Love Medicine

Love Medicine
Detail of beadwork from an Ojibwe medicine pouch

Tuesday, October 7, 2008

Othello: A Parody of Heterosexuality?

I read an article stating that some critics believe that Othello is a dark parody of heterosexual relationships. Specifically in Act III Scene III, which we have yet to read. Some critics even believe that Othello has sexual/romantic feelings for Iago. Anyone agree?

5 comments:

Emily A said...

Wow ace, thats kind of deep. I guess we'll have to read that scene to find out. But as of yet, I don't agree. I think thats reading a little too much into it.
Although I do think Iago has definite issues.
Othello is very similar to a modern-day soap opera; love-triangles and drama galore.

Ele said...

it may be possible... like if they were prejudice against gays or something it would be another way to show that Iago has tainted Othello even more, bringing him towards evil or something....

idk though i haven't read it

Ace de la Vergne said...

I'm leaning towards Emily's view. I think people often extrapolate too much from Shakespeare. We may view his plots as cliches, however, they are original pieces which numerous following pieces have resembled. It is these pieces that are cliche. I also think Othello is a modern day soap opera, and like a soap opera, I think with some analysis the themes and issues are pretty apparent. I think the people who believe Othello to be a parody of Heterosexuality are so desperate to find a new aspect of his work that they literally pull ideas out of their *****. haha

lawrence said...

i definitely disagree that othello is gay. when they say they love each other it's not meant in a homosexual way but in a friend to friend way... so them being gay is pishposh

Christine Schmidt said...

I don't think there is any real sexual tension or feelings between Iago and Othello. It is more like an untrusting, manipulative relationship. However, I do understand where this could be though of as sexual. This may just be a part of the humor during the time of the play.