Specimen Critical Analysis

Abstract

Othello’s address to the Venetian Senate to defend himself against Brabantio’s accusations of having bewitched Desdemona provides another indication of his calmness, assurance and openness, which were demonstrated in his first appearance in the preceding scene. It stands in contrast to the more emotional and agitated utterances of Brabantio as he seeks the Senate’s aid. Though Othello says that he is not accomplished as a public speaker (‘Rude am I in my speech’), the speech strikes one as that of a person who does have oratorical skills and who knows how to be persuasive with words. It is chiefly sentence structure and rhythms which create this impression. The first two lines are taken up with showing respect for the senators. The number of complimentary words – potent, grave, reverend, noble, good – indicates a desire to draw a favourable response from them, and might even suggest a degree of flattery. The indication, too, of their superiority – they are the masters, he the servant – further enforces this. Although Brabantio is also a senator, Othello’s words set him apart and establish a contrast between the ‘potent’ signiors and ‘this old man’, impotently complaining at his daughter’s marriage to the Moor. We might see a hint of disrespect here, though we should have to bear in mind Othello’s respectful treatment of Brabantio in the previous scene.