For my final blog post on Othello, I want to focus on Othello's monologue at the start of the second scene in act 5. On a side note, I can not help but read this with James Earl Jones' deep bellowing voice in my head. Anyway, I really like how Othello points out the color white in this monologue, "that whiter skin of hers than snow,"(5.2 4-5). Ideas associated with the color white are purity. Could this be Othello realizing that he has infiltrated the young Desdemona's purity?
I found it interesting that he used the term, "Promethean heat"(5.2 12). He is referencing Greek mythology, when Prometheus stole fire from the gods and gave it to humankind. This follows the theme of deception of people of higher rank that Iago established throughout the play. Could Shakespeare be suggesting that many things that are vital to humankind are created through the art of deception?
I agree that Shakespeare was trying to emphasize Desdemona's purity with her white skin. She died in innocence, refusing to even defend herself. Her submission to Othello in his crazed state proves her dedication to him. If she had resisted, Othello would have been convinced of her betrayal and killed her more violently. The smothering allowed her to retain her beauty, without bruises or bloodshed. As far as the "Promethium heat" goes I think the reference is to the punishment that Prometheus received for stealing the fire. Because Iago tried to steal his way into a Othello's position he was punished by those in power.
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