论《奥赛罗》的悲剧根源：自卑

论《奥赛罗》的悲剧根源：自卑

［Abstract］Othello is one of Shakespeare’s most famous tragedies. It tells of a tragic love story of Othello, the Moor and general in the service of Venice, and Desdemona, a prestigious Venetian senator Brabantio’s daughter. Under the schemes of Iago, Othello’s ancient , the happy couple end in tragic death. This thesis holds the view point that Othello’s self-contempt is the root cause of the tragedy. If it has not been for his self-contempt, he would not have married her in secrecy without an open and straight propose to the noble family. If it has not been for his self-contempt, the rumors and schemes would have never been taken as truth and proofs. Self-contempt distorts his justice of evil conspiracy and exceeding honesty.

［Key words］Othello,tragedy cause,self-contempt

I. Introduction

On the reasons of Othello’s tragedy, the opinions have been various. Some scholars believe that “it is Othello’s dual and inconsistent characteristics that contribute to the tragedy” (Luo, 2002); some deem that it is “the social factors that lead to the ruinous end” (Xiang, 2007); and some attribute to “the racial discrimination and cultural prejudice” (Liu, 2009); and some propose that “the instability of their Platonic love

foreshadows their t ragedy” (Yuan, 2008).

To be objective, many factors contribute to harboring and shielding his self-contempt, but these factors are the minor causes to the tragedy of Othello. First comes the Venetian military dependence. Their reliance gives him the possibility to make up with his inferior identity and to expect live a normal life as a Venetian. Second is the senators’compromising on his unlawful marriage to a fair noble lady. It deepens his sense of self-contempt, for as a human being he is nothing and only as a general can he be respected and forgivable. Then come Desdemona’s sweet temper and amiable personality. It is a constant compromise to his rage and abuse.

In this thesis, self-contempt as a distorted characteristic, is discussed and proved to be the root cause of the tragedy of Othello and Desdemona. The thesis divides the tragedy into two parts, one is before their marriage, and the other is from after their marriage to the tragic end. Detailed analysis will be given to expound the deduction that self-contempt is the root cause of Othello’s tragedy.

Ⅱ. Othello’s Self-contempt before Their Marriage

In psychology self-contempt is a characteristic defect, which is defined as an under-evaluation of one’s ability and character. It shows an

under-estimation, disappointment and lack of confidence of oneself. In social life, self-contemptuous persons feel inferior and alienated to others. When they are mocked or insulted by people, their self-contempt devastates and expresses in the forms of jealousy and self-deception, etc. Othello is self-contemptuous throughout the tragedy before and after he is caught by Iago’s malicious schemes.

To begin with, before their secret consummation, Othello has many traces of being self-contemptuous which impact their marriage. He has been passive in their relationship and does not move on without Desdemona’s hint.

…It was my hint to speak … she’d come again, and with a greedy ear devour up my discourse; which I, observing, took once a pliant hour and found good means to draw from her a prayer of earnest heart… (Act 1 Scene 3)

He acts upon every hint that he has observed. Then he purposefully induces her earnest heart of love and admiration.

Secondly, as for the content of their conversation, to some extent, he boasts and exaggerates about his experiences on the battlefield, for the purpose of winning her admiration. This is the presentation of being self-contemptuous.