Ok, so there are the two topics I want to discuss in my blog regarding Othello: first, the uncanny similarities between Othello and Christ; and second, the power of language in Othello.

Before I jump into the aforementioned, let me just say that Titus Andronicus thus far is my favorite Shakespeare piece. However, it seems that Othello might take the number one spot.  What I enjoy about Shakespeare’s craftiness is that the conclusions of his pieces are difficult to predict –unlike the crap on screen today. 

If you can’t see the similarities between Othello and Christ, I’m certain Lin or Tebow could help you out (Sorry, I had too).  Othello commences, like many of Shakespeare’s plays, with a group of guys in dialogue (doing the homosocial) or in gossip (like women).  We are dropped into Iago and Roderigo’s conversation about someone described as “him, he, the Moor, the Barbary horse and thick-lipped –names which alert the audient of his skin color”.  So, the events of the first scene intensify the viewer’s expectations of Othello’s initial arrival.  Comparably, before Christ’s arrival there was much dialogue which heightened the anticipation of his coming.  When Othello finally arrives, the unreliable sources Iago and Roderigo are proven to be even more erroneous.  Immediately, we see that Othello is his poised, generous in spirit and composed –all Christ-like characteristics.  A more direct connection of Othello’s likeness to Christ occurs in Scene 1: Act 2.  Iago and Roderigo stir up Brabantio regarding the disappearance of his daughter Desdemona and he storms over to confront Othello, her finance.  The situation escalates, they pull out sword, but friction is defuses when Othello says, “Keep up your bright swords, for the dew will rust them.” This phrase is likened to Christ’s order to Peter in Matt. 26:52:”Put your sword back in its place, for all who draw the sword will die by the sword.” Evidently, Othello has the power like Christ to pacify a hostile situation with his words.  

Language is power.  Far-thinking Shakespeare comprehends this and teaches us how to value it.  The writer uses the power of language to create mayhem and then some type of harmony.   Shakespeare tactically uses syntax and character expressions to control the audience’s thoughts and emotions.  Before the audience meets Othello, due to language, they have already categorized him.  However, when Othello appears, his persona is contrary to what they’ve been told.  At this point, the audience must either accept or deconstruct their opinions -the later takes work.  When Othello talks, his persuasive and eloquent language speaks for itself.  Does the audience even care at this point?  Shakespeare teaches us that language is a convincing weapon (above: Othello’s word vs. swords) that can be used to build or destroy.

Without Christ, the word is Lin and Tebow won’t win this year. 

-Darren