...A Drama Analysis of Williams Shakespeare’s ‘Othello’ Othello: Insecurity and Jealousy Shakespeare’s, Othello, is witness that everyone, no matter their cast in society, can become vulnerable when they are brought to doubt their sense of self. As a person matures and reaches the level of adulthood, they take on many different types of responsibilities as a functioning part of society. Society characterizes its members based on how effectively they deal with their responsibilities, and furthermore an individual’s identity and sense of self is derive in part, from their ability to handle the triumphs, growth and difficulties associated with being an adult. The way a person conducts his or herself determines how they as well as others perceive them. Ultimately, when making decision throughout life a person looks at what they as an individual value, and therefore what they perceive themselves to be influences their decision-making. When one works to destroy the reputation of another they seek to tarnish the way others perceive said person. On the other hand, in Shakespeare’s tragedy we see Iago go a step further, instead of just working to ruin Othello’s reputation, he targets the foundation of Othello’s sense of self. First, Iago plays on Othello’s jealousy by causing him to suspect Desdemona of being unfaithful without presenting any legitimate evidence. This jealousy leads to anxiety from which Iago goes on to insinuate that the very foundations of his love for Desdemona...
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...Blindness and Insight In Othello the Moor of Venice by William Shakespeare, Othello is blind to what is going on around him; similarly in Oedipus the King by Sophocles, Oedipus Rex is ignorant to the fate he was tragically born into. Both Oedipus Rex and Othello commit suicide at the end of the play because they gain knowledge of what they have been blind to throughout the entire drama and cannot live with what they have done. Othello cannot live with the knowledge that he murdered his wife whom had done no harm upon him; he was tricked by Iago. Furthermore, Oedipus cannot live with himself after the truth came out that he had murdered his own father and married his mother. Both of these psychological dramas remain timeless because the motifs within them remain to exist in today’s culture. First, in Shakespeare’s “Othello the Moor of Venice," Iago wants to rid Othello and take his place. Iago convinces Othello that Desdemona is the mistress of Cassio, and has been unfaithful to Othello. To convince Othello of Desdemona's infidelity, Iago steals Desdemona’s handkerchief and sets up Cassio to make it seem as if he is having an affair with Desdemona. Othello’s jealous rage blinds him to the plot going on around him and he murders Desdemona without a second thought. “But words are words; I never yet did hear that the bruised heart was pierced through the ear”, as stated in Literature quotes. After the deed was done, Iago’s wife tells Othello the truth, and he makes himself...
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...Drama Essay “Othello, the Moor of Venice” Jami Bruno Liberty University In the drama “Othello, the Moor of Venice”, written by Shakespeare around 1604, we find Othello in a downfall that was fed by a villain named Iago. Othello soon becomes the tragic hero of this story. Aristotle’s definition of a tragic hero is “someone who is a noble soul, from high estates, and has a downfall in the result of his hamartia or tragic flaw” (Kennedy, & Gioia, 2007). Othello is easily persuaded with bad advice, that his wife is being unfaithful and is in love with another man. Othello being insecure, is crushed when he is fooled into believing that his wife Desdemona has been unfaithful. With anger and jealousy in his heart he finds himself causing a downfall in the result of his own tragic flaw. Desdemona continues to stay faithful to her husband even as her husband accuses her of being in love with another man. She is a sweet, kind and intelligent woman who is truly devoted to loving Othello. Heartbroken to find her husband has turned against her and plans to kill her, she tries to defend herself with the truth. She is unable to dismiss the lies told to her husband by the villainous Iago. Iago’s hate for the Moor stems from several different directions. He plays the main reason Othello has a tragic flaw. Fueled by his own jealousy, Iago has started a rumor about Othello’s wife and Cassio, Othello’s honorable lieutenant. Emilia is the wife of Iago and Desdemona’s maid. She is submissive...
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...RESEARCH PAPER INSTRUCTIONS In Module/Week 8, you will write a 1500-words (about 5–7-pages) essay that addresses one of the plays from the Drama Unit. A minimum of six citations, including the primary source and at least five secondary scholarly sources, is required for this assignment. Before you begin writing the essay, carefully read the guidelines for developing your paper topic that are given below. Review the research paper Grading Rubric to see how your submission will be graded. Gather all of your information, plan the direction of your essay, and organize your ideas by developing a one-page thesis statement, outline, draft, and bibliography for your research paper. Format the thesis statement and the outline in a single Word document using MLA, APA, or Turabian style (whichever corresponds to your degree program). You have the opportunity to receive helpful instructor feedback if you submit your thesis, outline, draft, and bibliography by the end of Module/Week 7. The research paper is due by the end of Module/Week 8, and should include a title page, thesis statement, and outline, followed by the research essay itself and your correctly documented sources page. Guidelines for Developing Your Paper Topic Chapters 40 and 41 provide helpful pointers for writing about plays and for developing research papers. Be sure to review both chapters thoroughly before you begin doing any further work for this assignment. Choose one of the prompts below to address...
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...King James I and his court were the first to watch a production of William Shakespeare’s “Othello.” The famous playwright was in the midst of his tragedy period, penning such classics as “Hamlet,” “King Lear,” and “Macbeth.” The story of “Othello” has its roots in the historical events and cultural atmosphere of the late 16th and early 17th centuries. It was a common practice of playwrights at the time to borrow or lift plot ideas from other preexisting stories, and Shakespeare was no exception to the rule. The plot of “Othello” most closely resembles a 1565 story by the Italian writer Giovanni Battista Giraldi Cinzio: a Moorish general is tricked by one of his officers into thinking his wife has been unfaithful. Shakespeare took the basic plot points of this tale and embellished them for dramatic effect, adding characters like Roderigo and Brabanzio and more fully developing the character of the villain, Iago. To heighten and speed up the drama, “Othello” takes place over the span of a few days. The backdrop of “Othello” has its origins in the real-life conflicts between Turkey and Venice that occurred in the late 16th century. The action of the play takes place in Cyprus, a Venetian military outpost that was conquered by the Turks in 1571. A contemporary study of these wars was “The History of the Turks,” written and published by Richard Knolles in 1603—just a year before “Othello” premiered. It is reasonable to assume that Shakespeare, like anybody of the time who kept...
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...Literature Paper 3: Othello How are conflicts between the individual and society presented in the play, Othello? In drama terms, the definition of conflict is the opposition between characters or forces that motivates or structure the action of the plot. In Othello, the conflicts between the individual and society are manifested through the conflicts between friends and enemies, Othello’s inner conflict, cultural and racial disparities which lead to racial discrimination. In this play, society precedence over the individual as the society somehow has forces to control the individual. takes Shakespeare uses techniques such as contrast, soliloquys, dramatic irony, syntax rhythm to achieve this. As a foreigner, Othello is an individual who is discriminated by the society he lives in which is dominated by white Venetians. Though he is a respectable general, he is still regarded as an outsider. In the beginning of the play, Iago presents Othello as a misfit in Venetian society because of different race and skin tone. This is seen through the snide remarks about Othello. “…an old black ram Is tupping your white ewe…” (1.1.88-89) This dramatic incongruity between Othello as the “old black ram” and Desdemona as the “white ewe” emphasises the Othello’s otherness. Through the antithesis-the contrasting light and dark imagery-we see the racial conflict between Othello (individual) and the Venetian society. The conflict between Othello and Brabantio is a microcosm of the conflict...
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...manipulation is key in how Othello reveals his destined monstrosity. In the beginning of the story Othello is excessively proud of his color/race, this is evident as when Iago throws dirt on Desdemona’s name Othello clearly enhances his belief that “she had eyes, and chose me”(Shakespeare, 3.3.192). He is confident and secure in his love and believes it overpowers the color of his skin as well as proud of his race. As Iago finally gets under Othello’s skin we begin to see the violent and color-aware Othello that had not appeared before. The dark side of Othello has supplanted the fair Othello as he replies to Iago’s trickery with “Her name…begrimed and black as my own face.”(3.3.389-91). One can see that Othello recognizes himself as an air to darkness and that he is of an evil nature. As before he took pride in his skin color, however, now he is referring to his skin as an example...
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...Othello “The Moor” vs. “Honest” Iago Characters within a story are meant to have their own tale, just as the characters in one’s lives have their own stories of how they came to be. William Shakespeare, the modern father of the Drama, understood this concept all too well when developing his complex, yet relatable characters. In his master works Othello, each character has their socially impacting story line with their own effect on the overall plotline that help shape the complex Venetian society in which the play is set. With their friendship at the root of evil deeds, Othello and Iago help define the writing in the play: love for one self before that of a friend. With Othello’s honest friendship, and Iago’s piercing betrayal, they help mold the storyline told in this Venetian world. With his triumph on the battlefield, Othello is sought after by Dukes and Senator, and well admired and respected within the Venetian community. He is considered an outsider from his peers, and the community based on his African descent. All the success came at the price of Othello spending his childhood under slavery, then joining the military at a young age in order to gain his presence within society. Shakespeare exemplifies this quality by showing a separation from the other characters, and usually referring to Othello in racial slurs such as “the Moor”, and references to his exotic body such as “the thick-lips” and “black.” All these strategies amplify the feeling throughout the play that...
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...Othello 1. a. Point of attack: A rich man, Roderigo has been trying to win a woman Desdemona, but he finds out she has recently married Othello, who has just gain the position of lieutenant that Roderigo’s friend was in the running for. Roderigo and Iago seek out Desdemona’s father and tell him that his daughter has been forced to married Othello. b. Exposition: When Brabanzio finds out his daughter is missing he gathers people to go out and find Othello. When he finds him, Brabanzio accuses Othello of stealing his daughter by witchcraft and reports this to the assembled state. When the duke and senate side with Othello, because he explained that he had won Desdemona on his own without witchcraft, Desdemona herself even defends herself and announced it was her choice to marry Othello, and that she is changing her allegiance to be with her husband. Rising Action: After defeating the Turks, there is a celebration, Roderigo thinks that Desdemona needs to be with him and he and Iago come up with a plan to make this happen. Iago mentions that even if Desdemona did want to leave Othello, her next choice would probably be Cassio. The plan to eliminate Cassio is put into action, and Iago explains that this is the first step to ruin Othello (which is his main concern). Cassio was provoked by Roderigo and chases him, when Governor Montano tries to step in, Cassio stabs him. Othello takes away Cassio’s rank of lieutenant. In order to win back Othello’s trust...
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...Iago’s Strategic Acts of Character Manipulation W.H. Auden once said, "There is more than meets the eye", suggesting that there may be a hidden or deeper meaning behind a person's initial appearance. Lies and deceits are common in society, and many individuals mask their true intentions with a veneer. In Shakespeare's play Othello, the character Iago is no different from those deceptive individuals. Behind his façade as a trustworthy ensign and friend, Iago is a multilayered, deceptive and manipulative villain, concocting chaos and causing mishaps to other characters for revenge. Iago uses his deft and astute strategic acts of manipulation to undermine each character’s weaknesses. He exploits Roderigo’s love for Desdemona, cajoles Cassio under the guise of friendship, and toys with Othello’s mind by playing on his self-doubt. Evidently, Iago manipulates the people around him by using their weaknesses: Roderigo’s naiveté, Cassio’s trusting nature, and Othello’s insecurity, against them. First of all, Iago uses Roderigo’s gullible and naive personality to his advantage. Roderigo’s obsession and lust for Desdemona renders him susceptible to Iago’s manipulation. This obsession causes him to unquestioningly believe anything Iago says in hopes of getting Desdemona. Initially, Iago dupes Roderigo of his fortune. He convinces him that the gold and jewels will be given to Desdemona as a proclamation of his love when in actuality, Iago plans to keep it for himself. Iago states: “Thus...
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...The Tragedy of Othello, the Moor of Venice In the theatre of Shakespeare, one can encounter multiple “others” or “outsiders” when reading this text Othello `through a physco-analytic lense. Found throughout is Shakespeare desire to label Othello as “alien”, “outsider”, the stranger” and “other,” which can be seen as an unconscious, collective thought shared by members of this culture. The citizens tragically delude themselves by accepting him into their Venetian society, when in fact he is an “outsider” in ever way possible. Othello epitomizes what can be seen as an “outsider” in a white, Christian society where blacks are labeled as “strangers.” The tone of his skin is essentially what attributes to him being considered an intruder who...
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...trying to ruin your life. I'm sure for me, and everyone here we've known someone like this. They've created drama and they've torn friendships apart. Just like in our lives and in the case of the play, Othello, Othello didn't have a good person who was looking out for his best interests. Instead, he had one of his closest friends that he trusted, manipulate him. This deception could happen to anyone which is why I firmly believe that Iago is completely responsible for the tragedy of Othello. 1. Firstly, Iago deliberately orchestrated a plan in order to ruin Othello's life. He planned certain events throughout the play to make Desdemona's affair with Cassio believable. * For example, Iago carried out a plan to make Cassio lose his job. He was jealous that Cassio was promoted as lieutenant. He got Cassio drunk. He then got Roderigo to start a fight with Cassio. Then, Montano the governor of Cyprus, ended up getting stabbed by Cassio. Othello then came out and Cassio lost his job. Iago caused this situation to happen so Cassio would lose his rank and make Othello lose trust in Cassio. * Iago then made another plan, he told Cassio to ask Desdemona for help and ask her to talk to Othello for him so he could regain his trust. They would frequently talk to eachother and Desdemona would often bring up Cassio to Othello. This made the affair believable to Othello and Iago planned this to...
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...Recognition and Reversal: Othello Step One: The greatest recognition in Othello occurs in Act V, Scene II, lines 87-91. Othello kills Desdemona. Then Cassio and Emilia appear and reveal Iago's evil plot and Desdemona’s innocence. Othello then realizes that he was wrong and that his trusted friend Iago has played him for a fool. Recognition again occurs in Act V.II. when Emilia hears Othello mentions the handkerchief, after he has killed Desdemona: "With that recognizance and pledge of love / Which I first gave her. I saw it in his hand; / It was a handkerchief, an antique token / My father gave my mother." (Othello, V.II. 221-224) Once Othello says this, Emilia knows that Iago is the person who set up Desdemona and Othello isn't the one to blame. Emilia keeps repeating the words, “My husband?” (Othello, V. II. 145, 152, 156) as she makes an incomprehensibly swift journey from knowing absolutely that Iago, her dear husband, is honest and totally trustworthy, to realizing that in fact he is a quintessential villain. The most powerful and heart-rending of these moments comes near the end of Othello, when Emilia, Desdemona’s friend and ally, realizes that her beloved husband Iago is the cause of all the misery and misfortune that is killing them all. Furthermore, she realizes that she has played an unintentional part in the tragedy by following Iago’s request to steal Desdemona’s handkerchief. It has all been a plot by Iago to destroy Othello and this is finally revealed to everyone...
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...playwrights of all time. Macbeth and Othello are two of Shakespeare’s most popular dramas still to this day. Like all Shakespearean heroes, Othello and Macbeth possess a tragic flaw that eventually leads to their downfall. Othello kills out of jealousy, while Macbeth kills out of ambition. In both of these dramas, Othello and Macbeth possess human characteristics that drive them to commit evil acts. Although their tragic flaws are entirely different, they share in remorse for their actions, which allows the audience to sympathize with them. In the story of Othello, Shakespeare portrays a tale of how a man’s trust is betrayed, ultimately leading to a tragic ending. Othello, the main character, is a...
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...Outline Thesis statement: The film, Othello, offers viewers an exceptional perspective that embodies the themes of jealousy and deceit, which are the two themes undoubtedly and effectively shown in the film. * I. Iago explains his tactics to Roderigo. Envy drives him to follow Othello not out of “love” or “duty,” but because he feels he can deceive his general. * 1. “Were I the Moor I would not be Iago. In following him I follow but myself; Heaven is my judge, not I for love and duty, But seeming so for my peculiar end.” (I.i.57–60) 2. Iago is continually playing a game of deception, even with Roderigo and the audience. II. Othello is poisoned by Iago’s herbaceous manipulation; therefore, Othello becomes blind to Desdemona’s loyalty. 1. Many of Iago’s references of deception concern poison. 2. “I’ll pour this pestilence into his ear” (II.iii.330); “The Moor already changes with my poison. / Dangerous conceits are in their natures poisons, / . . . / . . . Not poppy nor mandragora / Nor all the drowsy syrups of the world / Shall ever medicine thee to that sweet sleep” (III.iii.329–336). Iago breeds his “conceits” so that they become fatal toxins and then plants their seeds in the minds of others. III. 1. Iago tells Othello to beware of jealousy, the “green-eyed monster which doth mock/ The meat it feeds on” (III.iii.170–171). 2. Likewise, Emilia describes jealousy as dangerously and uncannily self-generating, a “monster / Begot upon itself, born on itself”...
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