Othello by William Shakespeare Intro to what term I was assigned How Militarism Affected the Characters and the Plot of the Story By Peter Canteros

What is Militarism? Militarism is the belief or desire of a government or people that a country should maintain a strong military capability and be prepared to use it aggressively to defend or promote national interests Militarism is also in association with fascism Reference: Wikipedia

Why is Militarism in Othello? Shakespeare, living from 1564 until 1616, saw his share of national conflict around the world The setting of Othello is during times of colonialism and conquest – specifically the Turks Between 1572 and 1668, around twenty-eight bloody uprisings took place in Cyprus Shakespeare's tragedies traditionally have militaristic backgrounds such as Romeo and Juliet The Ottoman Empire existed when Shakespeare was alive. It wasn’t until World War I when its reign ended. The uprisings in Cyprus occurred when the Turks tried taxing the people. In Romeo and Juliet, you had the Montagues and Capulets. They were rival families.

The Beginning of Militarism in Othello The story’s protagonist is Othello but Iago creates the reason for Othello’s actions Othello holds a significant title in the army Iago is aiming to rise in power from a mere ensign to lieutenant Iago said “In personal suit to make me his lieutenant, off-capped to him; and, by the faith of a man, I know my price, I am worth no worse a place.” (7)

The Growth of Militarism Throughout the Play Iago’s quest for lieutenancy Iago is unsatisfied with Othello’s actions European ships are headed towards Cyprus to engage in battle The approaching war brings all the characters to the island of Cyprus including General Othello and Lieutenant Cassio Iago wants to get lieutenancy from Othello but Othello has given it to Cassio. Filled with hatred, he seeks revenge against Othello’s “poor” decision. First he tries to present how unworthy Cassio is of the lieutenancy. Then he tries using Desdemona against Othello. Iago had a lot of experience in the military (he was at Rhodes, Cyprus, and on other grounds – Pg.9) “Something from Cyprus, as I may divine. It is a business of some heat” (23) The invading Turks die at sea due to a storm

Cyprus

Militarism Cont’d With all the characters on the island of Cyprus, Iago stirs up trouble and causes Othello to make some rash decisions Othello does not give Iago the lieutenancy until both vow to kill Desdemona and Cassio After receiving lieutenancy from Othello, Iago furthers his revenge against Othello Every character suffers from Iago’s plans Othello takes away Cassio’s lieutenancy and sends him away He hits Desdemona and calls her a whore in the presence of other officials Finally believing that Desdemona is unfaithful, Othello vows to kill Desdemona. Meanwhile, Iago vows to kill Cassio for “loving Desdemona”. When Othello kills Desdemona, he is told by Emilia about the hankerchief story. Othello tries killing Iago but it is no use. Othello kills Desdemona and himself. Iago kills Roderigo and Emilia. Iago is then sent to be tortured and killed.