Thomas Rymer's "A Short View of Tragedy"

Professor Little mentioned in lecture Thomas Rymer’s “A Short View of Tragedy,” which was written in 1693. This work is significant because it is considered to be the first book of literary criticism in English. In this work, Rymer mentions Shakespeare’s Othello, criticizing the play for being improbable and mocks the role of the handkerchief playing such a significant part in Othello believing Desdemona’s alleged infidelity. Rymer also brings up several points about the play. He reads the play as showing the consequences of not obeying parents (as seen when Desdemona runs off and marries Othello without her father’s approval, leading to her tragic demise), as well as a lesson that women should stay in the woman’s sphere (as demonstrated again by Desdemona trying to influence Othello by urging him to reinstate Cassio as his lieutenant, which provides the basis for Iago’s insinuations about an extramarital affair between her and the fallen lieutenant). Rymer also sees Othello as providing the lesson to husbands that “before jealousy be tragical, proof be mathematical.” In other words, make sure you have proof she’s really cheating on you before you do something drastic, like murdering your wife.

Darlene Lin
Section 1F
Friday 5-5:50