This are my summary readings summaried from summary readings, so with any student-created work take it with a grain of salt. if anyone else needs them feel free by all means.
Psychoanalytical:
A psychoanalytical reading of "Othello" focuses on the nature of Othello's behaviour as both delusional and symptomatic of a deeply disturbed psyche, which can only relate to Desdemona in terms of the bipolar extremes of pure and divine, or whoreish and unchaste. Othello undergoes an unsettling transition from matrimonial harmony to sinister thoughts of his wife committing infidelity, with intangible evidence lending itself to speculation. This change happens due to Othello's numerous insecurities, predominantly regarding his race, which makes him vulnerable to the machinations of Iago. It reflects upon Othello's own self absorbption and gullibility that his perception of Desdemona is so radically polarised.
Analysis of Iago's character and language expresses his obsession with anamalistic behaviours, inward infections and pornographic imagery. He is an extremely base character who derides values such as love, honesty and loyalty as mere constructs with no substance or merit. Iago is motivated by the indignation he has 'suffered' over Cassio recieving the military promotion he believes was rightly his. Although he does not justify this hatred, it can be hypothesised Iago feels he must compensate for the lack of power he exudes in Venetian society, through the use of his manipulative prowess to hurt others.
Feminist:
A feminist reading of "Othello" would be seen as confirmtion of the misogynistic attitude of Renaissance society. Desdemona, Emilia and Bianca are all passive characters. They are controlled by their fathers, husbands or sons and never given independant status in society. Bianca for example, is used as an object of gratification by Cassio, and discarded when it is not convenient for Cassio to have her around. Desdemona's actions in marrying Othello against the requests of her father are symbolic of female independance attempting to gain foothold in a concieted Venetian society. Desdemona attempts to play an equal role in society, and pays the ultimate price for her actions.
Once Iago's plans are well on their way to fruition, Othello begins to greet Desdemona with abuse and violence. He views his wife as his possession, thefore giving him the right to strike her at his whim which correlates with the context of the time. From a feminist perspective, these events are the equivalent of modern domestic violence, which portrays Othello as a very arrogant and misogynistic male.
Spelling: forgive me x_x
oh well, whats done is done
