218k views
5 votes
In class we have spoken about several symbols including the song "Willow" which Desdemona sings that also connects with both her experience and her servant years earlier as well as the spotted handkerchief which represents their wedding bed. We also noted that the film maker added yet another symbol to emphasize what is happening to Othello and Desdemona. What was it?

1 Answer

4 votes

Final answer:

The specific symbol added by a filmmaker in an adaptation of "Othello" is not given, but filmmakers often incorporate new symbols to highlight themes such as betrayal and tragic love. Symbolism is a key literary device in texts such as "Othello" and "The Birthmark," where elements like Desdemona's song or Georgiana's cheek symbolize deeper themes of fate and obsession with perfection.

Step-by-step explanation:

The question regarding the symbol added by the filmmaker to emphasize the unraveling of Othello and Desdemona's relationship could reference various cinematic techniques or new symbols not found in the original Shakespearean text. However, without specifying the film adaptation referenced, it is challenging to provide a definitive answer as different filmmakers might choose different symbols to enhance the storytelling of "Othello." It's common for adaptors of Shakespeare's works to insert new elements to underscore themes such as jealousy, betrayal, or tragic love. In a general sense, new symbols could include visual motifs, character interactions, setting choices, or even alterations in costume design that represent the degradation of Othello and Desdemona's marriage.

For the second part of the question, analyzing symbolism in works such as "Othello," "A Streetcar Named Desire," "The Birthmark," or reflections on the writings of Jefferson shows that symbolism serves as a powerful literary device. In "Othello," symbolic elements like Desdemona's song and the spotted handkerchief not only enrich the narrative but also develop a deeper understanding of the characters and their fates. Likewise, in Hawthorne's "The Birthmark," the central symbol of Georgiana's cheek represents societal and personal obsession with perfection.

User Cheluis
by
7.8k points