The Superego in Shakespeare's Othello

Shakespeare's Othello possesses traits which allow it to be delved into through various perspectives. Therefore, it is polysemic in its nature due to the multiple meanings it can attain depending on the context in which it is received. Othello demonstrates that texts are the principle medium in which a range of perceptions may be derived. This is achieved through the utilization of various language and dramatic techniques, mise en scene and structure which conveys meaning to the responder, and provides for interpretation.

The traditional view's insight has existed for centuries and reflects the ideology of white civilization whereby Othello is identified as the "tragedy of the moor". This reading involves the manipulation of the 'valiant hero' by his most trusted aide, ironically noted as "honest Iago" constantly, whom is the culprit to his lack of rationale. Thus, he is lead to his downfall as a result of his hubris. In this case, his tragic flaw is his jealousy; or rather his passionate love for his wife. This dominant interpretation of the text could be deemed with the least significance and depth in comparison to the conclusions drawn through an analysis of various viewpoints.

The text elucidates the protagonist, Othello's response to psychological difficulties as a result of situations and influences arising from the impact of the superego upon an individual's psyche. The human psyche of Othello easily succumbs to the desires of the superego due to his inner insecurity which is attributed to his past experience of being "sold to slavery." And being a moor in White society. He's assimilated into upper class Venetian society through his conversion to Christianity. In relation to the text's situations and characters, the superego is potentially dominated by Iago, and this man shatters Othello's initial state of pride and courage which is prevailing at the beginning of the text; may be clearly demonstrated in the scene where Othello loses his rationale and falls into a fit. As portrayed in the scene when Iago refers to Othello, "It is possible you should see this, Were they as prime as goats, as hot as monkeys…" This line is a metaphorical reference to Othello as an animal and adopts imagery as a key technique to demonstrate Othello's weakest point, his moor ethnicity. His hubris is significantly subjugated by jealousy, as this is the basis of his psychological difficulties encountered later on. Therefore, foremost insecurity and weakest point manifests in the form of jealousy, which interrogates his rational state of mind as the text unravels.

By effectively portraying such a disposition of Othello who has been influenced by the superego, the composer heightens the understanding of the responder about the possible negative impacts upon an individual. This is attributed with the imposed white ideologies imposed upon society regardless of the context. Similarly, the cause for his distrust in his wife, Desdemona is a result of his inferiority, thus jealousy, which is juxtaposed with his ideal self. This is depicted at the beginning of the play, living a life of order and honour, in which his love for his wife is ultimate. Conversely, the climax and falling climax portion of the text represents a dysfunctional nature of events and situations, leading on to jealously and death. This exists in light of the archaic self.