In the tragedy of Othello, it seems that Shakespeare continuously want us to be reminded of what the body is used for. Throughout the entire play there is a fascination of the human anatomy. As I reviewed the text, there were many references to body parts such as, the hand, the ears, the eyes, the lips, and the tongue, constantly being mentioned. I searched deeper within the text, and what struck me as odd, was the importance of, not only mentioning the different parts of the body, but their actual functions were also being referenced to.

For example, looking at food it might open up our appetite. However, after we finish eating, our desire for food can obviously end. In the same way, if we eat too much food it might make us sick and it can cause us to feel disgusted or remorseful. This sensation, may cause us to want to purge it in some kind of way. The key words here are, appetite and purge. I have found a few examples of this in the text. One is the following, Iago states “These Moors are changeable in their wills. . . . The food that to him now is as luscious as locusts shall be to him shortly as acerb as coloquintida” (1.3.347-50). “Locust” in this text is a type of sweet fruit, while “coloquintida” in the other hand is also a fruit. This fruit though, is of sour taste that can be used as a laxative for the stomach. What Iago is trying to do is link Othello’s sexual activity of love, to an appetite of lust that helps him evacuate his initial feelings for Desdemona. Therefore, it will become something that has to be discharged or expulsed after his appetite has been satisfied.

What is your favorite quote that contains a body part? What kind of meaning does it bring to the text? Have you been able to find any other body parts or bodily functions in the play that have symbolism to some of the actions of the characters physical liberties or oppressions? Have you found another example, where either, sensations of appetite or purging are mentioned by some of the characters?