Change In Othello + Related Material

Imagine a world unchanged and untouched; not sign of aging or time, no sign of growth or development. What would our world be without out change? What would we be without change? Would we even exist?

It is change, continuing change, inevitable change that is the dominant factor in society today. No sensible decision can be made any longer without taking into account not only the world as it is, but the world as it will be. These are the words of science fiction writer Isaac Asimov

Some may describe change as a transformation that may happen in stages or continuously, including any alteration that modifies how the world is or was. And even if it goes unrecognised, the world will continue to change.

The character of Othello displays a change in self, in many ways. Othello is first portrayed as a powerful, trusting, controlled human being, with his eyes totally set on his wife Desdemona. We can see the change in Othello through the of language techniques such as hyperbole and word choice. The composer employs these techniques to develop one's understanding of the concept of change.

"To follow still the changes of the moon", Othello's use of hyperbole in this extract conveys his deep trust for Desdemona. Iago suggests that Othello should monitor his wife, as he believes she is untrustworthy and disloyal. However, confident that his wife is faithful, Othello replies, exaggerating Iago's attempt to control him. At this point, Othello is unaffected by Iago's manipulations and shows no sign of change.

As the plot develops however, Iago continues to suggest false ideas, concerning Othello's wife and another man. Othello, who once stood strong to these types of proposals, now listens to his so called "friend".

"O curse of marriage" Othello is refecting in the form of a sillioquy. He finds himself despising what he once loved, and through his word choice, he proclaims how his marriage has been set upon him as if it were some kind of punishment or burden. Iago's manipulations have taken a hold on Othello and changed his views on his marriage. The woman who once owned Othello's heart is now the one whom he despises. This is shown through the technique of word choice.

Tracy Chapman's song "I'm ready" conveys a need to be revitalised and be made new again. The use of repetition in the text conveys this request to be changed.

The words "I'm ready" are reapeated throughout the song to convey the composer's present need to be replenished, and ultimately overcome change, as she feels this is the right time in her life. This change may be described as the type brought on by one's self desire to be made different.

Chapman also uses the technique of symbolism to convey her need to be changed. "I'm ready to let the river wash over me". Here the symbol of a river washing over someone is used to represent the composer's need to be given new life, or a clean start for change. This may be described as embracing the ultimate change.

Change is also apparent in Cobbs cartoon found in the stimulus

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