A thought struck- these two circles representing self and reputation oddly relate to the point of ocularity we are discussing. Could there be a connection? In class we like to not only find meaning within the pages, but the meaning that lies on the pages as well. Having this thought in mind I figured there must be a connection here as well. The inner circle represents self(the pupil), where the outer circle is a representation of reputation(the iris).
At first glance you notice the iris. The color is striking and grabs your attention. It's interesting and leaves you wanting more, but never reveals it. When someone acquires a certain reputation the same thing happens. People gossip and want to find the story behind the story but it's not always revealed. The iris is the facade of a person, its beauty -or lack of- to an outsider. In othello the "iris" is of most importance. The characters face many struggles due to the reputations that they acquire. If they would focus more on the pupil they would see that these reputations are far from truth.
The inner circle of the diagram represents self and the pupil. This part of the eye is much more hidden. It exists in everyone, but is not always seen by others. Although they are often ignored they carry a lot of importance. They are the structure of the eye. Without them, the eye, in whole, wouldn't make sense. We use them to see out of. We use them to make judgements of others-to establish their reputations. The reputations that we give others speaks a lot of ones self. The two need eachother to work. The pupil to view the world and the iris to see how the world views us.
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Really interesting reading. I'm glad you explored this idea more on the blog. I wonder, though. Do you think it's ever possible to view someone based on the pupil, on how they 'see'? Do you think the play does? Because I like how you suggest that the problem in Othello is that the iris is the mode of viewing...
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