the actors to see what was happening through the walls of the castle and made it easier for the audience to view the actor’s reactions to the ensuing story. Desmonda’s cries of innocence against Otello’s screams of infidelity build the story up and Iago brings the finishing touches when he uses Cassio to bring forth the “proof” of adultery with the handkerchief. The use of a red dress on Desmonda when Otello is accusing her of infidelity made me think of the “Scarlet Letter,” and that she was guilty
Words: 1208 - Pages: 5
In his “mirror of princes” style novel, The Prince, Niccolò Machiavelli explains step-by-step how deception is an essential tactic that princes must utilize in order to successfully control their state and maintain power. Interestingly in Calderons’ “Life is a Dream” and Shakespeares’ “Othello,” two characters featured exemplify the traits that Machiavelli expects princes to have. One of the characters is a person of nobility and the other is not. this is a weird fragment, you can better incorporate
Words: 2357 - Pages: 10
Othello the Shakespearean Tragic Hero The Tragedy of Othello is considered to be William Shakespeare’s most popular tragic plays but there are distinct differences in Shakespeare’s tragic heroes, and other tragic heroes. A Tragic hero is usually a character that makes a mistake that leads to his failure, but a Shakespearean tragic hero is initially one, who is born noble, but not necessarily virtuous; there are some great aspects of personality that he has in excess which would often also be
Words: 2087 - Pages: 9
daughter of a prominent senator, Brabantio. When he finds out, he is outraged, and promptly disowns her. Othello’s ensign, Iago, harbours a secret jealousy and resentment towards the Moor, partly because another soldier, lieutenant Cassio, has been promoted ahead of him, and also because he suspects that Othello has had an affair with his wife. Intent on revenge, Iago hatches a devious plan to plant suspicions in Othello’s mind that Desdemona has been unfaithful to him with Cassio. He orchestrates
Words: 567 - Pages: 3
is a high ranked general in the Venetian army who is held in very high esteem. He secretly married the daughter of the Venetian senator by the name of Desdemona. Shortly after Othello’s and Desdemona’s marital union, Othello becomes brainwashed by Iago, his jealous ensign, into believing that Desdemona has been unfaithful to Othello. The play ends by Othello killing Desdemona and then committing suicide. By reviewing the definition of tragedy and tragic play noted
Words: 1431 - Pages: 6
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
Words: 804 - Pages: 4
Does Shakespeare reinforce or question contemporary attitudes to cultural outsiders in 'Othello' and The Merchant of Venice? In the plays the Merchant of Venice and Othello, Shakespeare explores the effects of racial oppression and attitudes to race in general. The idea of cultural outsiders is one of the main themes present in the plays. 'Culture' is the customs and social behaviour of particular groups of people and societies and an outsider is a person who does not belong in a particular
Words: 1099 - Pages: 5
The term tragedy, both in Greek dramas and contemporary writing alike, is an emotion evoked by the inability of a person to fulfill a goal or potential that is reasonably within reach. When I think of tragedy, images of supremely gifted artists, writers, athletes, and other socially iconic individuals whose lives were cut short come to mind. But as most of us are already aware, tragedy does not solely strike the lives of the young and famous. We are all succeptable to it. Contrary to popular belief
Words: 1324 - Pages: 6
skin that the rest of the characters in the play share, causing him to be judged based on his appearance. Othello struggles to overcome the obstacles that being black cause him in order to prove that his soul is pure white. In the end, Othello lets Iago get the best of him. The blackness inside of Othello overcomes him and coaxes him to make bad decisions and show that his soul might not be so pure after all. Throughout the play, Othello is treated as an outsider. Most people respect Othello regardless
Words: 1103 - Pages: 5
compared to the Emilia that appears later on, but it shows how much praise she dedicates to her husband who seems to care nothing for her. She does not trust Iago; she tried to take the serviette back when Iago could not divulge into why he wanted it. Of course, he overpowers his wife and demands that she go away, which she does, leaving Iago and satisfaction as his plan is seemingly coming to fruition. However, his wife comprehends him more than he gives her credit for, and he will have to answer
Words: 409 - Pages: 2