The extract from Act 3, Scene 4 explores the significance of race, gender, and the supernatural in relation to tragedy. Othello's view of Desdemona as deceitful and lustful contrasts her actual innocence and enhances the tragedy of their declining marriage. Iago's role in this can clearly be seen as Othello has adopted attitudes towards women as duplicitous creatures. His racial references throughout the extract show the tragedy of their relationship as being consistently doubted and doomed to fail. This could be seen as a message to society that interracial relationships challenge established norms and are unnatural.
Societal Views and Portrayal of Women in Othello Act 3 Scene 4
The extract comes shortly after Iago persuades Othello of Desdemona's infidelity, which is relatively easy for him to do due to Othello's racial insecurities. In this time period, "moors" would have been looked down upon and stereotyped to be lustful, aggressive, and less worthy of love. These societal views would have been internalized by Othello, leading to Iago's easy manipulation and the destruction caused in the play. Iago presents Desdemona as a lustful woman whose relationship with Cassio is "as prime as goats, as hot as monkeys." This imagery of lust links to Othello's treatment of Desdemona during the scene. Desdemona's hand is described as being "hot, hot and moist", showing Iago's clear role in the destruction of their relationship. Throughout the play, Iago presents women as lustful and fickle, and this constant undermining effect can be seen in Othello's manner towards Desdemona in this scene.
Othello Act 3 Scene 4 Genius
It appears that Othello has adopted Iago's views of women being "pictures out of doors" who "rise to play and go to bed to work". Othello refers to "a young and sweating devil here that commonly rebels," which links closely to Iago's warning that "she did deceive her father marrying you." In terms of tragedy, Iago's motives can be glimpsed in the continued destruction that Iago causes, which could stem from jealousy of their love or anger at the threat their passionate love poses to the established patriarchal norms.
Othello Act 3 Scene 4 Summary
The perception of women throughout Othello is highly significant to the tragedy as Desdemona's true innocence juxtaposes her perceived sinful nature and enhances the tragedy through her unwillingness to harm her husband. In the extract, Othello presents Desdemona as sinful; however, she shows her devotion "for 'twas that hand that gave away my heart." This shows her innocence and ignorance as she cannot see how desperately jealous Othello is. The destruction of Desdemona's innocence, which occurs gradually throughout the play by Iago, can be seen by the audience as a cruel and manipulative plot through the use of dramatic irony, making the audience feel pity towards Desdemona for being the innocent victim in a power play.
Othello Act 3 Scene 4 Quotes
An example of this lesson in the play could be the handkerchief which represents their doomed love and attitudes towards race. The handkerchief represents Desdemona's vows to Othello that she will be loyal and faithful to him. In the extract, it is used as a threat "if she lost it or made gift of it, my father's eye should hold her loathed and his spirits should hunt after new fancies". Othello is explaining the significance of the handkerchief to him as it is charmed to ensure a faithful spouse, and if she has lost it (which he knows she has) he will search for love outside their marriage. Othello is clearly manipulating Desdemona and the handkerchief now represents her loyalty to him. Therefore, if Desdemona cannot produce it, she will be unable to convince him of her fidelity.
Role of Gender in Othello Act 3 Scene 4
Additionally, the handkerchief represents Othello's parents' marriage as it would "make her amiable and subdue my father". This could be seen as another of Othello's elaborate tales or alternatively as a representation of race and the supernatural. The "charmed" handkerchief reflects the societal attitudes towards race as exotic and unnatural, which connects to the supernatural and devils. It shows the significance of race within this tragedy as a driving force for why their marriage failed and therefore could be seen as supporting Shakespeare's message against interracial relationships.
The handkerchief is also important towards the perceptions of women in Othello, as its significance related to fidelity and loyalty influences the characters' actions and decisions.
In conclusion, Othello Act 3 Scene 4 analysis demonstrates the complex interplay of race, gender, societal views, and manipulation in Shakespeare's tragedy. The female characters in Othello are victims of male oppression, and their portrayal reflects the societal views and expectations of women during the time. This scene showcases the impact of jealousy, manipulation, and tragedy on the characters, making it a significant turning point in the play.
