Introduction
Othello has often been considered, by far, the most romantic of Shakespearean heroes. This romanticism probably stems from the thrill, the excitement associated with his life as the most trusted and respected general in Venice- a life predominated by wars and adventures. His reference in the play as the “lascivious moor” (Act 1, Scene 1) portrays him as belonging to a strange and enticing world. There is an element of mystery in his declarations in the play- “…I fetch my life and being/ From men of royal siege;” (Act 1, Scene 2) which adds a new dimension to his romanticism.
Background
Othello is not merely a romantic figure, he is also a person highly romantic in nature, and that reflects in his love for “…a maid so tender, fair, and happy” (Act1, Scene2) as Desdemona. However, his love for the fair lady doesn’t find approval with Desdemona’s father, Brabantio, an influential Venetian, who arrives with his officers to confront Othello. Lines 60-82 of Act 1 Scene 2 revolve around this confrontation between Othello and Brabantio. This passage is in the form of a dialogue between the two characters in the play.
Analysis
In the particular scene, Othello seems to be very much in control of the situation despite Brabantio drawing up swords. Through his words, “Keep up your bright swords, for the dew will rust them” (Act1, Scene2), he successfully silences the night-brawl between his attendants and that of the Senator. He addresses the Senator as the “Good signor” out of respect adding that he will command Othello more “with years” (i.e. with his seniority and experience) as befits him than with his weapons.
The above speech of Othello sheds some light on his character as the calm and dignified Shakespearean hero. The single line considered to be Shakespeare’s miracle, ”Keep up your bright swords …weapon” (Act1, Scene2) expresses his immense self-control. He exudes incredible restraint in his speech and actions which may be attributed to the romanticism inherent in his nature.
Glimpses of this aspect of Othello’s character reappears in Act 2, Scene 3 where he endeavors to provide some explanation for the brawl between Montano and Cassio. “Now, by heaven, / My blood begins my safer guides to rule, / And passion, having my best judgment collied, /Assays to lead the way” (Act 2, Scene 3). His self-control becomes all the more admirable to us in the light of the realization that it is not applied when it is most required which could have prevented the tragedy. Apart from being a person who exercises immense self-control, Othello also comes across as an extremely noble character as is evident in his manner of speech. His nobility of thought and expression makes his suffering all the more heart-rending.
However, the above lines present Brabantio in direct contrast to Othello. Brabantio, mortified at losing his daughter to a “Moor”, execrates him as “…thou foul thief” (Act 2, Scene 3). He accuses Othello of winning Desdemona’s affection under the spell of magic and drugs. This particular speech of Brabantio (lines 62-82) evokes the issue of racism that is intricately interwoven with the main plot. Brabantio believes that had it not been for the effect of drugs, Desdemona would have never “run from her garage to the sooty bosom of such a thing as thou” (Act1 lines 71-72).
He assumes that Desdemona must have married Othello under some kind of enchantment because Othello is black. All the superior qualities of Othello which he previously admired are suppressed as the Senator gives in to the racial feelings. Magic is a theme that recurs throughout the play and the association of magic with the Africans is stereotyped.
The discussion of the above lines cannot be complete without a reference to the Shakespearean language. An interesting feature of the Shakespearean language is the use of words. Like “Hamlet”, “Othello” is also built upon the power of words. Archaic words like ‘thou’, ‘thee’ meaning ‘you’ recur throughout the play and are easy to comprehend. However, the old English word ‘guardage’ used in Brabantio’s speech which means ‘guardianship’ may be a bit difficult to comprehend.
Again, the powerful language employed in “Othello” often dupes the readers into believing what is not. This is exactly what happens in the lines “Keep up…weapons” (line 63) which portray Othello as one conveying a depth of personality, intelligence, and cultivation which is contrary to what the readers perceive of him so far. “Othello” is rich in memorable figures of speech and this passage is no exception. Alliteration is used in the words “she shunned” and inversion is used in “Damned as thou art” (line 63).
Conclusion
Last but not the least, this passage is remarkable as an example of Shakespeare’s use of irony. The above lines portray Othello as a victim of prejudice. However, he commits the most heinous act of prejudice in the play by forejudging his pure, innocent wife as an abominable whore who deserves nothing but death.
Works Cited
Shakespeare, William. Othello-Moor of Venice. Auckland: ABPL Press, 2003.