2003 Cultural Collision
Novels and plays often depict characters caught between colliding cultures -- national, regional, ethnic, religious, institutional. Such collisions can call a character’s sense of identity into question. Select a novel or play in which a character responds to such a cultural collison. Then write a well-organized essay in which you describe the character’s response and explain its relevance to the work as a whole.
Othello
-In the play the culture of war collides with the culture of peace. Othello, Cassio, and Iago are each warriors accustom to the culture of war. Cassio and Othello are able to detach themselves from their war culture while they reside in peaceful Cypress, however fueled by hate and driven by anger Iago is not able to make this detachment. He uses the culture of war to extract his revenge.
ReplyDelete-Iago is very similar to Rodriego both feel betrayed by someone they admire. Rodriego, desperately in love with Desdemona, feels "betrayed" by her when he discovers she is marrying Othello. Iago, proud of his skills as a soldier and desperate for Othello's approval and praise, feels "betrayed" by him when Othello promotes Cassio over him. The difference between the two comes from the differences in their cultures. Rodreigo surrenders to his grief, he mopes and he takes no action, Iago immediately identifies Othello as an enemy and begins to plan an attack. Rodreigo's reaction reflects his culture, one of peace, without conflict. Iago's reaction is much different his reflects his culture as a warrior. His only goal is to eliminate his enemy. He uses weapons found on a peaceful front, lies, deception and manipulation instead of swords, spears and arrows. Tactical advantages are replaced with deceiving the right person, he wages war but hides in peace. His identity is seen in this cultural contrast. Iago is a wolf in sheep's wool. He only knows war and conflict, and he only cares about the destruction of his enemy. Instead of murdering, torturing or physically harming Othello, Iago instead takes everything of value from him. Iago targets Othello's marriage, his reputation, his status, his power, and finally his life. Despite being apprehended he completes his mission and successfully "defeates" his enemy.
I agree with Colin. I also feel as though the play displays colliding institutional cultures of war versus marriage. In the army, Othello acts as the General, maintaining power over all the others. In war, betrayal of loyalty seems like it would result in harsh punishment, most likely to be carried out by the General, Othello. I feel as though Othello takes this strict approach to the idea of betrayal by his wife, while Desdemona represents the institution of marriage. As they argue, I feel as though Othello tries to be strict and stoic (although he often slips and reveals his anger and jealousy), while Desdemona pleads to be heard and given the benefit of the doubt, common institutions of marriage. She asks for a chance to prove her innocence and is denied, showing this collision. Unfortunately for Desdemona, Othello did not adhere to these marriage institutions and it resulted in Desdemona's death.
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