Question

Which play of Shakespeare is similar in theme to the film Kaliyattam ?

• A. As You Like It
• B. King Lear
• C. Othello
• D. Hamlet

Answer 1

Answer:

C. Othello

Shakespeare's Othello and its Thematic Similarities with Kaliyattam

Comparison of Themes:

• Jealousy and Suspicion: Both Othello and Kaliyattam deeply explore the destructive power of unfounded jealousy and suspicion. In Othello, Iago manipulates Othello's insecurities, leading him to believe his wife Desdemona is unfaithful. Similarly, in Kaliyattam, the central conflict arises from Kannan's overwhelming jealousy fueled by misunderstandings and external manipulation.
• Tragic Downfall of the Protagonist: Both protagonists experience a tragic downfall primarily due to their emotional vulnerabilities and flawed judgment. Othello, a noble general, succumbs to his rage and kills his innocent wife, leading to his own demise. Kannan, a skilled Theyyam artist, is driven to commit a heinous act, resulting in his own destruction and the ruin of his reputation.
• Manipulation and Deception: The plays feature manipulative antagonists who exploit the protagonists' weaknesses for their own gain. Iago in Othello is a master of deception, planting seeds of doubt and orchestrating events to destroy Othello. In Kaliyattam, the character of the priest (or similar manipulative forces) plays a crucial role in inciting Kannan's jealousy and mistrust.
• Betrayal and Loss of Trust: A significant theme is the betrayal of trust within relationships. Othello's trust in Desdemona is shattered by Iago's lies. Kannan's faith in his wife and his community is severely undermined, leading to isolation and despair.
• The Role of Reputation and Honour: Both narratives highlight the importance characters place on reputation and honour. Othello's identity as a respected general is central to his character, and his perceived dishonour drives his actions. Kannan's standing as a performer and a respected individual is also at stake.

Key Elements in Othello:

• Characters: Othello (Moorish general), Desdemona (his wife), Iago (Othello's ensign), Cassio (Othello's lieutenant), Emilia (Iago's wife).
• Setting: Venice and Cyprus.
• Literary Significance: Considered one of Shakespeare's greatest tragedies, renowned for its psychological depth and exploration of human emotions.
• Key Plot Points: Iago's 'green-eyed monster' of jealousy, the handkerchief as a crucial piece of evidence, Othello's fatal smothering of Desdemona, and the eventual revelation of Iago's villainy.

Kaliyattam Context:

• Cultural Significance: A Malayalam film that draws inspiration from the rich cultural traditions of North Kerala, particularly the art form of Theyyam.
• Thematic Resonance: While not a direct adaptation, it mirrors the core tragic elements of Othello, focusing on how societal pressures and personal insecurities can lead to devastating consequences.

Exam Relevance:

• Questions often test the ability to identify thematic parallels between different works of literature and film.
• Understanding the core tragic flaws and manipulative tactics in Othello is crucial for literary analysis.
• Recognizing how cultural narratives can echo universal human experiences, as seen in the comparison between Shakespeare and Kaliyattam, is a valuable skill for comparative literature studies.