A Comparison Of Othello And Alien Nation

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Writers use conflicts, mischievous relationships and reflective dialogue of and between characters in order to display rising tension between foreigners and natives. The association of foreigners and natives has been an ongoing concept throughout history, however this does not always apply for just cultural background or religion, as foreigners may also feel different due to self-appreciation, health conditions and views on society whilst being in the same situation. This is demonstrated in Othello and alien nation through which composer’s use techniques to build tension, enabling the responder to engage and develop an understanding of the relationships between Othello concerning himself, and others around him. Like wise with ‘Alien Nation’, Megan lynch shows her thoughts on society and her relationships with others through a diary entry. Both texts will be discussed and compared in this essay, showing responders how tension is used between foreigners and natives.

Shakespeare shapes the tension between Othello and other characters by a moor as an army general of high power, and was generally accepted as a man in society. However, as Othello and Desdemona are secretly married, the view of Othello instantly changes due to interracial marriage being seen as immoral. Shown in act 1 scene 3 Othello stands before the court, and is accused of stealing the daughter of Brabantio, as there is a generalization that Desdemona could never marry a moor, unless it was against her will. Othello says “her father loved me, oft invited me, Still questioned me the story of my life From year to year – the battles, sieges, fortunes That I have passed.” The marriage of Othello and Desdemona has changed Brabantio’s view on the ‘moor’, as he was acceptin...

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... and natives. You could say Othello had a condition, as he felt insecure about himself as a ‘moor’, similarly Megan had a condition, as she had depression from light deprivation. The writers core meaning of both texts, link back to how they build tension between foreigners and natives. Responders gain an understanding of how writers build tension between foreigners and natives, through the conflicts and relationships of characters, which developed throughout the texts.

Writers build tension between characters in Othello and Alien Nation, by the secretive relationships and isolation of foreigners, not necessarily due to physical problems, though the minds of the characters and their interactions with society and the people around them. In conclusion Othello and Alien Nation are examples of texts which display how writers build tension between foreigners and natives.

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