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Alexis Rose

Beloate

English 12

5/31/19

Othello Essay

We are all creatures of habit. However, when our daily routine is disrupted our carefully

crafted facade that disguises our truest emotions and actions shatters. This is best exemplified in

Shakespeare's play Othello. In the tragedy of Othello, Venice and Cyprus are used as a metaphor

for a person's image. Peaceful Venice represents only showing people what you want them to

see, and war-torn Cyprus represents the flaws and ugly truths of a person's character.

While in Venice a type of regulation of oneself is seen. Order is maintained despite

Brabantio wanting to kill Othello for secretly eloping with his daughter. The Duke allows

Othello and Desdemona to defend themselves without anyone being hurt. Additionally, Othello

still has control over both sides of himself seeing that he is not quick to violence even though he

is provoked by Brabantio. As mentioned in “Order and Chaos/Disintegration”, Othello has the

respect of his peers, authority over who he appoints Lieutenant, and most importantly, he has

Desdemona’s unconditional love. Desdemona, has control of her marriage because Othello still

loves her and values her opinion, seeing as he put his life on her word. She also has control over

her father, convincing him not to kill Othello. Lastly, Iago has everyone fooled into thinking he

remains loyal to Othello. Although conflict is beginning to arise Othello, Desdemona, and Iago

still have control over their lives. However, this changes when the setting is changed to Cyprus.
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The military outpost of Cyprus creates the ideal setting for disorder, since tensions are

high due to the military presence. The overhanging fear of war and death leads to less rational

thinking on everyone’s part. While Othello is accustomed to war he is not actively in battle

everyday, especially when he is in Venice. This allows him to maintain his level headed

approach to life instead of acting on emotions of anger or hatred, like one would on a battlefield.

Therefore, Cyprus wreaks havoc on Othello’s psyche. Furthermore, it is while in Cyprus that

Othello and Desdemona’s marriage starts to unravel. Iago first begins creating disorder by

planting the idea in Othello’s mind that Desdemona was unfaithful with Cassio. This plays on

Othello’s insecurities, since his marriage is already seen as taboo. If he were a cuckold that

would alienate him more than he already is. Iago continues to manipulate Othello when he

mentions that Cassio could not have done this since he is an honorable man, (The Aspects Of

Disorder Developed In Othello English Literature Essay). However, Iago eventually does admit

that Cassio did cheat with Desdemona, which convinces Othello that she is disloyal. When

Desdemona loses Othello’s handkerchief the symbol of her fidelity is gone, which just confirms

Othello’s suspicion of adultery and adds to Iago’s “credibility”(3.4.78). Othello’s usual calm

and civil behavior is contrasted by his jealousy. Although Othello is constantly under stress

given his job title the tension from his marriage unwinding brings out a different side of him.

While under this pressure the more traditional image of a Moor is exemplified by his behavior.

The “blackness” within himself that he seemed to suppress in order to advance his career and

position is exposed. It is evident that he does not like this side of himself since he ends up

committing suicide in order to end his behavior, saying, “I took by th’ throat the circumcisèd
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dog, And smote him, thus.” (5.2.416). While Othello’s self-identity is revealed through chaos

other characters in the plays true intentions are revealed while in Cyprus.

Iago delivers his first soliloquy, in which he exposes his evil plan, in Venice. Although

his plan is villainous and aligns perfectly with the chaotic environment of Cyprus, Iago’s

soliloquy still makes sense to take place in Venice. Iago is the most logical character in the play,

especially when contrasted with Roderigo. So, his rhetoric matches his environment of order.

(Order and Chaos/Disintegration.). Additionally, Emilia’s true thoughts are exposed while in

Cyprus. While conversing with Desdemona Emilia admits she would cheat on her husband.

Although we did not meet Emilia until she is in Cyprus, when she first arrives she still remains

aligned with the Venetian values of composure. However, the longer she remains in Cyprus the

more she discloses her inner thoughts and feelings.

Venice exemplifies the civilized aspects of society while Cyprus represents chaos, in

Othello.​ While in Venice the emotions of all the characters were contained, and any problem that

arose was dealt with methodically, and logically. However, conflicts in Cyprus are handled with

the rawest forms of emotion. When people are thrown out of their element they tend to act

irrationally, which is why Cyprus is the perfect environment for chaos in Shakespeare’s Othello.
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Works Cited

Shakespeare, William, et al. ​The Tragedy of Othello, the Moor of Venice​. Simon & Schuster

Paperbacks, 2017.

“The Aspects Of Disorder Developed In Othello English Literature Essay.” ​UKEssays.com​,

www.ukessays.com/essays/english-literature/the-aspects-of-disorder-developed-in-othell

o-english-literature-essay.php.

“Order and Chaos/Disintegration.” ​It.info,​ crossref-it.info/textguide/othello/41/3123.