“In spite of the context, Shakespeare’s Othello remains relevant to modern audiences” DISCUSS
Shakespeare’s Othello remains relevant to modern audiences through using universal ideas and themes. Ideas and themes used in Othello which are relevant to modern audiences include; jealousy, deceit, love, betrayal, violence and war, racism, sexism, innocence, justice and appearance versus reality. Despite Othello’s context modern audiences can relate due to the ideas and themes used, these ideas and themes are common to modern society and can be understood no matter what the context is.
Jealousy is the first theme to be expressed in Othello. This jealousy is directed at Cassio from Iago for receiving the job that he wanted, and believed deserved much more than Cassio. Iago shows his jealousy through insulting Cassio’s ability, “Mere prattle without practice is all his soldiership” (Act 1, Scene 1, line 26). This is a theme that occurs frequently among modern audiences and so this concept of Iago’s jealousy towards Cassio is easily understood.
Deceit is one of the main themes throughout the play. The plot is all based around the deceit of Iago to every character. The deceit he employs varies from hiding his true personality from everyone, to manipulating situations as he pleases. He deceives Othello by pretending to be his ancient, or friend; “I follow him to serve my turn upon him” (Act 1, Scene 1, line 42). It seems the only person he reveals some truth of his personality and true intentions to, is Roderigo. Although this may be true, he only does this to further deceive Roderigo by gaining his trust and therefore having his assistance to accomplish his plans. Brabantio believes that Desdemona has deceived him by seeing the moor when he believed she was not interested in the thought of marriage, “O she deceives me” (Act 1, Scene 1 line 164). Brabantio is sure she will deceive Othello, “Look to her, Moor, if thou hast eyes to see: she has deceived her father...