As with any Shakespeare play, a number of themes and motifs are possible. If a student focuses on the character of Othello, then a theme concerning jealousy might be predominant. Jealousy is an overwhelming emotion that can override and eliminate all traces of reason in even the best of men. But if a student focuses on the character of Iago, then the theme concerning fate predominates. Fate is a powerful and mysterious supernatural force that even the cleverest of men cannot alter.
Some of the key idea words that may suggest themes and motifs of the play are indicated below:
evil greed envy jealousy anger lust pride hubris reputation reason vs. emotion |
fate revenge rage freedom fidelity desire for power political ambition idealism witchcraft |
nobility trust guilt miscegenation prejudice ambition father-daughter relationships husband-wife relationships |
One other theme worth mentioning here is the Two Worlds Theme. Venice and Cyprus are not only separated by a body of water. They are also separated by differences in atmosphere or mood. The movement of Othello from one world to the other thus has a significant effect on him. The following table highlights the major differences.
VENICE |
CYPRUS |
Calm & Peaceful |
Stormy & Beset by War |
Civilized |
Uncivilized |
Centrally located |
Border, frontier locale |
Ruled by Rational Thought |
Ruled by Emotions |
Othello is calm and rational |
Othello is troubled and emotional |