The deaths in Othello are varied and especially meaningful in context. Death is never simply motiveless, like Iago’s malevolent deeds, but rather, it represents the “flaws” in the characters and affirms the necessity of their deaths. In some cases, the character’s life has already become so vapid in purpose and direction, he is nearly dead already and is resolved to consummate his death. In other cases, the character may have a disreputable trait, and thus, must die, as society functions as a filter to trap its transgressors. However, death as a theme amalgamates every exclusive feature of each character’s death and coalesces into a unified symbol: death as representative of the character’s unrealistic ideals.
Desdemona’s death is startling in that she is not at all responsible, and that the justification offered by Othello is as empty as her understanding of the situation. Although Othello asserts that murdering Desdemona is an act of justice, he kills her more for a sense of security than for a sense of justice. His emotions, particularly anger and jealousy, are at a boiling point, and facing Desdemona would only kill him—he would explode. Othello describes her skin as “monumental alabaster,” as this is the only way he could love her, when she is frozen and unable to escape, be free, and act out Othello’s suspicions.
These are only the first two paragraphs. Criticism and suggestions are highly appreciated.
Thanks.
Desdemona’s death is startling in that she is not at all responsible, and that the justification offered by Othello is as empty as her understanding of the situation. Although Othello asserts that murdering Desdemona is an act of justice, he kills her more for a sense of security than for a sense of justice. His emotions, particularly anger and jealousy, are at a boiling point, and facing Desdemona would only kill him—he would explode. Othello describes her skin as “monumental alabaster,” as this is the only way he could love her, when she is frozen and unable to escape, be free, and act out Othello’s suspicions.
These are only the first two paragraphs. Criticism and suggestions are highly appreciated.
Thanks.