is also introduced to one or two flaws in Othello, particularly his inability to see what is happening right in front of him. This therefore opens his character up for doubt as to whether or not he truly is the controlled leader he is portrayed as.