A person’s self perception is a byproduct of a person’s past experiences, directly expressed

by their actions. It is ultimately a result of manipulation and the influence of external

perceptions which can manipulate a person’s self perception in a good or bad way. In this
vein, William Shakespeare’s tragic play, The Tragedy of Othello, the Moor of Venice,
explores the extremely important issue of self perception in life through his complex
characters, intense plot, and his use of language, form, and composition. Othello was written
around 1603, during the Renaissance era, a time of rediscovery and the challenging of
societal issues. Othello’s textual integrity and distinctive qualities has allowed the play to
survive the test of time and effectively preempt contemporary ontological struggles. This play
features a Tragic hero named Othello, who starts off the play confidently expressing his
hubris, but is later manipulated by Iago where Othello’s hamartia is used against him to
change his initial self perception, later leading to his inevitable peripeteia of murdering his
wife. Ultimately, Shakespeare explores the significance of the timeless ontological struggle
of self perception through his careful construction of plot, characters, and issues to reveal
how a person’s self perception is developed and changed.

In Othello, Shakespeare’s use of complex characterisation reveals how a person’s actions

reflects their self perception. Iago, the archetypal manipulative villain, is introduced early in
the play, where Iago’s self perception as a manipulative person is established. As Iago states
that he has been wronged by Othello, Iago alludes to the bible and reveals ‘I am not what i
am’. The use of a religious reference creates tension and emphasises Iago’s manipulative
nature since during the renaissance, catholicism was an extremely prominent belief.
Furthermore, Iago attempts to justify his manipulation by diminishing the complexity of
human nature through depicting them as gardens, where our ‘wills are our gardeners’ which
we can ‘plant nettles, or sow lettuce’. Iago’s comparison of humans as a garden reveals his
perception that a person can determine their fate by changing their self perception/wills.
Othello, the tragic hero, is introduced in the play as a strong, confident leader who’s hubris is
immediately exposed by Iago ‘as loving his own pride and purposes’, foreshadowing his
tragic peripeteia to be caused by his own arrogance. Furthermore, Othello expresses his
strong perception of self when he handles the conflict with Brabantio over his secret
marriage with Desdemona, ‘keep up your bright swords’. Othello’s use of gentle sarcasm to
poke fun at Brabantio showcases his skillful balance of reason over sensuality, reflecting his
self perception. Therefore, Shakespeare explores the idea of how self perception is reflected
by a person’s actions through the characterisation of Iago and Othello.

Shakespeare also uses his complex character dynamics between Iago, Cassio and Othello,
to delve into the effect of manipulation on a person’s self perception to be able to change the
way that people act. After Cassio had lost his job as lieutenant due to a drunken brawl, he
insists that there is no way for him to redeem himself as he has lost his ‘reputation,
reputation, reputation!’ using repetition to emphasise his view of the importance of reputation
and how he lost the ‘immortal part of myself’. His loss of reputation has led to Cassio viewing
himself as a dishonourable, useless man who can’t control his emotions, metaphorically
foreshadowed by Iago’s monologue, ‘scale of reason…another of sensuality’. However, Iago
ironically reassures Cassio that reputation is ‘an idle and false imposition’, resulting in
Cassio to personally talk with Desdemona to heal his relationship with Othello, falling into
another one of Iago’s tricks. Othello’s confident and proud perception of self is also corrupted
by Iago’s villainous actions. Although Othello starts off the play seemingly immune to
weakness, Iago cleverly deciphers his deep love for Desdemona. Iago implicitly plants the
seeds of doubt into Othello's mind by pouring ’this pestilence in his ear’, metaphorically
revealing Iago’s plan to imply Desdemona’s false fidelity. Othello ostensibly becomes
increasingly worried about his wife's fidelity, however, his self perception of being known as a
‘cuckhold’ in venetian society has the power to ruin his noble reputation. ‘She did deceive
her father’. Therefore, Shakespeare explores how a person’s self perception can be
manipulated through his complex relationships of characters.

Othello also reflects how external perceptions like racial prejudice and societal roles play a
part in changing Othello and Desdemona’s self perception. During the 1600s, women had
subordinate positions where they had to stay submissive to men. Desdemona disrupts the
great chain of being by not listening to her father and by engaging in an interracial marriage
with Othello, showcasing her strong personality to the audience. However, Desdemona’s
internal prejudice is revealed when trying to defend her fidelity to Othello after being accused
of adultery. Although she insists that she will have a ‘guiltless death’, she ironically blames
‘Nobody, I myself’ for her own murder. This ostensibly demonstrates Desdemona’s blinded
love and loyalty for Othello, however it also showcases her internalised prejudice as a
woman who should be submissive to her husband, causing the audience to think what
triggered her sudden change of personality. Othello’s internalised prejudice is also revealed
by the death of Desdemona. During the Elizabethan era, people of African descent were
frequently degraded and dehumanised as they were seen as barbaric, lustful, and even
devilish as metaphorically suggested by Iago ‘look at the devil’. After Iago successfully plants
the seeds of doubt by pouring ‘pestilence in his ear’, Othello has an overwhelming catharsis
that Iago has manipulated him into murdering Desdemona. As a result of his uncontrollable
sensuality, he uses a racial metaphor to degrade and partially blame his alien identity for the
tragic murder of his wife. ‘A turban’d turk’, ‘the circumcised dog’, revealing his awareness of
his moorish descent. Therefore, Shakespeare explores how external perceptions impact a
person’s self perception through the use of characterisation and the plot.

Thus, Shakespeare’s Othello uses its textual integrity to explore the timeless and important
issue of self perception in shaping a person’s life. Through his use of archetypal characters,
preempted plot and his critical engagement with the audience, we are able to appreciate and
learn about the consequences of having a flawed self perception and how our self
perception can be directly manipulated by society and people. We are able to learn that our
actions are a direct result of our self perception.
COSIT

Conceptual [response]

Othello, a tragedy by William Shakespeare, profoundly explores the significance of

self-perception by illustrating how characters' internal views shape their actions and fates.
Through Othello's, Desdemona's, and Iago's self-perceptions, the play delves into themes of
identity, trust, and manipulation, highlighting the powerful role of self-perception in
influencing behavior and decisions.

Overview [of text]

Shakespeare wrote Othello in the early 17th century, a time of great social and racial
tension. The play reflects the societal attitudes towards race and otherness, as well as the
historical context of Venice's cultural diversity and military conflicts. Shakespeare's portrayal
of Othello as a Moorish general in a predominantly white society addresses the tensions
surrounding race, identity, and acceptance. This context informs the characters' struggles
with self-perception and their positions in society.

Style

Othello is notable for its dramatic structure, poetic language, and rich use of literary devices
such as irony, metaphor, and foreshadowing. The play's structure, moving from Venice to
Cyprus, mirrors the characters' internal journeys and escalating tensions. The atmosphere of
suspicion and jealousy is masterfully created through Shakespeare's use of dramatic irony,
where the audience knows more than the characters, heightening the tragic impact.

Issues

This essay will discuss how Othello explores the significance of self-perception through its
characters, particularly focusing on Othello's internalized insecurities, Desdemona's
contrasting self-view, and Iago's manipulative understanding of others' self-perceptions.

Thesis

Othello demonstrates that self-perception is a critical aspect of human experience, shaping

individuals' interactions and determining their fates. Shakespeare highlights the complexity
of self-perception by showing how it can be both empowering and destructive, leading to
both strength and vulnerability.

POETSA

Point

The issue at hand is how Othello explores the significance of self-perception and its impact
on the characters' lives and choices.

Overview
Othello revolves around the tragic downfall of Othello, a Moorish general, manipulated by his
ensign, Iago. The play addresses themes of jealousy, trust, and betrayal, set against the
backdrop of racial and cultural tensions in Venice and Cyprus. The characters'
self-perceptions drive the plot and illuminate the play's deeper messages about identity and
human nature.

Example 1

Othello's self-doubt is evident in his words: "Haply, for I am black, And have not those soft
parts of conversation / That chamberers have," (Act 3, Scene 3).

Technique [analysis]

Shakespeare uses metaphor and internal monologue to reveal Othello's insecurities. The
metaphor of "soft parts of conversation" underscores Othello's belief in his social
inadequacy, while the internal monologue provides insight into his self-doubt.

Significance

This example highlights how Othello's self-perception makes him vulnerable to Iago's
manipulation. His insecurities about his race and social status fuel his jealousy and lead to
his tragic downfall.

Example 2

Desdemona asserts her loyalty: "His unkindness may defeat my life, But never taint my love"
(Act 4, Scene 2).

Technique [analysis]

Shakespeare uses juxtaposition and dramatic irony here. Desdemona's steadfast loyalty is
juxtaposed with Othello's growing mistrust, and the dramatic irony lies in the audience's
awareness of her innocence.

Significance

This contrast emphasizes the destructive power of Othello's misperception. While

Desdemona's self-perception is clear and unwavering, Othello's flawed view leads to
tragedy.

Example 3

Iago's manipulation is evident when he says, "I am not what I am" (Act 1, Scene 1).

Technique [analysis]

Iago's paradoxical statement uses irony and foreshadowing. This line foreshadows his
duplicitous nature and manipulative schemes throughout the play.

Significance
Iago's acute understanding of others' self-perceptions allows him to exploit their
weaknesses, driving the plot and highlighting the significance of self-perception in
determining one's fate.

Appreciation

These examples collectively demonstrate that self-perception is a central theme in Othello,

shaping characters' actions and destinies. The play reveals the complexity of self-perception
and its profound impact on human behavior and relationships.

OLA

Overview

Othello reveals the complexity of self-perception and its significant influence on individuals'
lives. Through the tragic downfall of Othello and the manipulation by Iago, Shakespeare
illustrates how self-perception can lead to both empowerment and destruction.

Link

Key points discussed include Othello's internalized insecurities, Desdemona's contrasting

self-view, and Iago's manipulative understanding of self-perception. These aspects are
linked to the central question of how the play explores the significance of self-perception,
demonstrating its complexity and impact.

Appreciate

Othello provides profound insight into the human condition, showing that self-perception is a
powerful force in shaping behavior and determining fate. The play highlights the importance
of self-awareness and the dangers of misperception, offering a timeless reflection on identity
and trust in the broader context of society and human relationships.

An Examination of Human Weakness in Shakespeare's Othello

T.S. Eliot's assertion that "Othello" is a "terrible exposure of human weakness" aptly
encapsulates the thematic core of Shakespeare's tragedy. This perspective is substantiated
through the play's intricate exploration of jealousy, manipulation, insecurity, and the fragility
of honor. These elements, interwoven into the characters' lives, highlight the destructive
potential of human frailty and ultimately lead to the tragic downfall of Othello and those
around him. Through the examination of Othello's intense jealousy, Iago's malevolent
manipulation, Desdemona's tragic innocence, and the overarching concern with honor and
reputation, it becomes evident that the play is indeed a profound exploration of human
weakness.

Othello's Jealousy and Insecurity

Othello, a Moorish general in the Venetian army, is a character of immense strength and
honor, yet he is not immune to profound insecurities. His marriage to Desdemona, a white
Venetian woman, brings him immense happiness but also stirs underlying doubts about his
worthiness. These insecurities are skillfully manipulated by Iago, who plants the seeds of
jealousy in Othello's mind. Othello's susceptibility to jealousy is encapsulated in his own
words: "O, beware, my lord, of jealousy; It is the green-eyed monster which doth mock the
meat it feeds on" (Act 3, Scene 3). Despite his awareness of the destructive nature of
jealousy, Othello falls prey to it, showcasing his tragic flaw. This overwhelming jealousy
blinds him to the truth and leads him to mistrust Desdemona, culminating in the tragic events
of the play.

Iago's Manipulation and Deceit

Iago, the play's antagonist, represents the embodiment of human malevolence and
manipulative prowess. His motivations stem from a deep-seated envy and resentment
towards Othello and Cassio. Iago's ability to exploit the weaknesses of others is a central
theme in the play. His manipulation of Othello is particularly insidious, as he plays on
Othello's insecurities and orchestrates a series of deceptions to convince him of
Desdemona's infidelity. Iago's declaration, "I am not what I am" (Act 1, Scene 1),
underscores his duplicitous nature. His deceit extends to multiple characters, including
Cassio, Roderigo, and even his own wife, Emilia. Through Iago's machinations,
Shakespeare exposes the ease with which human weaknesses can be manipulated, leading
to devastating consequences.

Desdemona's Innocence and Tragic End

Desdemona embodies purity and innocence, qualities that tragically render her vulnerable to
the malevolent forces at play. Her unwavering love and loyalty to Othello, despite his
growing mistrust, highlight her strength and vulnerability. Desdemona's innocence is
poignantly evident when she expresses confusion over Othello's sudden change in behavior:
"Alas, what ignorant sin have I committed?" (Act 4, Scene 2). Her tragic end underscores the
destructive power of jealousy and manipulation. Desdemona's death is a heart-wrenching
reminder of the collateral damage caused by human weaknesses, particularly when
innocence and goodness are pitted against corruption and deceit.

The Fragility of Honor and Reputation

The concern with honor and reputation permeates the play, influencing the actions and
motivations of the characters. Othello's status as an outsider in Venetian society makes him
acutely sensitive to any threats to his honor. Iago skillfully exploits this sensitivity,
manipulating Othello's fear of dishonor and infidelity to incite jealousy. Similarly, Cassio's
despair over losing his position and Othello's trust highlights the fragile nature of reputation.
Cassio laments, "Reputation, reputation, reputation! O, I have lost my reputation! I have lost
the immortal part of myself, and what remains is bestial" (Act 2, Scene 3). This
preoccupation with honor and the ease with which it can be tarnished emphasize the
vulnerability of the characters and their susceptibility to manipulation.

Conclusion

In "Othello," Shakespeare masterfully exposes the multifaceted nature of human weakness

through the characters' experiences with jealousy, manipulation, insecurity, and the fragility
of honor. Othello's tragic downfall, driven by his intense jealousy and insecurities, is
exacerbated by Iago's malevolent manipulations. Desdemona's innocence and tragic end
further underscore the devastating impact of these weaknesses. The play's exploration of
these themes aligns with T.S. Eliot's assertion, revealing "Othello" as a profound and terrible
exposure of human frailty. Through this lens, the play serves as a timeless reflection on the
destructive potential inherent in human nature.

First Base Essay draft which will be adapted depending on the question.

A person’s self perception is a byproduct of a person’s past experiences, directly expressed

by their actions. It is ultimately a result of manipulation and the influence of external
perceptions which can manipulate a person’s self perception in a good or bad way. In this
vein, William Shakespeare’s tragic play, The Tragedy of Othello, the Moor of Venice,
explores the extremely important issue of self perception in life through his complex
characters, intense plot, and his use of language, form, and composition. Othello was written
around 1603, during the Renaissance era, a time of rediscovery and the challenging of
societal issues. Othello’s textual integrity and distinctive qualities has allowed the play to
survive the test of time and effectively preempt contemporary ontological struggles. This play
features a Tragic hero named Othello, who starts off the play confidently expressing his
hubris, but is later manipulated by Iago where Othello’s hamartia is used against him to
change his initial self perception, later leading to his inevitable peripeteia of murdering his
wife. Ultimately, Shakespeare explores the significance of the timeless ontological struggle
of self perception through his careful construction of plot, characters, and distinctive qualities
to explore Othello’s ontological struggles of jealousy issues to reveal how a person’s self
perception is developed and changed.

In Othello, Shakespeare’s use of complex characterisation reveals how a person’s actions

reflects their self perception. Iago, the archetypal manipulative villain, is introduced early in
the play, where Iago’s self perception as a manipulative person is established. As Iago states
that he has been wronged by Othello, Iago parodically alludes to the bible and reveals ‘I am
not what i am’. The use of a religious reference creates tension and emphasises Iago’s
manipulative nature since during the renaissance, catholicism was an extremely prominent
belief. Furthermore, Iago attempts to justify his manipulation by diminishing the complexity of
human nature through depicting them as gardens, where our ‘wills are our gardeners’ which
we can ‘plant nettles, or sow lettuce’. Iago’s comparison of humans as a garden reveals his
perception that a person can determine their fate by changing their self perception/wills.
Othello, the tragic hero, is introduced in the play as a strong, confident leader who’s hubris is
immediately exposed by Iago ‘as loving his own pride and purposes’, foreshadowing his
tragic peripeteia to be caused by his own arrogance. Furthermore, Othello expresses his
strong perception of self when he handles the conflict with Brabantio over his secret
marriage with Desdemona, ‘keep up your bright swords’. Othello’s use of gentle sarcasm to
poke fun at Brabantio showcases his skillful balance of reason over sensuality, reflecting his
self perception. Therefore, Shakespeare explores the idea of how self perception is reflected
by a person’s actions through the characterisation of Iago and Othello.
Shakespeare also uses his complex character dynamics between Iago, Cassio and Othello,
to delve into the effect of manipulation on a person’s self perception to be able to change the
way that people act. After Cassio had lost his job as lieutenant due to a drunken brawl, he
insists that there is no way for him to redeem himself as he has lost his ‘reputation,
reputation, reputation!’ using repetition to emphasise his view of the importance of reputation
and how he lost the ‘immortal part of myself’. His loss of reputation has led to Cassio viewing
himself as a dishonourable, useless man who can’t control his emotions, metaphorically
foreshadowed by Iago’s monologue, ‘scale of reason…another of sensuality’. However, Iago
ironically reassures Cassio that reputation is ‘an idle and false imposition’, resulting in
Cassio to personally talk with Desdemona to heal his relationship with Othello, falling into
another one of Iago’s tricks. Othello’s confident and proud perception of self is also corrupted
by Iago’s villainous actions. Although Othello starts off the play seemingly immune to
weakness, Iago cleverly deciphers his deep love for Desdemona. Iago implicitly plants the
seeds of doubt into Othello's mind by pouring ’this pestilence in his ear’, metaphorically
revealing Iago’s plan to imply Desdemona’s false fidelity. Othello ostensibly becomes
increasingly worried about his wife's fidelity, however, his self perception of being known as a
‘cuckhold’ in venetian society has the power to ruin his noble reputation. ‘She did deceive
her father’. Therefore, Shakespeare explores how a person’s self perception can be
manipulated through his complex relationships of characters.

Othello also reflects how external perceptions like racial prejudice and societal roles play a
part in changing Othello and Desdemona’s self perception. During the 1600s, women had
subordinate positions where they had to stay submissive to men. Desdemona disrupts the
great chain of being by not listening to her father and by engaging in an interracial marriage
with Othello, showcasing her strong personality to the audience. However, Desdemona’s
internal prejudice is revealed when trying to defend her fidelity to Othello after being accused
of adultery. Although she insists that she will have a ‘guiltless death’, she ironically blames
‘Nobody, I myself’ for her own murder. This ostensibly demonstrates Desdemona’s blinded
love and loyalty for Othello, however it also showcases her internalised prejudice as a
woman who should be submissive to her husband, causing the audience to think what
triggered her sudden change of personality. Othello’s internalised prejudice is also revealed
by the death of Desdemona. During the Elizabethan era, people of African descent were
frequently degraded and dehumanised as they were seen as barbaric, lustful, and even
devilish as metaphorically suggested by Iago ‘look at the devil’. After Iago successfully plants
the seeds of doubt by pouring ‘pestilence in his ear’, Othello has an overwhelming catharsis
that Iago has manipulated him into murdering Desdemona. As a result of his uncontrollable
sensuality, he uses a racial metaphor to degrade and partially blame his alien identity for the
tragic murder of his wife. ‘A turban’d turk’, ‘the circumcised dog’, revealing his awareness of
his moorish descent. Therefore, Shakespeare explores how external perceptions impact a
person’s self perception through the use of characterisation and the plot.

Thus, Shakespeare’s Othello uses its textual integrity to explore the timeless and important
issue of self perception in shaping a person’s life. Through his use of archetypal characters,
preempted plot and his critical engagement with the audience, we are able to appreciate and
learn about the consequences of having a flawed self perception and how our self
perception can be directly manipulated by society and people. We are able to learn that our
actions are a direct result of our self perception.
T.S. Eliot's description of "Othello" as a "terrible exposure of human weakness" is a profound
insight into the central themes of Shakespeare's play. Shakespeare masterfully explores
Othello's weaknesses, particularly through his self-perception, and how it leads to his tragic
downfall. Here are some key aspects of Othello's weaknesses and self-perception:

1. Insecurity and Self-Doubt

Othello's self-perception is deeply tied to his insecurities, particularly about his race, age,
and outsider status in Venetian society. Despite his high rank and the respect he commands,
Othello constantly fears that he is not truly accepted.

● Race and Otherness: Othello's status as a Moor makes him an outsider. This is
compounded by the racist attitudes of characters like Iago and Roderigo, who
repeatedly refer to him in derogatory terms. Othello internalizes some of these
attitudes, which fuels his insecurity.
Example: In Act III, Scene 3, Othello says, "Haply, for I am black, And have not those
soft parts of conversation That chamberers have..." Here, he expresses his fear that
Desdemona might not truly love him because of his race and lack of refinement.
● Age: Othello is conscious of the age difference between himself and Desdemona,
which he fears might make him less attractive to her.
Example: In the same scene, Othello reflects, "I am declined Into the vale of years."
This self-doubt contributes to his susceptibility to Iago's manipulations.

2. Jealousy

Othello's jealousy is his most significant weakness, and it is closely tied to his
self-perception. Iago skillfully exploits Othello's fears, planting seeds of doubt about
Desdemona's fidelity.

● Trust in Iago: Othello's misplaced trust in Iago stems from his own sense of
inadequacy. He relies on Iago's supposed honesty to affirm his own worth and
understanding of his world.
Example: Othello repeatedly calls Iago "honest Iago," highlighting his dependence on
Iago's counsel, even when it leads him astray.
● Loss of Rationality: As jealousy takes hold, Othello's ability to reason diminishes.
His perception becomes clouded, and he starts to see evidence of Desdemona's
infidelity where there is none.
Example: In Act III, Scene 3, Othello declares, "Farewell the tranquil mind; farewell
content!" This marks the beginning of his descent into irrational jealousy.

3. Pride and Honor

Othello's sense of honor is another aspect of his self-perception that leads to his downfall.
He believes that his reputation and the appearance of control are paramount, and any threat
to these must be dealt with severely.
 ● Public Image: Othello's concern with how he is perceived by others makes him
vulnerable to Iago's insinuations. He fears that Desdemona's alleged infidelity will
tarnish his reputation.
Example: In Act IV, Scene 1, Othello states, "Her name, that was as fresh As Dian's
visage, is now begrimed and black As mine own face." His pride in his honor is
deeply wounded by the idea of Desdemona's unfaithfulness.
● Justice and Revenge: Othello's distorted sense of justice drives him to exact
revenge in a misguided attempt to restore his honor.
Example: In Act V, Scene 2, Othello tells Desdemona before killing her, "Yet she must
die, else she'll betray more men." He sees his action as justified and necessary to
maintain his honor.

Conclusion

Shakespeare's "Othello" presents a complex portrait of a man whose weaknesses—his

insecurities, jealousy, and pride—are deeply intertwined with his self-perception. These
weaknesses are masterfully exploited by Iago, leading to Othello's tragic end. The play is
indeed a "terrible exposure of human weakness," revealing how internal vulnerabilities can
be as destructive as external threats.