All posts by l.huang1

Confusing Desdemona (Othello Act II)

Student blog posts

     Othello Act II starts off with an abrupt end to the war with the Turks. The scene shifts from the beach and slowly closes in to Othello’s home and ends up in his bedroom. What we assumed to be a political tragedy hints into becoming a domestic tragedy. We witness a scene with Iago and Desdemona playfully arguing and creating an uncomfortable atmosphere. This is odd because Othello is still missing. With the combination of Iago’s condescending remarks about women and Desdemona seemingly urging on this behavior, it leaves the audience a little puzzled. Desdemona once again seems to state her independence and does not depend on Othello. Does this whole scene seem to foreshadow a romantic betrayal of Desdemona towards Othello?

     Concluding the first scene of Act II, a soliloquy by Iago is given stating all his plans clearly. His motives on the other hand are very muddled. There are numerous possibilities including his lust for Desdemona or his jealousy of Cassio’s position. He even throws in the rumors of Othello and Cassio sleeping with his wife. During the soliloquy he speaks to the audience directly and even seems to mock us for trying to determine his motives, it seems that Iago creates a new justification for every action he has.

The Single Creator

Uncategorized

The history behind the “The Great Hymn of Aten” itself is very interesting and one of the main reasons why I chose this creation story. To see a king dedicate himself and his whole nation to one god and as soon as he dies, the people change back to their old religion. This hymn was created to celebrate the sun god Aten.

This creation story tells me that the king Akehnaten viewed Aten as the source of all life. This hymn only tells his point of view, but we know that he changed his name to mean “He who is effective for Aten”. (p. 29)

Akehnaten praises Aten with not only the growth of crops, but with human life. “Who makes seed grow in women, Who creates people from sperm; Who feeds the son in his mother’s womb, Who soothes him to his still tears.” (lines 45-49) Aten is responsible for all functions in the natural world instead of the numerous others that had once been the gods. Aten also seems to soothe a person and feed unborn children.

A question I have for the class is: why is king Akehnaten the only one who praises Aten throughout the whole hymn and what are the changes he implemented? The only thing we get about the situation is the brief history in the beginning of the text.

Akehnaten views Aten as a god that does not openly do good, but in secret. “How many are your deeds, Though hidden from sight, O Sole God  beside whom there is none. You made the earth as you wished, you alone, All peoples herds, and flocks;”. (lines 63-67) This can be described easily with the sun not always showing its effects, but is relied on in daily life.

The whole hymn is really just Akehnaten claiming is he is the only one who truly knows and appreciates Aten. “You are in my heart, There is no other who knows you, Only your son, Neferkheprure, Sole-one-of-Re, Whom you have taught your ways and your might.” (lines 106-110) Akehnaten even claims to be his son and knows his godly powers as well.