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Public versus Private

English Lit: AQA A Level Othello, topic 8.2.1

Public versus Private

At various moments in the play, the private world of ‘love’ between Othello and Desdemona is opened up to the wider public world.

Private to public

Private to public

  • At various moments in the play, the private world of ‘love’ between Othello and Desdemona is opened up to the wider public world of either Venice or the island of Cyprus.
  • This is often not through Othello and Desdemona’s choice but is determined by other events in the tragedy.
Othello's marriage

Othello's marriage

  • One moment when this first occurs is when Roderigo and Iago awaken Brabantio and discuss openly what has happened with his daughter.
  • The marriage of Othello and Desdemona then becomes a source of public debate in front of the Duke of Venice.
  • Othello and Desdemona have only been married for a short while but their intimate and private world is already under public scrutiny.
Cyprus

Cyprus

  • Although it is not explicit, when Othello travels to Cyprus to become the new governor there, both he and Desdemona are under scrutiny because of the new role they have taken on.
  • Othello finds it hard to balance his public duty (inspecting the fortifications) with his private marriage (ensuring that Desdemona is happy).
Tragedy

Tragedy

  • At the end the tragedy that has occurred - the murders - are discovered by those who have arrived on Cyprus from Venice.
  • They are appalled at what has happened.
  • In particular, these discoveries relate to Gratiano and Ludovico.
  • Montano, who is already on Cyprus but who is a Venetian also fulfils this role.
Chaos

Chaos

  • The visitors witness Othello treatment of Desdemona (him publicly hitting her) and in the end, the breakdown of the family unit as they arrive in Othello and Desdemona’s bedroom.
  • It is Lodovico who has to convey the chaos back to the state of Venice at the end of the play.

Test yourself on Public versus Private

  • Can you think of an example of when Othello and Desdemona's marriage is opened up to public scrutiny?

  • Which character must convey the chaos back to the state of Venice at the end of the play?

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