English

Binary Opposition

Black Vs. White - Othello, the Moor, versus his enemy in disguise of a friend, Iago represent black against white. Brabantio also represents a resistance to the black moor.

Good Vs. Evil - Iago is the traditional evil character, in that he creates the destruction in the story. Othello struggles with his good intentions and faith, yet is chased by the evils of jealousy. Desdemona, though the only purely good character, is still destroyed in the end by the evil. Also, connected the black and white/good and evil themes, in tradition, white represents good, and black represents evil - this is switched around, and blurred in the story of Othello.

Order Vs. Chaos - Othello is a structured general of the military in the beginning, and ends up a jealous criminal. On the continent, in Venice, everything is structured and brought to justice through law, whereas, on the island of Cyprus, justice is not dealt out in the court, there is no trial for what Desdemona has been accused of, only sentencing. On the island, everything is more wild and unstructured.

Selflessness Vs Ambition - Desdemona is pure and innocent and Emilia is corrupt and ambitious. She is redeemed when she exposes Iago. She has an unconditional love and respect for Desdemona. Another example is Cassio who is innocent and loyal while Iago is manipulative.

Honesty Vs Lying - Compared to Iago she is honest. She is amitious and determined but not for her own gain, for her husband's gain.

Appearance Vs Reality - Iago appears to be really honest and true whereas in reality he is a betrayer and a scoundreal. Cassio appears to be an adulterer to Othello and hotheaded whereas he is sincere, loyal, honest.

Loyalty Vs Betrayal - Desdemona and Cassio are set up as betrayers but there are honest.

Honour Vs Disgrace- Othello would rather die than live with the shame of what he has done whereas Iago refuses to clear his conscience