Ecocritical View of The Tragedy of Othello, the Moor of Venice

Abstract

This paper examines the role of natural imagery in Othello through an ecocritical lens, revealing how Shakespeare employs nature not only as a reflection of character psychology and moral dilemmas but also as an active agent in shaping human fate. Othello’s references to inanimate natural elements reflect his rigid, hierarchical worldview, rooted in the Great Chain of Being. He views nature as a stable, ordered system that mirrors moral law and human relationships. In contrast, Iago manipulates animate creatures, using animals and bodily metaphors to dehumanize others and distort reality for his own ends. This opposition highlights Othello’s struggle to reconcile his belief in an absolute moral and natural order with the chaotic, fluid reality of human existence. His failure to adapt renders him susceptible to Iago’s schemes, leading to his downfall. By framing Othello within a proto-ecological perspective, this paper challenges anthropocentric readings that treat nature as mere metaphor. Instead, it argues that nature in the play functions as an active agent, influencing perception, action, and fate. Through this ecocritical approach, the study underscores Othello’s relevance to contemporary discussions on humanity’s relationship with nature, emphasizing the dangers of rigid worldviews in an ever-changing natural and social environment.