Storytelling and the Construction of the Self in William Shakespeare’s Othello
Storytelling and the Construction of the Self in William Shakespeare’s Othello

Summary/Abstract: This paper delves into the innovative use of dramatic storytelling and the construction of the self in William Shakespeare’s Othello, positioning it within the broader cultural and theatrical transformations of the early modern period. During this time, language was gaining unprecedented social and political importance, becoming a powerful tool for personal and professional advancement. Playwrights, in particular, found themselves navigating a rapidly shifting world where linguistic mastery could unlock new forms of influence and recognition. Shakespeare stands at the forefront of this movement, using his plays not only to reflect these changes but to actively engage in shaping them. In Othello, Shakespeare employs storytelling as a dynamic technique for character development and the articulation of the self. Through the manipulation of narrative, characters negotiate their identities in complex and often precarious social landscapes. This paper argues that Shakespeare’s dramaturgy plays a crucial role in constructing the modern sense of individual selfhood, with Othello serving as a compelling case study for this transformation. Beyond the play itself, this study examines the broader evolution of dramaturgy in the early modern period, tracing how shifts in narrative structure, character psychology, and the use of language reached their zenith in the works of Shakespeare and his contemporaries. By placing Othello within this context, the paper illuminates how Shakespeare’s innovation in storytelling not only reflected but also helped to defi ne the emerging humanist concerns of identity, agency, and self-representation on the English stage.

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