Proximity, Distance and Setting - Othello Quotes + Info

During the Renaissance, Italy was commonly associated to what?

Intellectuality, artistic revolution but also corruption, decadence, high culture, romance and power.

How is the setting manifested in the characters?

Iago performs a stereotypical Italian vice. Othello and Desdemona’s marriage exemplified the socio-cultural hierarchies in Italy that was similar in England with their relationship challenging the status quo.

How is closeness shown to have profound effects in the play?

Characters are always close to temptations and are tested such as Iago personifying evil that pulls characters apart, however Othello and Desdemona’s relationship is also informed by intimacy and closeness.

What’s significant about the breakdown of marriages being deliberate?

The relationships in the play are in their own stages of closeness (Iago and Emilia already in a breakdown, Bianca and Cassio breaking down from his absence) however characters play a part in instigating their own and other’s isolation, e.g. Othello and Emilia isolating Desdemona.

The War of Cyprus

An ongoing religious conflict between the Ottoman Turks and Venice that forms the backdrop of the play. The conflict originated from the Ottoman Empire invading Cyprus in 1570 that was controlled by Venice since 1489. The Venetians then won back control in 1573 and reinstated Christian Values.

What does the conflict backdrop cause in the play?

Division and Isolation in social networks and entanglement in a soldier’s life, e.g. Othello’s duty and personal life. His rank gives him a heightened sense of importance and a necessity to maintain his reputation.

For I have served him, and…

the man commands Like a full soldier - Montano, 2.1

I had been happy, if…

the general camp, Pioneers and all, had tasted her sweet body, So I had nothing known - Othello, 3.3

How is the interplay of Othello’s occupation, distance and marriage shown?

To portray his descent into madness, imagery of losing his occupation suggests a distancing from his career and, therefore, from his marriage as he does not feel adequate. This shows his mental detachment from himself and his resentment to Desdemona for denying him the respect he earns from the military

How is psychological isolation shown?

The way he treats Desdemona after is with physical violence caused by mental anxieties about her sexuality. His behaviour is transformed and, thus, respect for him is slowly lost by the people around him.

Is this the noble moor…

whom our full senate call all in all sufficient? - Lodovico, 4.1

If I be left behind….

a moth of peace, and he go to the war, the rites for which I love him are bereft me - Desdemona, 1.3

How does the setting of Cyprus symbolise Othello and Desdemona’s marriage?

Cyprus and the dangers associated with the island symbolise the parallel problems of Othello and Desdemona balancing their marriage and military duties. Despite his status as a Moor, who were commonly known for being mercenaries, respect for him comes from his military prowess and Desdemona’s admiration for him comes from a similar place.

How does the setting of Cyprus foreshadow the corruption of characters?

Being far away from home, Iago develops his plan so that all the characters are isolated in Cyprus where they can prey on eachother. The corruption mirrors Cyprus’ corruption by the Turks, which can be seen in Othello’s destabilised mentality and marriage.

How is Desdemona isolated in Cyprus?

The setting reinforces her isolated status as Othello’s wife, suggesting she is at a disadvantage. The play develops and reinforces her sense of loneliness.

If e’er my will did trespass ‘gainst his love…

though he do shake me off to beggarly divorcement - Desdemona, 4.2

How are soliloquies significant in terms of distance?

Dialogue and monologues in the play become more pronounced. Iago can speak in soliloquies frequently, Othello has private conversations that only the audience can observe.

Isolation in Othello’s ‘other’ status

Physical markers such as the colour of his skin highlights his overarching outsider status, and it is in this Iago can manipulate him to self-isolate in his own obsessive thoughts, leading to self-destruction.

Lacan on self-alienation

Jacque Lacan proposed that every individual experiences self-alienation due to their perception of themselves, which causes a split in their psyche where they feel isolated from reality. This ‘mirror stage’ is where the Self sees a double nature where evil resides and thus marginalises itself to protect others. Othello’s awareness of his jealousy makes him steer away from other characters.

How is Emilia’s development as a result of alienation?

Iago’s manipulation and utilisation of her in his plans depicts her isolation within a relationship. Her relationship with Desdemona fills this void as a space of comfort however she remains unable to recognise her isolation. When she gives the handkerchief to Iago, she breaks her trust with D, however her opportunity to redeem herself is in the form of her true assertive and witty character.

How does Isolation depict loyalty?

The selective loyalty of characters is often shown through repression as a result of isolation. After Emilia gives Iago the handkerchief and Othello accuses Des of giving it away, her silence shows how the repression within her resembles who she is truly loyal to - Iago. The consequences of this ignorance is, arguably, Des’ death.

How does Othello’s jealousy isolate Desdemona?

His distrust in her fidelity isolates her as he is driven by Iago’s words. She compares her sins to loves as an attempt to revive their love but simultaneously isolates herself. His psychological doubt of her fidelity makes him forget the actions she’s taking to be with him.

How does Desdemona and Emilia’s isolation link to their husband’s fatal flaws?

Both women die because of distrust, from manipulation or jealousy or doubt. This portrays patriarchal social structures of how men perceive women. Actions from the woman inextricable connect to their husband’s reputation, and decisions are made to reduce that, leading to marital violence and tragedy which was common.