Act 2 of Othello begins with a discussion of a storm and the Turkish fleet. The Turkish fleet should be returning from a battle around Cyprus but the characters do not see it. For me, this reminded me of war fictions as it showed the affects it had on characters. Whilst the war itself is not present, characters like Desdemona are affected by it, as she fears the loss of her husband, Othello. This is similar to the books 'The Kite Runner' and 'Small Island' which do not focus on the war as much as they do the effects of it.
The genre of Act 2 however could actually be of romance. The battle may have just served as an obstacle for the couple to overcome, which they do. When Othello meets Desdemona, he says 'If it were now to die, 'twere now to be most happy; for I fear my soul hath her content so absolute that not another comfort like to this succeeds in unknown fate.' [184-188] What this shows is that Othello sees this as their most happiest memory together and that nothing can surpass it. This could act as the 'happily ever after' common in the romance genre but it is not and this therefore foreshadows a tragic ending.
Perhaps then, the genre that fits Act 2 the most is a tragedy, or more specifically a revenge tragedy. Typical conventions of a revenge tragedy are: periods of plotting, a descent into madness, an eruption of violence and of course, revenge. This can be shown through the following examples: Iago says towards the end 'two things are to be done' [373] which shows plotting; Cassio is coaxed into drinking by Iago which can be said to lead to madness, Cassio whilst drunk says 'Zounds, you rogue, you rascal!' [139] showing that he has little control over himself as he is swearing on God's wounds (Zounds); the eruption of violence is shown by Montano's wounds, 'I am hurt to the death. He dies.' [157]; and finally, Iago demonstrates the convention of revenge by demoting Cassio from his position as lieutenant. Therefore, Act 2's genre is a revenge tragedy.
Bruce, very interesting - Good A03 (interpreation of alternative views) on display here. However, it would have been nice if you had also mentioned thee ways that it does not fit into the sub-genre of a revenge tragedy (no ghosts, for instance).
ReplyDeleteAct 2 revolves around the revenge tragedy.
ReplyDeleteAt the beginning of this Act, Shakespeare conveniently removes the oncoming threat of war, so as to focus on Iago's scheme and the theme of revenge. "The desperate tempest hath so banged the Turks."
In later scences, Shakespeare introduces the audience to Iago's scathing tongue, "you are pictures out of doors...players in your housewifery, and housewives in your beds." Deliberately angling towards a semi-negative reaction from the audience, this new discovery allows Iago's later attempts at revenge to seem believable.
Iago reveals his plans to the audience through an Aside and Roderigo, later putting his revenge scheme into action by attempting to destroy the bonds of trust between Cassio and Othello. "How now, Roderigo! I pray you after the lieutenant go."
Iago's need for revenge is so strong that it manages to dominate most of Act Three; Shakespeare dedicates this whole Act to the themes of jealousy and revenge, so the remaining play can focus on the the climax, and the after-effects Iago's scheme.
Oh, brucy snuggles poo pah your so smart. I'll see you tomorrow ;)
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