Projective identification in Othello and Verdi's Otello.

Area of Science:

• Psychology
• Literary Studies
• Musicology

Background:

• Projective identification involves projecting unbearable feelings onto others.
• Shakespeare's Othello and Verdi's opera offer rich examples of this psychological phenomenon.

Purpose of the Study:

• To analyze the depiction of projective identification in Shakespeare's Othello and Verdi's Otello.
• To explore how verbal and musical elements represent these complex psychological processes.

Main Methods:

• Comparative analysis of Shakespeare's play and Verdi's opera.
• Focus on two key episodes present in both works.
• Examination of verbal and musical representations of projective identification.

Main Results:

• Both Othello and Otello demonstrate projective identification, driven by envy and jealousy.
• Iago's projection targets Othello's narcissistic vulnerability.
• Music and musically used words are potent carriers of inter- and intra-personal psychological dynamics.

Conclusions:

• Shakespeare and Verdi masterfully depict projective identification through their respective art forms.
• Musical and lyrical elements are uniquely suited for conveying complex psychological states.
• The study highlights the enduring relevance of these works for understanding human psychology.