[Gerard examines Othello's personality. discovering cracks in the "facade" of the generous, confident, self-disciplined husband and general. The critic argues that Othello believes that his marriage to Desdemona will transform his life-from one of primitive "chaos" to one of civilization and contentment. This naive dream shatters, however, with his increasing jealousy and his growing awareness that his newfound happiness is an illusion. Gerard thus regards Othello's development as a change from innocence to self-awareness and recognition that he has been looking outsideto Desdemona and Venetian society-rather than inside himself for his sense of identity. For further commentary on Othello's character, see the excerpts by A. C. Bradley, D. R. Godfrey, Ruth Cowhig, Wyndham Lewis. And Henry L. Warnken.]

At the beginning of the play, Othello appears as a noble figure, generous, composed, self-possessed. Besides, he is glamorously happy, both as a general and as a husband. He...