Speech

All of us here regardless of our age gender or ethnicity were a blank canvas when
we were born, our families, our loved ones and our surrounding have painted the
picture we are today. In the case of Othello and Good Will Hunting, Both
Shakespeare and Gus Van Sant explore how Society gives them a false perception
of their state of belonging moving individuals away from their true self. And how
society can shatter an individuals perception of where they belong and open
them up to how they are truly viewed in the world. The texts accomplish this by
highlighting the journey each character tackles and through the use of a range of
visual, and literary techniques. What these texts teach us is that even though you
can achieve a sense of self and belonging it will always be tainted by society.
Othello explores how society gives individuals a false perception of belonging
moving them away from who they truly are. Othellos journey involves his state of
mind being constantly altered and changed to suit the desires of Iago. Iago slowly
plants seeds of doubt , in Othellos mind alienating him from society and exposing
the heros tragic flaw , jealousy. In the quote, beware, my lord, of jealousy; It is
the green-eyed monster which doth mock The meat it feeds on. The use of this
stark metaphor hones in on how jealousy is a creature of the mind consuming it
all, it is also an example of dramatic irony as Iago himself is consumed and fuelled
by Jealousy. The use of elaborate and vivid imagery used in the metaphor "O! I
had rather be a toad, And live upon the vapors of a dungeon, Than keep a corner
of the thing I love for others' uses." highlights the anger that has built up in
Othello and how alienated he has become towards Desdemona. The over arching
theme of Jealousy seeps through the quotes above. Othello delivers to the
audience how society creates a false sense of belonging taking individuals away
from the truth.
Othello shows us how society gives false perceptions of belonging to individuals
leading them away from who they truly are. However Good Will hunting also
shows the other end of the spectrum that society also has a positive impact on an
individuals sense of self. Will learns to overcome his abusive and tormented
orphan past as his relationships develop with the society around him. The final
scene of the movie portrays how Will has finally found his sense of self and place.
The scene uses comforting and simplistic music to show his journey has come to
an end and the quote I gotta go see about a girl is symbolic of the fact that he
finally realizes whats important in his life.
Society shatters an individuals perception of where they belong and open them
up to how they are truly viewed in the world. The false sense of belonging held by
Othello is final broken by Emilia, He finally realizes that he has been lead astray
and he seem himself for what he has become a coldhearted murderer. The
soliloquy at the end of the play highlights Othellos concern with his identity and
showcasing his true sense of self. Soft you; a word or two before you go. I have
done the state some service, and they know't. No more of that. I pray you, in your
letters, When you shall these unlucky deeds relate, Speak of me as I am; nothing
extenuate A major theme present in the play is identity. Othello is a selfobsessed perfectionist this stems from the fact that hes an outsider. A sense of
vulnerability is developed in Othello as his position in society forces him to be
reserved and guarded in order to protect his status and to avoid fulfilling the

stereotypes. This sense of anxiety because he is different ultimately gets the

better of him and leads to his downfall
Just like Othello, In Good Will Hunting shows us that Society can rip open an
individuals false sense of belonging. Sean rips open Wills confined world and
showing him that his only limiting himself and the past is now over. When Sean
looks Will in the Eye and says "Look at me, What do you want to do, You are
bullshit, You gotta bullshit answer for everybody but I ask you a very simple
question and you cant give me straight answer, because you dont know. With
The use of rhetorical question he powerfully connects with the viewer and is used
like a spear to break Wills bubble. Combined with the mellow lighting in the room
the scene creates an overall somber mood to signify the passage of a pivotal
point in Wills life. The scene also signifies the theme of Identity that is present in
Othello, Will is finally forced to genuinely look at who is and what he wants with
life.

What I learned from Othello and Good Will hunting is that society can either strip
your sense of belonging off you and manipulate you and make you stray away
from true self. Or it can provide for you and include you and make you fell like you
finally belong as explored in the texts.

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