Marxist Approach
English Lit: AQA A Level Othello, topic 10.2.3
A Marxist Approach
Marxist literary criticism must be seen in the light of a Marxist view of history, in which class struggle is essential.
Marxism
- Marxist literary criticism must be seen in the light of a Marxist view of history, in which class struggle is essential.
- The connections between literature and the economic structure of the society in which it was written must be made relevant.
Othello
- In terms of Othello, this would be uniquely concerned with the collision of European culture and money with African ethnicity and knowledge.
- Othello is ‘base’ and at the bottom of society normally, but given his military prowess, he has risen through the class system.
Social mobility
- However, despite his marriage to Desdemona, tragedy still results.
- Shakespeare’s play therefore appears to argue that movement through the classes is very difficult to achieve in practice.
Economic power
- We might also talk about the draw of the growing financial and economic power of Venice compared to the rest of Europe during this period which seems to have its eye on the ‘opening up’ of the East (Cyprus) in terms of seeking the greater wealth there.
Love and tragedy
- Marxist criticism would also view this expansionist ideology as hugely problematical and that the play offers a vision of how the chase for economic success results in chaos and tragedy.
- This relates to both Love through the Ages and the context of Tragedy.
Test yourself on Marxist Approach
What does Othello argue about class mobility?