...Othello Research Paper Othello is quite an interesting tragedy; full of deception. The Moor, also known s Othello is the undisputed “hero” of our story; but his heroics are no match for the sly antagonism of the character Iago. Iago is a bitter, crafty mind that uses his political prowess and friendly swagger to deceive his victims. Desdemona has her innocence used against her and exposed for a weakness as she is blinded by what’s right in front of her. The Moor, also known as Othello is the undisputed “hero” of our story; but his heroics are no match for the sly antagonism of the character Iago. Othello isn’t our everyday hero; seeing that there aren’t too many black heroes in the seventeenth century; especially in Venice. I feel as though Othello could have done very little as a human being to avoid his fate. When Iago began to manipulate the mind of Othello in Act 3, we finally begin to see the weakness in our “hero”. Othello being the hero and man that he is, we as an audience don’t expect him to be so weak minded in such a fixable situation. This brings thoughts to my mind about how blind love can make people in this world. Sometimes we fall so in love that we can’t see the very thing that stands in the way of our love growing. Being blinded by love doesn’t always end “happily ever after”, sometimes the worst possible thing could happen when you’re in the way of a mad ”blind” man that’s carrying a sword. So if I could ask first time readers of this story a question...
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...Oedipus and Othello For Oedipus and Othello “duty” should have their first priority. Othello’s duty was supposed to be the importance of his marriage, but he listened to Iago, ignored Desdemona, didn’t believe his own conscience, and his own heart. Oedipus’ duty was to defeat the Sphinx(which he does) free Thebes from heavy taxes(which he does) be a great king of Thebes and be a good husband, but instead he offends Creon, his brother-in-law and uncle; insults his friend, Tiresias the blind prophet; kills his father; and destroys Jocasta, his mother and his queen. Fatal flaws demolished the lives of both Oedipus and Othello. Othello was so proud of his honor and bravery that he didn’t recognize his violent temper and Iago’s mind tricks. Oedipus was so proud of his cleverness that he tried so hard to escape his own fate. With all that said, these were honestly just a couple of comparable traits between Oedipus and Othello. When looking for a great leader that would lead your city through anything and everything it is not hard to tell that both Oedipus and Othello could be those leaders. Both had great gifts in leadership. They stood up in what they believed in. Each held exceptional accomplishments and both possessed the ability to be an all-around leader. Othello was a respectable citizen who was usually known for his fighting or war success. He knew how and what the goal was to succeed. Not all leaders knew that. Oedipus was also somewhat the same. He, like Othello, was known...
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...The Tragedy of Othello, the Moor of Venice is a tragedy by William Shakespeare, believed to have been written in approximately 1603, and based on the Italian short story Un Capitano Moro ("A Moorish Captain") by Cinthio, a disciple of Boccaccio, first published in 1565. The work revolves around four central characters: Othello, a Moorish general in the Venetian army; his wife, Desdemona; his lieutenant, Cassio; and his trusted ensign, Iago. Because of its varied and current themes of racism, love, jealousy, and betrayal, Othello is still often performed in professional and community theatres alike and has been the basis for numerous operatic, film, and literary adaptations. The play opens with Roderigo, a rich and dissolute gentleman, complaining to Iago, a high-ranking soldier, that Iago has not told him about the secret marriage between Desdemona, the daughter of a Senator named Brabantio, and Othello, a Moorish general in the Venetian army. He is upset by this development because he loves Desdemona and had previously asked her father for her hand in marriage. Iago hates Othello for promoting a younger man named Michael Cassio above him, and tells Roderigo that he plans to use Othello for his own advantage. Iago is also angry because he believes, or at least gives the pretence of belief, that Othello slept with his wife Emilia. Iago denounces Cassio as a scholarly tactician with no real battle experience; in contrast, Iago is a battle-tested soldier. By emphasizing Roderigo's...
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...respective plays Othello and A Doll’s House, do not share many traits, nor resort to the same actions, or have the same ambitions. In fact, both can be considered to be total opposites with respect to characterization. This reflects the great change that literary conventions have undergone from the time of Shakespeare to Ibsen. Nevertheless, both characters contribute greatly to the marital separations and/or disintegrations present in both plays, although at varying extents and motives. In both plays, these antagonists have succeeded in revealing underlying realities that existed deep beneath these marriages—relationships which initially stood, whether in pretense or in truth. Iago’s Motives Iago’s motives need not be sought out within the text to be identified. They are brought about from the very first scene. Upon the story’s advance, his motives become increasingly clear, and with only one goal before him: overthrow the Moor and be general in his place: “O sir, content you.| I follow him to serve my turn upon him.| We cannot all be masters, nor all masters| Cannot be truly followed… 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.” Iago saw that the quickest way to accomplish this was to attack him at his weakest point: Desdemona; a plan which saw fulfillment at the price of his own death. Foremost among Iago’s motives was his hatred for Othello. He hated...
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...relationship with the characters. Shakespeare makes his readers feel sympathy for certain characters by the way the antagonist treats them. In Othello, Iago used Roderigo, tricked Othello, and mistreated the female characters in the play. Iago helps develop the theme of jealousy throughout the play by exploiting some of the major characters. The truths about some characters are shown clearly to the audience which helps them establish their opinions and feelings about them. Shakespeare uses pathos to get his reader’s point of view of a character. In the beginning of the play, the audience was able to discover that Iago was misusing Roderigo for his own benefit. He was taking his money and lying about loyalty. Iago could care less about Roderigo; all he could think was to get back at Othello and release his jealousy towards him and Cassio. At this point, the audience feels sympathy for Roderigo and somehow relate to his pain. Having to live without someone you love dearly can lead to dramatic conclusions, like the one Roderigo was thinking of. “It is silliness to live, when to live is torment.” (I, iii, 305) Even though Iago acts like a loyal friend to Roderigo and promises him he will get Desdemona for him, the audience knows he is only taking advantage of him. Because of Iago, Roderigo is feeding off of his jealousy towards Othello, and doing everything Iago tells him to do for a woman he will never have. In contrast, tricking people into thinking that false statements are...
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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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...desires Buys herself bread and clothes. It is a creature That dotes on Cassio—as ’tis the strumpet’s plague To beguile many and be beguiled by one. He, when he hears of her, cannot restrain 100 From the excess of laughter. Here he comes. Enter Cassio. As he shall smile, Othello shall go mad, And his unbookish jealousy must construe Poor Cassio’s smiles, gestures, and light behaviors Quite in the wrong.—How do you, lieutenant? 105 2) Iago explains how he will fool Othello into thinking that Cassio is sleeping with Desdemona in Act IV Scene I lines 95-105 using a. Repetition b. Antithesis c. Polysydeton d. Parallelism e. Simile OTHELLO Hang her, I do but say what she is! So 189 delicate with her needle, an admirable musician— O, she will sing the savageness out of a bear! Of so high and plenteous wit and invention! 192 3) In act IV Scene I lines 189-192, Othello uses a metaphor to compare Desdemona to a a. Bear because she is so savage b. Musician because she is able to orchestrate many acts c. Needle because she is very sharp d. Fox because she is sly and cunning e. Cat because she is stealthy and secretive Act V Questions OTHELLO It is the cause, it is the cause, my soul. 1 Let me...
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...Name Course code Tutor’s name Date Othello Othello is one of the great works of Shakespeare that has intriguing experiences. Othello explores different aspects of life but the most interesting one is the aspect of jealous entangled with love. The characters act in very interesting ways that leave anyone reading the book to be always curious of what happens next. The way women have been presented in the play is a clear indication of how patriarchy had taken root in the society at that time. Women have been oppressed and have little to do in any love relationship for men control everything. One character that seems most interesting is Lago. He is the wicked character especially with his funny actions against Roderigo and Othello. Lago is such an interesting character because of the way he is able to manipulate the thinking ways of both Othello and Roderigo to believe what he wants. Lago manages to convince Roderigo to accompany him to see Brabantio and inform him how Othello had eloped with his daughter Desdemona. This prompted the two lovers to be summoned by the Duke of Venice for the matter to be resolved (Shakespeare). Lago seems to have a general hatred for women by ensuring that their relationships are not smooth. Through his actions in the book, Lago manages to convince Othello that Desdemona was unfaithful with his suspicious evidence. Lago is a very smart character that has a lot of determination to achieve what he intends. He manages to vent his anger to Cassio...
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...he describes his disgust at being overlooked for Othello's lieutenant, we can see that a primary motivation for Iago's skillful manipulations was revenge and anger; revenge for Cassio replacing him, anger that Othello overlooked him. Thus it can be seen that Iago's manipulations are driven by a basic desire to avenge those who hurt him but also to gain what he believes is his, indeed Iago's suggestion that Cassio and Desdemona are having an affair earns Iago Othello's trust and the position as his lieutenant in Act III, Scene III. However being made lieutenant only satisfies his pride, his continuing with his plan to discredit Desdemona shows us that it is not enough for Iago to have what he believes is his, he must punish Othello for overlooking him in the first place by making Othello disbelieve and destroy his virtuous wife... Iago is pragmatic. We see this in the manner in which he uses opportunity to aid his plan to hurt Cassio and Othello. When Iago realizes Cassio's admiration of Desdemona, he immediately formulates a plan to use this to make Othello suspect adultery. Though Iago appears to have the goal of misery for Othello and Cassio, he does not appear to have a specific detailed plan, he continually refers to using insights he makes about Cassio, Othello, Roderigo and Desdemona to further his plan in his asides in the play. Iago's pragmatism is also evident in his use...
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...Journal 5 Othello Othello is a cool but nasty deceiving story. The way Iago plays everyone and how they listen and are so gullible is unbelievable. But this kind of stuff happens today, to everyone in different ways. Desdemona is just like any woman and is in live with her husband. Iago goes about the way he plots everything so sneakily. He doesn’t think twice about whether or not he is doing wrong. He just says and people do. That’s what I like about him. I envy that he can think of things so complexly and it all work out the way he wants. In the end though it all unravels, it all comes apart. Othello kills those he loves which in any case should never be wished upon anyone. You have to be cold hearted to make someone kill their wife. A lot of people were hurt in this play and for a lot of stupid reasons that could have been avoided with communication. Back then there was no such thing as women being equal with men, so there were no talking things out. And when Othello had in his mind that things were wrong and Desdemona was cheating on him. Or something like that! Shakespeare was a genius when it came to plays and stories. His tragedies are always twisted and never what they seem. Someone is always wrong and being manipulated. It seems that back then they did a lot more thinking to themselves! If they didn’t think so much about what “could be” and “what if” then the characters wouldn’t assume things and no one would need to...
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...Lord Of The Flies And Othello Comparison Essay, Research Paper Lord of the Flies and Othello Comparison The age-old theme of good versus evil is presented in both William Golding s Lord of the Flies (LOTF), and William Shakespeare s Othello. The characters are used to show the battle between the two. Simon and Desdemona who represent purity and embody an innate goodness are challenged by many characters that do not possess the same holy qualities- who have actually subsided to the evil that is, in every way, their opposite. Jack and Iago represent the evil in the novels. Unfortunately in both pieces we see the loss of life for the pure characters through the clutches of evil. The evil does not necessarily win, as both characters maintain their standings as upright and completely pure individuals, even in their brutal murders. Simon and Desdemona clearly represent all that is good in the world. The characters are portrayed by the authors to be very understanding and compassionate individuals. Desdemona expresses in her language and actions, an innocent, unselfish love and concern for others. This is evident when Desdemona makes pleas on behalf Cassio for Othello s forgiveness, and in her inability to comprehend a woman s desire to cheat. Cassio has asked Desdemona to make a plea to Othello for his return to office. Desdemona, being the compassionate woman that she is asks Othello the first chance she gets, Good my lord, If I have any grace or power to move you,...
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...Influential Factors Have you ever heard of the phrase, "there's a method to the madness?” Each and every day, people are faced with different life choices that need to be made, some more important than others. Some of these decisions can range from what we will wear or eat, to whether or not we will attend class that day. Regardless of their importance, humans have free will to make choices in our everyday lives. But are there underlying factors that influence our decision making? Although humans have "free will", there are social, environmental, and biological factors that can influence our decision making and actions in everyday life. Humans at times may find themselves influenced by factors around them. In general, people have a desire to sport the latest fashions that are up to date with today’s latest trends. While watching TV, reading magazines or surfing the net, it is possible to see what famous celebrities wear, and be influenced by their style. For example, some believe that there would not be as many young men wearing tight jeans as opposed to baggier, more loose-fitting jeans if it were not for the influence of rapper Lil Wayne, who began wearing them a few years ago. Even my brother, who swore that he would never wear skinny jeans because they are "girly” confessed to me that he bought a pair of these jeans after watching them become more popular and accepted in today’s society. But why would he want these jeans after he swore he would never wear them? ...
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...Analytical Essay Othello is a tragedy by William Shakespeare, he wrote this masterpiece in 1603. The play mainly revolves around four central characters: Othello, the Moorish general in the Venetian army; his wife, Desdemona; his lieutenant, Cassio and his ancient, Iago. In this play, by not showing Othello at the beginning of the first scene, Shakespeare creates an uncomfortable feeling to the story. Furthermore, he foreshadows the conflicts to come later in the plot. One of the conflicts is Iago becoming the archetypal evil villain who ruins Othello and Desdemona’s relationship. Iago manipulates Othello’s weakness his jealousy; Iago hates and does not respect women which is one of the main reason of his plan for revenge against Othello. Firstly, Iago knows how to observe people and uses human psychology to manipulate people’s minds. Iago manipulates Othello’s weaknesses which make Othello feels insecure. For example, after Cassio looks for help with Desdemona, Iago gets a golden chance to talk to Othello in private. Iago starts to plant the seed of jealousy in Othello concerning Desdemona and Cassio. Iago tells Othello to “beware …of jealousy” (III/III/l.195) which makes Othello nervous and start to suspect that Desdemona is cheating on him. Moreover, Iago warns Othello to “observe her well with Cassio.” (III/III/l.228) which causes Othello believes from the bottom of his heart that Desdemona is being unfaithful to him. Furthermore, he tricks Othello into believing that...
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...Shakespeare himself once described the state of humanity, “Some rise by sin, and some by virtue fall.” He applied this profound observation to the characters of his play Othello, the story of an interracial marriage destroyed by manipulation. In this tragedy, the title character Othello falls from his status as a respected, even glorified, leader to an incredulous murderer, while his “friend” Iago thrives on Othello’s downfall. Shakespeare’s original script illustrates Othello’s vulnerability and destruction quite obviously, while more modern interpretations take a vaguer approach. The 1995 feature film Othello and the video adaption of Verdi’s opera Otello both serve as prime examples of how Othello’s demise can be interpreted, and present all characters in varying light. Between these three versions of Shakespeare’s play, the original work presents Othello’s change most clearly. In it, Othello’s transition from “good” to “bad” is very apparent. Shakespeare portrays Othello as a simplified human, perhaps to make him more relatable in vagueness, and in so doing makes his deterioration obvious. At the beginning of the play, the Duke addresses Othello as “Valiant Othello,” and values his advice on political matters (1.3.50). At this time, Othello (though disrespected on the issue of race) is a prized presence in his country and among his peers. His bravery is matched by his character, as he loves his wife and “puts [his] life upon her faith!” (1.3.293). He represents the...
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...OTHELLO In the tragedy Othello, written by Shakespeare in 1604, about a Moor named Othello who marries the beautiful Desdemona, causes much disdain and envy in the masses. A man named Iago deceives Othello and everyone else to manipulate for his own cause and jealousy and ultimately meets his doom when Iago’s wife spills the truth of Iago’s deceit. As Othello plays as the tragic hero, Iago plays out to be the villain, who is also very reminiscent of the devil. Iago reflects all that can be evil in humans and he is revealed throughout the play as the devil. Iago is scheming, untrustworthy, and cunning. He doesn’t care who he hurts or destroys as he makes his way towards his endgame. Iago is jealous of Othello, Cassio, and others because he believes Othello has had an affair with his wife, Cassio has attained a higher position as well as his superiors. This results in a plan to destroy those in power because of his insecurities and gain control over what he does not. Iago’s corruption is initially revealed as he speaks with Brabantio outside his home in the streets of Venice about how Othello is ruining his daughter. Iago is with his “friend,” Roderigo, and talks of Desdemona, “Even now, now, very now, an old black ram is tupping your white ewe” (1.1.91). While Iago is speaking with Rodreigo before they plan to yell up to Brabantio’s window, “For when my outward action doth demonstrate the native act and figure of my heart. In compliment extern, 'tis not long after...
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