The Motifs of Darkness and Light in Othello

🌑Iago often hides in darkness to prevent people from knowing his identity.

💡Othello enters Desdemona's bedchamber by the light of a candle, symbolizing his plan to snuff out her life.

⚫️🐏Desdemona is referred to as a 'white ewe' while Othello is called a 'black ram,' illustrating their contrasting skin colors.

🔥👨‍⚖️Iago, with his light skin, plays the devil in the play, undermining racial stereotypes of the time.

🦁👹Beasts and demon imagery are used by Iago to manipulate racial tensions in the play.

What do the contrasting skin colors of Desdemona and Othello symbolize?

—Desdemona's 'white' and Othello's 'black' skin colors symbolize their contrasting backgrounds and societal prejudices.

How does Iago use darkness to his advantage?

—Iago uses darkness to hide and prevent people from recognizing him or his true intentions.

What does Iago's portrayal as the devil in the play signify?

—Iago's portrayal as the devil challenges racial stereotypes of the time and highlights the complex nature of good and evil.

How does the 'beast' contagion spread among the characters?

—The 'beast' imagery is passed from one character to another, infecting their thoughts and actions.

What role does beast and demon imagery play in manipulating racial tensions?

—Beast and demon imagery contribute to the negative associations with blackness, perpetuating racial tensions within the play.

00:09The video introduces the main motifs of darkness and light in Shakespeare's play Othello.

00:20Iago often hides in darkness to conceal his identity and intentions.

00:43Othello enters Desdemona's bedchamber by the light of a candle, portraying his plan to end her life.

00:54Contrasting skin colors between Desdemona and Othello symbolize their differences and societal prejudices.

01:15Iago, with his light skin, plays the devil figure in the play, challenging racial stereotypes.

01:26Beasts and demon imagery are used by Iago to manipulate racial tensions within the play.

01:38Iago suggests that Othello and Desdemona engage in sexual activity, using 'beast' references.

02:16Amelia declares that she will play the 'Swan' in the final scene, reflecting the spread of the 'beast' contagion.