Nicole Krystle Rubio nkcrubio@gmail.

com
15
Mar




TOPIC : Literature offers us the opportunity to view protagonists breaking boundaries or taboos

Othello by Shakespeare offers the audience the opportunity to view protagonists breaking boundaries
and taboos. Shakespeare does this through the character of Othello, a Moor and a general in the
service of the Venetian government. Othello breaks boundaries and taboos by being a black man who is
of born to wealth and stature, (this is not quite correct yes, he has noble blood within his Moorish
cultureI am of royal siege but it is not evident that this meant he was wealthy?? But, he has
earned, through adversity, his status as a valiant general in Venetian society and yes, he is breaking
a boundary by being a black man, an outsider, in Venetian society) marrying Desdemona secretly
without the permission of her father who is also his host, and killing her at the end as he was convinced
by Iago's sly hints and insinuations that she has been unfaithful. Othello is clearly a protagonist who has
broken boundaries and taboos through his actions. Good

Othello first breaks boundaries as a protagonist as a black man who is raised in wealth and social
stature (within his own Moorish society). Elizabethan dramas have often cast the black man as the
villain and Shakespeare creating the character of Othello who has outstanding qualities clearly
contradicts the norm. During the time of Shakespeare, blacks were often painted as "dangerous,
threatening figures, sexually unrestrained and primitive." Aaron in Titus Andronicus, a black Moor just
like Othello himself, was considered as the 'inhuman dog' whereas In Othello, it is his white ancient Iago
who assumes this position. Excellent point Othello has many outstanding qualities that clearly defy the
perception of the society's 'black man.' He is noble in stature, of royal blood, a Christian, and eloquent in
speech. This, however, is contracted by his actions by the end of a play when (as a result of??) he
becomes manipulated by Iago's evil intentions. He turns into a base man who uses crude language, "hot
as monkeys" "lewd minx" "sweating hand" and is bloodthirsty for revenge against those who allegedly
cheated on him. He succumbs to such actions not because of his blackness but rather because of his
trusting nature and the insecurities deep within himself. Such qualities led him to be easily manipulated
by Iago. Despite being accustomed to privilege, wealth and stature, he thinks (doubts? Recognises
himself as) of himself as a mere black man who is an outsider in Venetian society. As a result of this
self-doubt he immediately accepts Desdemona cheated on him because he is an 'unnatural' choice for
her as Iago suggests, "many proposed matches/Of her own clime, complexion, and degree." Othello's
downfall, his breaking the boundary of thou shalt not kill, cannot, therefore, be fully blamed on Iago but
also on Othello's innate nature to be too trusting (gullible) of Iago but, also on his insecurities and self
doubt. Even if Othello's character contradicts, itself by the end of the play,that is, he is seen
paradoxically as both evil and heroic, he still breaks boundaries by being a black man who is not the
villain but the protagonist who is, initially, well respected and has many outstanding qualities. Well
argued.

Othello further breaks boundaries by marrying Desdemona secretly without the permission of her father,
Brabantio who is also his host. The ancient Greeks placed a huge emphasis on the guest-host
relationship, Xenia, as they believed that the gods wanted them to show hospitality to anyone who
showed up at their homes and that to turn away someone will result into a terrible punishment.
Brabantio, Desdemona's father, has been a gracious host to Othello. He respected him, was hospitable,
and provided him food and shelter. Othello's own words prove this, "Her father loved me, oft invited me."
Othello on the other hand, has the responsibility as a guest to be courteous and not be a burden. He
dishonors his guest-host relationship with Brabantio by eloping with Desdemona. And even though
Desdemona is complicate in this, it is still a sin or hubris) This is the audience's first insight to the
flawed aspects of Othello's character. In exchange for Brabantio's kindness, he marries his daughter
without his knowledge. This shows how Othello is not gracious enough to return his gratitude for
Brabantio's goodness to him. He clearly did not respect Brabantio, for if he did, he would have asked
him first for Desdemona's hand in marriage. Asking the father's permission first to marry his daughter
was a prevalent social obligation at that time as there was a great emphasis on paternal authority.
Brabantio expresses thisDo you perceivewhere most you (Desdemona) owe obedience To do
otherwise and elope is a grave sign of disrespect and disobedience to one's parents. Othello's biggest
mistake, however, is not just eloping with Desdemona but not regretting it and asking for forgiveness
from Brabantio afterwards, "It is most true; true I have married her. The very head and front of my
offense hath this extent, no more." The audience now questions Othello's sense of morality for he
clearly did not see anything wrong in what he has done. The audience also gains insight into Othello's
egotistical nature. By not understanding the offense in his actions, (Does he understand the grave
nature of his breaking of this taboo/boundary?) we perceive him as a proud man. This is likely because
Othello was raised in wealth and stature in a Moorish court and was accustomed to privilege. He thinks
highly of himself and his actions towards Brabantio shows that he thinks he is above Brabantio's social
stature (this is also as a result of his status at the Venetian court My services which I have done the
Signiory/Shall out-tongue his compaints )and therefore did not feel entitled to ask him for
Desdemona's hand in marriage and may explain why he did not feel any remorse for offending
Brabantio. Othello's secret marriage to Desdemona clearly shows that he is a protagonist who has
broken boundaries and taboos by dishonoring his guest-host relationship with Brabantio and failing to
see his fault in doing so. Great work!

Othello gravely breaks boundaries by murdering his wife, Desdemona whom he thinks
cheated on him with Michael Cassio, his lieutenant, according to Iagos sly hints and
insinuations. From the moment Iago started to malign Desdemonas virtueturn her virtue to
pure pitch, any effort in restoring Othellos trust in her would (may?) have been a lost cause.
In the Temptation scene, Iago tells Othello that Cassio has called out Desdemonas name in
his dream and that he has seen Desdemonas handkerchief in the latters possession. With
these mere words from Iago, Othello immediately sentences Cassio and Desdemonas
deaths O, blood, blood, blood! How shall I murder him, Iago?without even
considering confronting Cassio or Desdemona or thinking through the plausibility of what Iago
has said. He has already decided that he will not change his mind, Never, Iago.Away at
once with love or jealousy Later evidence Cassio allegedly boasting about bedding
Desdemona, Othello overhearing Iagos conversation with Cassio while he is talking about
Bianca, whom Othello wrongly thinks to be Desdemona - and Bianca giving the handkerchief
to Cassio further confirms Othellos belief of Desdemonas unfaithfulness. Iago easily
manipulates Othello with his lies as he knows Othellos tragic flaw The Moor is of a free
and open nature / That thinks men honest that but seem to be so. Othello does not take the
time to analyze circumstances. He thinks as a soldier who makes decisions in a battlefield
who is under a great deal of stress and pressure. He is, therefore, very trusting of others so
that his decisions may be easily made. Iago also emphasizes Othello as an outsider to further
give plausibility that Desdemona would rather choose Cassio Haply for Im black. His skin
color is the first explanation that he could think of for why Desdemona would cheat on him.
Iago takes advantage of Othellos insecurities and reminds him of Brabantios warning she
deceived her father and may thee. Othellos jealousy at the end consumes him and
irrationality overcomes him. He believes that he is morally superior to Desdemona and
therefore justified to murder her else shell betray more men. His murder of Desdemona
becomes his tragic fall. He commits the sin of blood-guilt, the final and most grotesque sin or
hubris a sin that is universal in its morality across all cultures and religions Thou shall
not kill. He believes himself to be worthy to take on the godlike role of the sword of Justice
which again highlights his egotistical nature. Until the end, after he finds out that Iago has lied
to him, he retains the belief that he was motivated, not by revenge, but of sense of honor and
justice An honourable murderer, if you will; For naught I did in hate, but all in
honour. Othello again breaks boundaries, not just by murdering his wife, but also believing
that his murder of Desdemona is brought on by honour and not by the jealousy that has
consumed him. Excellent work

Through the character of Othello in the play Othello by Shakespeare, the audience is given
the opportunity to view the protagonist breaking boundaries and taboos. Othello does this by
being a black man who is born of wealth and stature, marrying Desdemona secretly who is
the daughter of his host Brabantio, and murdering her at the end as he is manipulated by his
ancient Iago's lies. Weak conclusion needs a stronger assertion of the topic

EXCELLENT 7

(just there as needed some clarification as shown above). A great effort though, Nicole
and I enjoyed reading it!