Theme Of Isolation In Othello

Isolation is a theme commonly illustrated across many texts. Setting is the most important factor that contributes to the completeness of a story. This report will investigate the connections of settings and the causes and consequences of isolation across four texts, ‘Othello’, ‘The Imitation Game’, ‘Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close’ and ‘The Social Network’.

‘Othello’ by William Shakespeare is a timeless tragedy. It is the tragic love story between Othello, an African American general, and Desdemona, a noble lady of Venice. It was set during the Venetian and Turkish war in the 16th century, a significant time at the start of the slave trade. Age, race, and experience constantly undermine their relationship. Racism is important to the

context and setting of this play as it helps to cause Othello’s isolation. Due to his race, Othello is referred to as “the Moor” by many characters, including the villain of the play, Iago. Characters frequently use racist dialogue as Iago describes Othello to Barbatio as, "an old black ram…tupping your white ewe." Racism was a widely accepted social norm during the period, justifying the inhuman treatment of black people. An American Modern Politician wrote "the conception of dividing people by race begins with its slave trade.” This established people of colour as an inferior race. Despite all his accomplishments as a successful general, Othello accepts the racism around him, leading to intense insecurity. “Othello is visibly isolated from the other characters by his physical stature and the colour of his skin,” (spark notes). The theme of isolation is symbolized in its truest form by the setting at the island of Cyprus. Othello believed everything Iago told him as and a consequence of his isolation, the tragic deaths of Othello, Desdemona and Emilia transpired. Yet, through their own isolation, the three characters contributed to their own devastating fates. 

World War II took place during the early 19th century.

Many heroic stories are set during this time. ‘The Imitation game’ directed by Morten Tyldum, tells the story of Alan Turing, a Cambridge mathematics alumnus, who was recruited by the British Intelligence Agency to crack the Nazi’s code known as Enigma. This effectively won the war for the Allied Forces. Interestingly, both ‘The Imitation Game’ and ‘Othello’ are set during the time of war, setting the theme of lost and despair, which corresponds to the terrible destinies of the protagonists from both texts. Moreover, the main setting of the film is Bletchley Park, a British secret camp, symbolising his isolation from the outside world, (similar to the setting of ‘Othello’ on the island of Cyprus.) Essentially, Turing invented and developed the computer and the concept of artificial intelligence. Sadly, his machine was never perfected, though it generated a whole field of research into what became known as "Turing Machines."(Today’s "computers”) Yet, his aptitude set him apart from other people. Turing’s isolation is caused by autism, a mental condition characterized by great difficulty in communicating and forming relationships. Alongside his mental condition, Turing’s homosexuality was also an isolating feature. Both Othello and Turing are isolated by their differences, creating juxtaposition to the social norm. However, Alan Turing was a historic proof that “one’s sexuality has no bearing on one’s accomplishments.” Turing named his enigma decryption machine after Christopher, his boy crush who passed away, showing an emotional connection between him, Christopher and the machine. Unfortunately, Turing found himself in the time where society held the greatest prejudice against homosexuals. “Between 1885 and 1967, approximately 49,000 homosexual men were convicted of “gross indecency” under British law.” Turing’s resulting insecurity is similar to how racism, at its worst time, affected Othello. “After a year

of Government-mandated hormonal therapy, Alan Turing committed suicide on June 7th, 1954, at age 41.” His conditions isolated him in early 20th century society, resulting in his misery and premature death.    
‘Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close’ by Jonathan Safran Foer, is a novel set after the events of 9/11, which killed over 3,000 people. Oskar Schell’s father was one of the thousands dead. The book shows the impact of losing someone important through an innocence boy’s perspective. 9/11 truly was “the worst day” for many, including Oskar. "Your dad didn't die, so I won't be able to explain it to you,” clearly shows Oskar’s disconnection and distance from his friends because of the traumatic event and resulting isolation. Despite Oskar’s desire to be an optimist like his father, his life after 9/11 is problematic. Likewise, his grandparents suffer the same problem after WWII. Part of the novel is set in the same time period as the film ‘The Imitation Game.” Oskar’s German grandparents survived attacks during the war, while Alan Turing was planning them, showing a significant connection of setting between the texts. “Nothing is beautiful and true,” was Oskar’s bitter stance towards the world. Oskar’s isolation is introduced very early in the book as he often imagines things in his head. His autistic mind, the same mental condition that Turing suffered, and his interests like his favourite book the “Brief History of Time”, set him apart from other kids his age. Similar to Alan Turing, his mathematical interest is also a factor isolating him. Oskar’s isolation from his mother is clearly shown through his quote, “Every time I left the apartment to go searching for the lock, I became a little lighter, because I was getting closer to Dad. But I also became a little heavier, because I was getting farther from Mom.” Oskar goes on a treasure hunt hoping to discover some closure for his dad’s death, while Turing built the decryption machine to feel closer to Christopher. Interestingly, both Oskar and Turing form an emotional connection with an object as a way to cope with the lost of their loved ones. This reflects the way in which individuals choose to deal with their lost and grief. The tragic settings contribute greatly in developing the melancholy theme, as their isolation is the result of losing their love ones and lack of social skills.    
The creation of Facebook is told through the film ‘The Social Network’, directed by Divid Fincher. The settings move between Harvard University and Palo Alto in the year 2004. Mark Zuckerberg, the creator of Facebook, wanted to be cool and socially accepted but he was socially inept. The socially awkward characteristic is also shown in the protagonists of both ‘Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close’ and ‘The Imitation Game,’ resulting is their isolation, unlike racism, which causes Othello’s. Yet, Mark and Turing both introduce two of the greatest developments of technology of their time. The movie is “about modern ambition, within this old business world,” said Jesse Eisenberg, the actor who portrays Mark. The settings are highly significant in this film and clearly show the collision between the two business worlds; as Harvard University represents an old traditional institute and Palo Alto, California a new modern city symbolizes the new business world. Mark belongs to neither of them. This emphasizes his isolation. Rules and traditions drive the old business world. Characterized by the Winklevoss twins, member of Porcelain clubs and “gentlemen of Harvard,” who create a contrast to Mark and his awkward social tendencies. Ms. Clark in the film ‘The Imitation Game’ and the Winklevoss twins contrast to Turing and Mark’s socially inept personality emphasizing their isolation. However, Mark is anti-establishment, and not afraid to break rules and clearly has no respect for institutions and tradition. This isolates him from the social norm of Harvard society. This is clearly shown through his meeting with the board, where he sits next to two formally dressed men in suits contrasting to Mark’s Adidas slippers and Gap jumper. Facebook then moves to Palo Alto. Sean Parker is a character full of confidence, charm and is increasingly manipulative. Comparably, Iago is highly compelling and a main cause of Othello’s isolation. Mark is highly influenced by Sean, and he provides a short-term solution to Mark’s isolation. Sean was introduced to the film along with the warm and yellow light of the West Coasts, symbolising the new business world and how he becomes a significant part of the Facebook enterprise. Despite this, the relationship ultimately ends in turmoil and Mark is yet again faced with the daunting concept of his isolation. Setting plays a huge role in establishing Mark as an isolated character. Harvard and Palo Alto contrast greatly and represent new traditions, and Mark finds himself isolated no matter where he goes.

Isolation, the separation from others is caused by many factors. However, the social norm of society contributes greatly to the isolation of each individual. This report has clearly shown the connection between the settings and the characters’ isolation. In fact, our individuality, which makes us unique, can be a sufficient reason for society to exclude people because they contrast to the social norm. It is the fundamental cause of isolation. This clearly reflects on our modern society, as isolation remains a critical problem. The protagonists all suffered from isolation, which nowadays, still leads to the demise of many.