Light & Dark Of Othello

In the tragedy Othello, Shakespeare continually uses the concepts of light and dark to emphasize his central themes. Independently each motif brings certain perceptions to the text naturally. Light traditionally represents purity, love, and goodness. Oppositely, darkness  can be interpreted as evil, deceptive, or hateful. The combination of these two elements is essential to this literary work.

The most prominent character to be associated with the "light" is undoubtedly Desdemona. Fair skinned and innocent, she is referenced as an "angel" and exemplifies all of the necessary traits. Even in her death, does Othello compare her passing to "putting out the flame."  The significance of her symbolism is furthered, however, by her connection to Othello, the Moor. Immediately from the beginning of the play a focus is placed on racism and the great distinction of Othello from all other characters, his skin color. As if racist ties and actual dark skin weren't enough to drive this motif, Iago's interactions with Othello are deceitful and treacherous - leading to Othello's murder of his pure-hearted love. 

What we can take away from their relationship, was that Iago and Othello's combined "darkness" eventually over powered Desdemona's "light." Through this interaction Shakespeare asserts his tragedy and main themes of the frailty of love and the drastic power of relationship and their manipulation.