One of the peculiarities of William Shakespeares plays is the indirect focus on the significant role of minor characters who can have the great impact on the major characters. In his play Othello, William Shakespeare also accentuates the meaning of minor characters and their actions for the development of the tragedy in Othellos life.
Certain minor details, the characters actions, and the peculiar features of their behaviors are combined together in a complex web which forms the plot of the tragedy and leads Othello to his demise.
To analyze the role of the minor characters in Othellos life, it is necessary to concentrate on such characters as Iago, Michael Cassio, and Emilia. Iago is depicted in the play as the enemy of Othello who tried to conceal his crucial intentions. Feelings of jealousy, revenge, and odium live in his heart. When he fails to be promoted as Othellos lieutenant he creates a malicious plan for the revenge.
He tries to control and manipulate every movement of his life and Othellos one and every action of those people who are around him. Thus, Iagos ambitions and unfair intentions break the peace in Othellos world and lead to the tragedy because Othello believes in honest Iago , and he trusts any pestilence that Iago presents. In spite of Othellos power and will Iago achieves the goal and reveals the hidden side of Othellos nature.
Michael Cassio also becomes the object of Iagos manipulations and that is why causes Othellos fall. Cassio is just a stringed-doll in Iagos hands. He is devoted to Othello, but his sympathy and good relations with Desdemona result in the development of the tragedy which is greatly controlled by Iago. Othello becomes blinded with jealousy and hatred, he loses the abilities to interpret the situation correctly and make mistakes which cost a persons life.
Emilias character is one of the most influential minor characters in the play. Shakespeare uses her character in order to develop the tragedy and to lead it to the end.
Thus, Emilias obedience greatly contributes to the tragic end of the play. Nevertheless, she represents an immense courage and gives Othello the right vision of the situation which changes the whole situation once more. Thus, Emilias actions have the great impact on Othellos destiny.
On the one hand, she is obedient and eager to please her husband. She agrees to give Iago Desdemonas handkerchief. Despite her husbands attitude to her, it seems that she tries to win her husbands heart. This action leads to the series of ill-fated events and eventually causes irrationalized and confused Othello to smother his innocent wife Desdemona.
One the other hand, when Emilia learns about the tragedy and realizes what she has done, she demonstrates Othello the truth and accuses Iago because of his sins. As a result, Iago should pay for his malicious actions. And Othello, with the pain of murdering his innocent wife, does not see the sense in his living.
Othello by William Shakespeare illustrates those important roles which each minor character can play for determining the fate of the main tragic hero. The crucial actions and behaviors of Iago, Michael Cassio, and Emilia are presented as minor details and secondary facts. However, they influence the life of the main characters and contribute to the development of the tragedy.
Othello is a literary play that was written by William Shakespeare in 1603. The play is a tragedy revolving around four main characters that include Othello, Desdemona, Iago and Cassio. The four main characters have different roles in the play that complement each other in this tragic play.
Othello Characters
Othello is the lead character who plays the role of an army commander in the Venetian army. Cassio and Iago are junior military officers who work under Othello. Desdemona plays the role of Othellos wife and the daughter of a senator. The play begins with a conversation between a rich gentleman known as Roderigo and Iago.
Othello: Plot Summary
Roderigo complains about Othellos secret marriage to Desdemona and demonstrates his intense passion for her. Roderigo expected Iago to inform him of this development because of their friendship. Roderigo is in love with Desdemona and his previous efforts to marry her had not succeeded. Iago is not happy with the fact that Othello had promoted Cassio ahead of him despite his inexperience. Roderigo decides to report Othello to senator Brabantio who is Desdemonas father.
Desdemonas father goes out to look for Othello but they unexpectedly bump into each other in a security meeting where Othello has been summoned to advise senators on the impending attack on Cyprus by the Turkish troops. There is a very uncomfortable encounter between Othello and Brabantio after the meeting.
Desdemonas father accuses him of using witchcraft to marry his daughter but Othello manages to defend himself. Brabantio warns Othello that his daughter would betray him. As a general in the Venetian army, Othello leads the army troops to fight against the Turkish troops. Othello leaves Venice in the company of his wife, Iago and Cassio and Desdemonas attendant known as Emilia.
The Venetian army under the leadership of Othello calls for a celebration after the fall of the Turkish troops. In this celebration, Iago and Roderigo plan a conspiracy to completely destroy Cassio. In their plan, they were going to entice Cassio to drink excessively so that he would cause a commotion at the party.
Othello gets disappointed with this development and decides to punish Cassio for causing a disturbance at the party. The next step for Iago is to harm Cassio through Roderigo. Iago creates a scenario to make things appear as if Cassio and Desdemona are having an affair so that Roderigo would attack Cassio. Iago also tricks Othello into believing that Desdemona is cheating on him with Cassio.
Othello feels betrayed by these events and resolves to kill his wife and Cassio. He sends Iago to kill Cassio and decides to confront his wife on the issue. The end of this play is characterized by a series of murders. Iago kills Roderigo to prevent him from revealing their plot and exonerates himself from an attempt to kill Cassio by implicating Cassios girlfriend known as Bianca.
Othello kills Desdemona in a confrontation and tries to justify his action by claiming that his wife had committed adultery. The only evidence he has is Desdemonas handkerchief that was found in Cassios lodging. In Othellos explanation, Emilia discovers Iagos plot and reveals it to Othello. Othello regrets his action after discovering that his wife was actually innocent.
Iago kills Emilia for exposing his evil intentions. Othello stabs Iago with an intention of making him feel pain in his entire life and later commits suicide when he discovers that the authorities are about to arrest him for murder. The authorities arrest Iago and execute him for his actions. A Venetian nobleman known as Lodovico makes a declaration that Graziona would be Othellos heir.
Othello Analysis: the Plot
It is evident from the play that Othellos life changes from good to bad in many instances. In the beginning of the play, Othello is a very successful army commander at the top of his career. This changes drastically when he murders his wife and later commits suicide. It is a shame for a top army commander to die under such circumstances.
Othellos happy marriage with his wife Desdemona is eventually destroyed by Iagos conspiracy. Iago succeeds in breaking Othellos marriage through his evil plot. Othellos Cyprus mission had a significant influence on his downfall. His rival Roderigo got a perfect opportunity to separate him from his beloved wife. Othello had complete trust in Iago who later betrayed him because of his selfish intentions.
Othellos weaknesses and flaws are responsible for his demise in this play. Othellos love for Desdemona is a major weakness that leads to his downfall. Iago exploits this weakness to advance his selfish plots. Iago realizes that Othello is a very jealous man in fear of losing his wife to a Venetian gentleman.
Iago goes ahead to use this weakness to convince Othello that his wife is unfaithful. Othello reacts by killing his wife and this leads to his eventual demise. Othello completely believes in the military system and does not question any information that Iago brings to him. It is this weakness that makes him to believe everything that Iago tells him without careful consideration. It is this flaw that leads to his eventual downfall.
Throughout the world, a dark, primal aspect of humanity is not hard to find. It is silent, usually never more than a whisper until it is too late, and can be as dangerous as poison. It is jealousy. Jealousy can destroy friendships, relationships, and even alliances. William Shakespeare undoubtedly knew the significance of this ugly part of human nature when writing his play Othello.
By examining the three central male characters in this play Lago, Othello, and Cassio Shakespeare illustrates the causes, immediate effects, and the ever-lasting bitterness that can result by allowing one to fall prey to this self-destructive affliction.
By following closely these three characters and the results of their attitudes and actions, Shakespeare presents support to the idea that the more an individual allows oneself to associate with jealousy, the more and more likely that the individual is to do harm to both those whom they love, as well as to their own person.
It is everyones responsibility to avoid jealousy at any cost; however, many people shun this responsibility and allow themselves to propagate this vice. Nevertheless, whilst one can choose to dodge the responsibility of living jealousy-free life, one cannot dodge its consequences thereafter.
The best thing is that, when one makes a choice, he/she chooses the consequences also and this is what Othello and Lago painfully learns later. On the other hand, living a principled life pays as in the case of Cassio. Othello and Lago are punished for their jealousy, while Cassio is rewarded for living a principled life.
Othello
Othello is the protagonist in this story. Despite the fact that he is a great storyteller and a trained soldier, he has let these good qualities and reputation to be stained with jealousy and making emotional decisions (Bradley Para. 4). His jealous traits become pronounced after marrying Desdemona.
After Lago plots to stain Cassios reputation by staging an attack at the bar, Othello comes in and sacks Cassio immediately without consultations. He says, Cassio, I love thee / But never more be officer of mine (Shakespeare 36). This is immature, irrational, and emotional decision; Othello should at least do some investigations before firing Cassio. To some extent this is insensitive and selfishness which resonates well with jealousy.
Due to jealousy, Othello does not trust his wife and he is even willing to kill her based on unfounded hearsays. After finding Cassio in his house, he gullibly believes Lagos lies that Cassio is having an affair with Desdemona. Othellos jealousy consumes him making him withdraw from his wife. He says, I will deny thee nothing / Whereon, I do beseech thee, grant me this / To leave me but a little to myself (Shakespeare 49).
The reason why he wants to be left alone is that he cannot contain his jealousy. Human beings are bound to make mistakes occasionally; however, Othello behaves as though he is holier that thou and this is why he cannot understand Desdemona. Othello is not perfect either and the reason he acts the way he acts is that he is jealous; not that Desdemona cannot match his principles.
Finally, Othellos jealousy hits climax when he kills his wife. Even though Lago is a schemer and is out to ruin Othellos life, he realizes how jealous Othello is and warns him, O, beware, my lord, of jealousy / It is the green-eyed monster which doth mock (Shakespeare 57).
Surely, this green-eyed monster is lurking around the corner, waiting for the right time to pounce on Othello. He confesses, When I shall turn the business of my soul/ The smallest fear or doubt of her revolt / Away at once with love or jealousy (Shakespeare 58). The business of his soul is to kill his wife for he questions her revolt. This tells it all and to cap it all he says he is done with her regardless of whether what he had for her was love or jealousy.
Nevertheless, as aforementioned, when one makes a decision, he/she chooses the consequences also. The immediate effects of Othellos choice to believe every lie he hears and harbor jealousy is the breakdown of his marriage. The effects affect Othellos life together with those around him. The long-lasting effect cum rewards of Othellos decisions is guilt and eventually, death. After smothering his wife, he realizes that she is innocent and she did not give Cassio her handkerchief; Lago had planned everything.
Even if Othello does not die, this guilt will be long lasting and heavy to bear. However, the ultimate rewards of jealousy finally catch up with Othello as he kills himself. He says, I took by the throat the circumcised dog / And smote him, thus (Shakespeare 67). The circumcised dog here is his wrong decisions and jealousy and to smote it he has to die and thus gets rewards of jealousy, a dark, primal aspect of humanity.
Lago
Lago is the most flagitious character in this play. He is out to hurt everyone and settle scores as he enjoys peoples suffering. Surely, is not hard to find jealousy amongst human kinds. First, it is his wife; he thinks she has cheated on him by sleeping with Othello.
He says, It is thought abroad that twixt my sheets / He has done my office (Shakespeare 87). This is uncalled for as he cannot justify his claims and due to jealousy coupled with timidity, he kills Emilia, his wife. Then it comes to Cassio, after Cassios appointment, Lagos jealousy is obvious.
He says, I know my price, I am worth no worse a place/ One Michael Cassio, a Florentine, A fellow almost damnd in a fair wife/ As masterly as he: mere prattle, without practice (Shakespeare 29). This description is harsh and can only stem from jealousy. According to Mabillard, Othello knows Lago is not a competent man and that is why he prefers Cassio to him (Para. 5).
After arriving in Cyprus, Lago plots how to eliminate Cassio to further his plans of ruining Othello. His plans work out well and Cassio is fired; however, he does not get the post left vacant by Cassio.
He arranges Cassio to meet with Desdemona only to reveal this to Othello. Despite the fact that he knows about Cassios meeting with Desdemona, he says, Cassio, my lord! No, sure, I cannot think it/ That he would steal away so guilty-like/ Seeing you coming (Shakespeare 65). This is hypocrisy fuelled by jealousy. He has planned all these and he should defend Cassio better were it not for his jealousy.
Surely, jealousy would do anything. Apparently, Lago has been pushing Emilia to steal Desdemonas handkerchief to use it as a proof of Desdemonas infidelity. After he gets the handkerchief, he hurriedly places it in Cassios house. This gives him a foothold to accuse Desdemona of infidelity. When Othello asks for proof of infidelity, Lago vows that has seen Cassio wipe his beard with her handkerchief (Shakespeare 99). This is heinous act founded on jealousy.
Nothing can match Lagos jealousy and wickedness. He seems to enjoy every bit of other peoples sufferings. Even after getting Cassio out of his job and straining Othellos marriage, he is not satiated. He still wants Cassio dead and this is why he tells Roderigo to ambush Cassio and kill him. He tells Roderigo, &by making him incapable of Othellos place/ knocking out his brains (Shakespeare 65). This is the far jealousy and wickedness can get.
However, killing to Lago is not an issue; he kills his wife and now is planning the death of Cassio. Nevertheless, there is prize for jealousy and Lago has to pay it fully. Othello attacks Lago and wounds him badly and this is the reward of jealousy and wickedness. People attract what they are, Lago is wicked; consequently, he attracts wickedness (Bradley Para. 9).
Cassio
Cassio is a principled and he has no bad intentions whatsoever. Throughout the play, He lives by his principles and does not allow himself to be drawn into wickedness or jealousy. Due to his goodness, he is rewarded. First, Othello prefers him to Lago and trusts him with the coveted post of a lieutenant albeit inexperienced. The only time Cassio attacks someone is when he attacks Roderigo in self-defense.
After long time of remaining loyal to his work maintaining good relationship with everyone, he is rewarded with the post of Othello. Lodovico arrives with reveals that Cassio has been appointed as he says, May be the letter moved him / For, as I think, they do command him home / Deputing Cassio in his government (Shakespeare 203). This is a reward of goodness and living a principled life.
Conclusion
Surely, Shakespeare knew well about the primal nature of human beings characterized by jealousy. He knew for sure that, those who are jealous and wicked receive wickedness in return and those living by good principles receive good rewards in turn. Nature has way of regulating these events and it rewards everyone according to his/her actions without favoritism. Othello is gullible and full of jealousy.
He cannot trust his wife and this is why he accuses her of infidelity and finally kills her. He confesses that he really does not know what he feels for her is love or jealousy; however, jealousy takes precedence and he kills Desdemona based on unfounded accusations of infidelity. Lago on the other side is an epitome of extreme human wickedness. He is out to settle scores and hurt everyone around him.
This makes him kill Emilia; plots to ruin Othello, Desdemona, and Cassio. Nevertheless, due to their wickedness, Othello and Lago receive rewards of death and hurt respectively. Cassio on the other side receives good rewards due to his good principles. Shakespeares message here is, do not be deceived, you reap what you plant (Mabillard Para. 11).
William Shakespeares Othello is a play that has been analyzed from various perspectives ranging from racism to the green-eyed monster of jealousy but the theme that seems the most inclusive of these themes is sexual insecurity. This quality is found in most of the main characters for real or imagined reasons and drives them to take extreme action, much as it does in real life.
In the lead-up to the passage to be analyzed, Iago has tried to turn Brabantio, Desdemonas father, against Othello by letting him know his daughter is making the beast with two backs (Oth. 1.1) with the Moor. He does this to help his friend, Roderigo, ostensibly, but Iagos motives are more complex than that. He is angry with Othello for choosing Cassio as his ancient, his lieutenant when he is more deserving. He hates the Moor because it is rumored that he that twixt my sheets / He has done my office. I know not ift be true, / But I for mere suspicion in that kind / Will do as if for surety (Oth. 1.3). Even if that is not true, the rumor provides Iago with the motive and a plan to destroy Othello.
Roderigo is in love with Desdemona and outraged that she has given herself to another man, particularly a black man. He depends on Iago for the strength of character needed to prevent him from committing suicide and to take revenge on his rival instead. To get the younger man to the point, Iago has to stiffen his spine. He tells Roderigo to exercise self-control to place his love for himself over his love for her. Roderigo protests that he knows he is too much in love but does not have the virtue of changing that in himself. Iago answers:
Virtue! a fig! Tis in ourselves that we are thus or thus.
Our bodies are gardens, to the which our wills are gardeners;
so that if we will plant nettles or sow lettuce, set hyssop and weed up thyme,
supply it with one gender of herbs or distract it with many,
either to have it sterile with idleness or manured with industry;
why, the power and corrigible authority of this lies in our wills.
If the balance of our lives had not one scale of reason to poise
another of sensuality, the blood and baseness of our natures would
conduct us to most preposterous conclusions:
But we have reason to cool our raging motions,
our carnal stings, our unbitted lusts;
whereof I take this, that you call love,
to be a sect or scion. (Oth. 1.3)
Iago believes that it is he determines who he is and what he does, that he tends to himself as he would a garden, planting nettles to strengthen his toxic, hurtful self or hyssop for more courage while weeding out thyme that might make his character more pleasing. He has the power to make himself corrigible and he asks Roderigo how it could be otherwise because if a man was subject to passion without the balancing factor of reason, he would be worse than an animal. For this reason, he mockingly calls Roderigos love for Desdemona a sect or scion (Oth. 1.3), a religion of the younger mans own creation.
His speech is undermined by his metaphors. By using plants to illustrate his point he suggests that human behavior is organic and inevitable, that traits have to be planted and tended until they become full-grown at which point they take on a life of their own; and once a mans character has been created only death can change it. In the context of the play, however, Iagos credo takes on a threatening quality because it is by carefully cultivating ideas in Othellos mind that he creates a nettle that will sting Desdemona to death at the end.
Almost as if he is rehearsing for his revenge on Othello, he implants the idea in Roderigos mind that to free himself from his obsession with Desdemona he must prepare for the day she leaves the Moor or at least notices Roderigo. Put money in thy purse, he says over and over, like a gardener planting a row of lettuce. Iago fully intends to harvest that lettuce for his own benefit but first Roderigo has to be distracted by other herbs so the gardener can complete his work.
Ironically, Iago overlooks the fact that his own passion is out of control, driving him to avenge himself on Othello by accusing Cassio, the new ancient of committing adultery with Desdemona. Cassio is the man in whom Iago seems more than a little interested, at least to judge by the account he gives of sleeping with Cassio one night while the other man dreamed of Desdemona:
In sleep I heard him say, Sweet Desdemona,
Let us be wary, let us hide our loves ;
And then, sir, would he gripe and wring my hand,
Cry, O sweet creature! and then kiss me hard,
As if he pluckd up kisses by the roots,
That grew upon my lips; then laid his leg
Over my thigh, and sighd and kissd; (Oth. 2.3)
It is Iagos sexual ambiguity, his preference for the company of men to the neglect of his wife, Emilia, that complicates his motives. Even his hatred for Othello is like that of a spurned lover. He is a man driven by desire, regardless of the claim he makes in his speech to Roderigo. In his case, reason has been pressed into the service of desire, and he does not see that when the two are combined, invariably it is a passion that leads the way.
Consciously or not, Iago realizes that Othello has the same fears as he has, and is just as susceptible to suggestion. When he implants the idea in Othellos mind that Cassio is having an affair with Desdemona, he plays on Othellos insecurities that are only slightly greater than his own. The play does not say whether the marriage between Othello and Desdemona was consummated but does indicate that the general is not as comfortable in the boudoir as he is in an army tent. He is happiest when charming her with tales of battles and narrow escapes, and while she is willing to share that life with him, he can never be sure that it satisfies her. That fear added to his other insecurities such as his past, the color of his skin, his outsider status in Venice and the fact that he has little else to think about while in Cyprus, make Othello the ideal candidate for Iagos schemes; but, as Iago discovers, as he sows, so shall he reap.
Works Cited
Shakespeare, William. The Tragedy of Othello, Moor of Venice. Washington DC: Folger Shakespeare Library, 2004.
Outline
Introduction: In Othello, sexual insecurity drives characters to take extreme measures.
2nd paragraph: In the lead-up to the passage analyzed, Iago helps Roderigo incriminate Othello by telling Desdemonas father the two are making the beast with two backs. Iago seems to be helping a friend but his motives are mixed. Most of all he wants revenge.
3rd paragraph: Roderigo loves Desdemona and is close to suicide now that she has given herself to the Moor. Iago tells him to use his self-control, that every man can make himself be what he wants. He is like a gardener creating himself by planting different seeds. Every man, Roderigo included, is able to balance his passion with reason.
4th paragraph: Iagos metaphors contradict him. However, he can implant ideas in other mans minds, as he will with Othello.
5th paragraph: Almost as if rehearsing, he plants the idea in Roderigos mind that he should make money for the day Desdemona turns her attention to him.
6th paragraph: Iago fails to see that in his reason and passion have combined, with passion leading the way. His insecurities run deep. Although he is married to Emilia he prefers the company of men, Cassio in particular.
7th paragraph: Iago and Othello have the same fears. Othello is more at home among men and in army tents than in the boudoir. Iago plays on those fears but in the end. he reaps what he has sowed.
The works, created by William Shakespeare, always amaze the reader and open a new world, full of dreams, devotion, love, and betrayal to them. Each character, introduced in Shakespeares plays, is unique indeed: one character may be rich, another can be poor; one of the characters is smart, another is full; some of them are quite happy for a certain period of time, and some of them cannot find their love and happiness during all their fictional lives.
To my mind, one of the most complex, captivating, and, at the same time, the most evil characters in Shakespeares plays is Iago from The Tragedy of Othello. Nowadays, the screenwriters try to present the best villains ever, however only few fictional characters may be compared to Iago.
One of such fictional characters, who may be compared to Iago, is the Joker from The Dark Knight. Each action and each word by Iago or Joker has its own sense and reason. In order to achieve the desirable purpose, they try to weight every detail and control the lives and actions of people around.
Shakespeare made his character an absolutely amoral person, who can steal, lie, or even kill to achieve the goal. Iagos amorality, his desire to have more power, and his tricks have much in common with the Jokers actions and turn out to be the best examples of pure evil people from fictions.
Shakespeares Othello is one of the most powerful pieces of writing, where the author concentrates more on people, their desires, and qualities than on the historical facts and political affairs; characters sexual anxiety is far from any political aspiration (Corns, 53).
Without any doubts, the character of Iago is one of the most crucial one in the Shakespeares play. When someone wants to know how evil looks like, it is better to think about Iago, remember his honest actions, and get a clear understanding that evil may be somewhere near. I follow him to serve my turn upon him. (Shakespeare, 1, 1, 42). These Iagos words take place almost at the beginning of the play during the conversation between Iago and Roderigo about Othello, the Moorish general.
In spite of the fact that Iago is one of the soldiers under Othellos command, Iago has rather evil intentions and the desire to take up Othellos position and does not afraid to share them with another person. From these words, it becomes clear that Iago is upset with unfair promotion; he cannot agree to the idea that now, he is under command of a person, he does not respect at all. Now, he wants to revenge, he wants to be promoted, and he is going to find some people to assist him.
Iagos actions are smart enough: first, he should be sure that the person, he shares his goals, feels the same antipathy to Othello; second, he does not share all his secrets, just those, he finds not too much harmful; and, finally, he chooses only those people, he is able to control and even blackmail.
It is necessary to admit that Iagos amorality and evil do not prevent the reader to be amazed with Iagos intelligence and abilities to control situation. For example, Iago is aware of Roderigos feelings to Desdemona and is sure that Roderigo will do anything to win this lady. This is why Iago finds it rather helpful to use Roderigos money and jewels for own goals thus do I ever make my fool my purse (Shakespeare, 1, 3, 383).
Of course, such actions cannot be regarded as good ones, but still, Iago demonstrates the best qualities of a really good businessman. The end of the play is rather tragic, and all actions by Iago were exposed. The reader does not have an opportunity to find out what the Iagos end is, but still, his end is almost obvious evil actions should be punished properly. To my mind, such concepts like briberies and corruptions, which are so popular nowadays, are grounded a bit from this very work by Shakespeare.
Of course, Shakespeare is not the only one, who is able to create really evil characters. Lots of writers present a huge number of antagonists, who prevent the success of the main characters, who add a bit of intrigue, and who try to achieve own goals by means of lies, murders, blackmails, etc.
Unfortunately, not each evil character may be compared and be equal to the one, created by Shakespeare. But still, even our modern cinema and literature can amaze readers and viewers. One of such antagonists, who are famous by his bad actions and intentions, is the Joker from The Dark Knight.
This character is interesting from many perspectives and causes numerous contradictions at the same time: first, he is too evil and always eager to break some rules and harm society as well as Iago, however, his attitude to some situations makes the viewer smile; secondly, his hate towards Batman makes him the main antagonist, however, some of his actions are rather smart and cause certain respect.
His horrific appearance and constant laughter do not cause positive emotions, but still, some of his words and actions should be taken into consideration as they have certain sense and even can teach something.
So, the peculiar feature that is inherent to both the Joker from The Dark Knight and Iago from Othello is their desire to break the rules, make someones life unbearable, and get unbelievable pleasure from doing all those bad things.
Someone may think that it is not reasonable to compare these two antagonists, as they existed during different periods of time, and they goals had rather different nature. However, to my mind, their unreasonable actions are worthy of attention. First of all, these two characters have one concrete enemy and tried to use other people to take revenge and kill their opponents.
For Iago, it was Othello, for the Joker, it was Batman. The Joker decides to use the mob, who hates Batman as well, in order to intimidate society, attract Batmans attention, and have enough power and money to resist everybodys favorite. Iago uses Roderigo, who also wants to take revenge upon Othello for Desdemona, Roderigos money, and Roderigos support.
However, the Joker and Iago never use money, they got from their accomplices; this is why these characters are similar to their desire to manipulate people just in order to manipulate. The Joker admits one time: Its not about money& its about sending a message. Everything burns! (The Dark Knight) The same idea is characterized Iagos intentions and actions.
Another point that unites the Joker and Iago in their words and actions is their abilities to lie, not think about the consequence, and not consider their consciousness.
At the beginning, Iago tells that he hates Othello because the latter did not promote him but promoted Cassio; however, with some time, he admits that Othello slept with Emilia, Iagos wife, and this is the major reason why Iago wants to revenge. Almost the same picture is observed in the Jokers actions: first, he admits that it was his father, who put a smile on that face (The Dark Knight); later, he presents absolutely another story that it is his wife, who tells me I ought to smile more (The Dark Knight).
The reader of Othello and the viewer of The Dark Knight can easily concede that any of their words are false. As we can observe, the actions of these two characters do not have any reason, they do not care about the rules, their society live in; these people are so evil that they have satisfaction only in case someone is suffering, however, it is even hard to imagine if these people can be aware of what satisfaction really means.
In general, the analysis of words and actions by Iago and its comparison to the Jokers actions lead to unpredictable results. These two evil characters were created in different epochs, cultures, and conditions, however, at the same time, their dreams, goals, words, and actions are so similar to each other.
It is impossible to support any of these characters, but still, it is possible to learn something from their actions, analyze their mistakes, and comprehend that evil may exist in different forms. Very often, it is very hard to find out where the true evil can be, but such great works like Othello or The Dark Knight provide us with a chance to evaluate possible examples and be careful with such Iagos or the Jokers in real life.
Works Cited
Corns, Thomas, N. A History of Seventeenth-Century English Literature. Blackwell Histories of Literature. Malden: Wiley-Blackwell, 2007.
Shakespeare, William. The Tragedy of Othello, Moore of Venice. Teddington: Echo Library, 2007.
The Dark Knight. Dir. Nolan, Christopher. Perf. Bale, Christian, Ledger, Heath, and Caine, Michael. Legendary Pictures, Syncopy Films, DC Comics.
At the time of contrasting and comparing the traits of Shakespeares Othello and Sophocles Oedipus, it is vital to recognize that it has to be through the means of varied theatrical activities. It has to be noted that many productions and interpretations have been issued concerning there plays as they look similar.
Even if two different writers wrote them, both Oedipus and Othello are great people; they end up meeting their downfall. They also have tragic traits as they eventually kill someone they love. This essay compares and contrasts Othello and Oedipus Rex characters(Shakespeare 16).
Prominence
The two actors, Othello and Oedipus, are presented with prominent character traits. Othello, in his rein, was highly respected general, whose service record could be regarded as impeccable in the Venetian troop. On the other hand, Oedipus was just a new appointed king in his community of Thebes, guided by Tiresias within the plot.
The two leaders in the two poems were all valued and honored by their subjects in their different territories, as is clear from the settings. The two characters had to overcome several obstacles in a manner that led many of their followers to respect and honor them, and their royal positions (Shakespeare 24 & 167)
Othello can be considered to be a black member of his society. Nevertheless, at the time of the Caucasian race, he was looked upon by society as very much superior as compared to other races. Though he was much respected and honored as a general, his people still at other times, he was down looked upon just as a human being (Smith 34). The illustration of such regard and expression can be seen in the opposition of Desdemonas father.
Tragedy
When performing comparison of Othello and Oedipus, one should note on the similarity in their downfalls. In the process of fulfilling the definition of a term tragedy, the main actors have to lead their downfall. The same thing happens to the two actors; Rex Oedipus and Othello. Each one of them has some difficulties in telling what has been the truth in their leadership.
Looking at Othello, he can be considered as a person who can be easily cheated. His main mistake was trusting evil individuals and losing trust in his wife. He was just easily tricked by the masterminds of Lago, who had the minds of destroying him. They said, They are loves I bear to you (Dana 234), and he ended believing them. While when he was just about to kill his wife, he did not believe her when she said that My lord, you know I love you ( Dana 234).
After the realization of Othello that he as a king has some troubles in looking at the reality, he was misguided into believing that his own and real spouse has been engaging in extramarital affairs with one of his own trusted lieutenant named Cassio. Othello ended up killing Desdemona, and after getting to know the scheme of Lago, he ended up taking his own life, hence resulting in his downfall.
On the side of Oedipus, his past actions came back haunting him whenever he was. They led to his downfall. This fact proves that Othello is blind in his senses. This is because not only ones that Lago had deceived him, and he never opened his eyes to see what was happening. This shows that He is not observant (Bradley 23).
As is clear from Oedipus and Othello comparative essay, in contrast to what was happening to Othellos present deeds, that led to his dismissal. The protagonist of the tragedy is the son of King Laius and Queen Jocasta of Thebes (Brunner 176). Earlier before making a step of defeating the Sphinx, on his way, he met and killed a small group of individuals, forgetting that his predecessor, his father, King Laius was also in the group.
At the time he was summoned by the gods to find and ensure that the murderer is discovered and expelled, he gets to know through his own investigation that he was the victim who slew his own father and that one of his wives is his mother, as he married his mother by the name, Jocasta. In his investigation although, he was faced with many difficulties in seeing the reality that the prophets provided (Smith 75). This investigation might have led him to take his own life later.
Conclusion
The two of them had the same character as being prideful before the time came for their downfall. Both of them used to be men who had accomplished many extraordinary things. On top of that, they all had excellent leadership qualities empowered unto them by the Almighty if it can be concluded.
Firstly, analyzing Othellos character, he can be considered as one who had upstanding citizenship qualities and was very much famous due to his military successes (Shakespeare 39). Somehow, he can be regarded as holding mystical traits. This can hold more water by looking at the fact that he just came from a foreign land that taught him adventure experience that thunderstruck the Venetian community. ( Shakespeare, 47-48).
Considering Oedipus Rex character,, we can conclude that he was also, to an extent, a renaissance person. Just like Othello, he was known because of his successes in the army; on the other hand, his genuine pride came from his position as a king of Thebes was happen to be wise and confident in his undertakings. Oedipus stated that I Oedipus whom all men call the great. (Sophocles line 7).
Every pride of an individual can be looked upon as a catalyst, of an early stage of a downfall, which might happen in different ways. We can see that, being a pride individual, he killed his wife on the reason that she was not loyal to him at all. In the same connection, the pride, one of the traits of Oedipus, did not let the killers of Laius go undiscovered. All these led to their downfall.
Works Cited
Bradley A. C. Shakespearean Tragedy. London: MacMillan and Co., 1919. Shakespeare Online. 2009.
Shakespeare, William. Othello, the Moor of Venice. Ed. David Bevington. Literature: An Introduction to Fiction, Poetry, Drama, and Writing. X.J. Kennedy and Dana Gioia. 6th ed. New York: Longman, 2010. 912. Print.
Smith, Shawn. Love, Pity, and Deception In Othello. Papers on Language & Literature 44.1 (2008): 3-51, 49. Master FILE Premier. EBSCOhost. Tarrant County College Library Database, Texas.
Sophocles. Oedipus the King. Trans. Dudley Fitts and Robert Fitzgerald. Literature: An Introduction to Fiction, Poetry, Drama, and Writing. X.J. Kennedy, and Dana Gioia . 6th ed. New York: Longman, 2010. 860. Print.
Dana, Gioia. Literature An Introduction to Fiction, Poetry Drama and Writing 6th Ed. New York: X.Y Kennedy.
Brunner, M. King Oedipus Retried. London: Rosenberger & Krausz, 2000.
Using literary devices is one of the most significant parts of understanding literature. Authors of literature writings employ literary devices, including symbolism, themes, characterization, plot, and allegory, to ensure that their intended messages reach the audience. With such devices, the writers make their literary works exciting and engaging for the readers while internalizing the messages intention. Even though the authors work on different articles depending on their specialty, their use of literary tools implicates the same. For instance, the use of symbols in William Shakespeares Othello is a play. Still, it employs the same form of symbolism as Alexander Popes The Rape of the Lock to signify different life phenomena. This paper aims to compare the aspects of symbolism in Othello and The Rape of the Lock.
Discussion
First, Pope uses the character Queen of Spleen and her female servants in The Rape of the Lock to signify hysteria, and melancholy, among other emotional turbulences. Popes sexism is fully displayed in Queen of Spleens portrayal, implying that women are uniquely susceptible to these mood disorders. Besides, the Ill Nature and Affectation, the Queens servants, are both metaphors that speak to womens emotional makeup. Here stood Ill-nature Ill-nature like an ancient Maid, Her wrinkled form in Black and White arrayd; arrayd (Pope 4.25-30). How affectation echoes the poems primary argument about appearance vs truth is noteworthy. It was believed, throughout Popes lifetime, that emotional and psychological disorders originated in the spleen, the organ responsible for purifying the blood. Most of the time, these conditions were written off as feminine worries and utilized as evidence of a persons untrustworthiness.
On the other hand, in Act V, Desdemona performs a song, Willow, about a woman her boyfriend deceives as she prepares for bed. Barbary, her mothers maid, taught her the song; like the woman in the music, she too met an untimely end, and like the woman in the song, she sang her last song as she passed. She was in love, and he she lovd proved mad, / And did forsake her: she had a song of willow (Shakespeare 4.3.27-30). Men and women are both portrayed as unfaithful in the songs lyrics. Desdemonas singing of the song elicits questions from Emilia regarding adultery because it seems to indicate a mournful and resigned acceptance of her estrangement from Othellos love.
Another symbolic comparison between the two pieces is the Lock and the Handkerchief. The lock in the poem The Rape of the Lock is more than just a coiled strand of Belindas hair. The lock becomes a metaphor for security, authority, and worth. The state of her hair determines Belindas value and limited influence in society as a woman. Canto, one of the most influential figures in Augustan era aesthetics and a master of the legendary ballad, says, Oh hadst thou, Cruel ! been content to seize Hairs less in sight, or any Hairs but these ! (Pope 4.175-78). These remarks explicitly connect the lock to Belindas lack of maturity and, by extension, her potential marital prospects.
On the contrary, the handkerchief in Shakespeares Play implies different things depending on the holder. To Desdemona, the handkerchief means love since it was her first present from her husband, Othello. I am glad I have found this napkin& This was her first remembrance from the Moor&My wayward husband hath a hundred times.. (Shakespeare 3.3. 297-300). However, to Iago, the piece of cloth means Desdemonas virtue, and he makes Othello believe the same. The handkerchief means loyalty Othello had to his mother. He tells Desdemona a 200-year-old Sibyl wove it from sacred worms and mummies pure hearts. The white handkerchiefs strawberry pattern (painted with virgins blood) implies virginity and fidelity.
Conclusion
In conclusion, literary devices are important in literature. Authors can effectively communicate their intended message to their target audience with such devices. However, readers may require the extra mile of comprehension to understand some of the authors literary tools, including symbolism.
Works Cited
Pope, ALEXANDER. The rape of the lock and other major writings. Penguin UK, 2011.
Shakespeare, William. The Oxford Shakespeare: Othello: The moor of Venice. Oxford University Press, 2008.
This essay discusses the play Othello by William Shakespeare. Characters such as Desdemona, Brabantio, and Othello are analyzed in terms of racism and ignorance. Besides, the paper expounds on racism, discrimination, and attitude towards black skin in Europe during the era of this play. In addition, the treatise discusses the irony of Othellos greatness as a general but being deceived by Iago.
Across the play, it is clear that the character Othello is often called by other characters funny names depicting racism and discrimination based on his dark skin. For instance, the father of Desdemona; Brabantio cannot stand the imagination of Othello being an item with his daughter. He is seriously enraged on finding out that Othello had been dating his daughter behind his back. Different from the other characters who call Othello racist names behind his back, Brabantio frequently refer to him as a moor (Shakespeare 1.2.88) on his face.
This is a racist reference to Othellos dark skin link to North African Arabs. Often, Brabantio uses terms such as sooty bosom (Shakespeare 1.2.89) when talking to Othello who is his subject as the Senator of Venice city. Such comments are meant to make Othello understand the hierarchy ladder of control and authority. In my opinion, despite the visible dislike Brabantio has for Othello, these racist onslaughts are influenced by Iago.
Constantly, Iago dwells on Othellos race when discussing his relationship with Desdemonia to Brabantio. Iago asserts, Even now, very now, an old black ram is tupping your white ewe (Shakespeare 1.1.97).
Skin color being a serious issue in this society, Brabantio cannot believe that his daughter could fall for such a sooty dark-skinned man. He thinks that Othello must have charmed her with a magic spell and witchcraft to have her in his arms. Without Iagos influence on his views, Brabantio would not be so mean to Othello. Instead, he would practice racism on the fine solder only because of race difference.
In the early 17th century, in England, race dictated the role allocation in the society. The term moor was symbolically used by the whites to show disapproval for a character of undesirable traits (Julius 20). Despite the spirited writings depicting black people as equal to white people, Shakespeares writings were criticized.
It would be unimaginable for a Negro to claim royal birth. Blacks were considered outcast blood that is not worthy to stand in the courts of Venetian. They represented the opposite of ego, pride, cynicism, and amorality. Racist slurs were hurled at them in every slightest opportunity irrespective of the class (Julius 23). Despite Othellos vast experience in military and holding a coveted post of a general, Brabantio refer to him as a moor (Shakespeare 1.2.88).
Reflectively, this gives an impression of a lesser human being who cannot be granted the same privileges and freedom of choice. Iago incites rejection in Othellos love life. Since Othello is dark-skinned, the society is against his marriage to the daughter of the senator of Venice. Iago says, Even now, very now, an old black ram is tupping your white ewe (Shakespeare 1.1.97).
In role allocation, the white were the masters and blacks their servants. Some roles were reserved for the white supremacy. When in authority, whites were arrogant and insensitive when interacting with the blacks. With every slight opportunity, a white person would exercise authority and superiority. Openly, Brabantio calls Othello a sooty bosom (Shakespeare 1.2.89).
Being amoral being, Iago interestingly use this trait to manipulate his ways throughout the play. He is delighted in his own cunning. Besides, he is adoptive to every situation and can align himself to assume any form a situation might need. In company of any character, he is coarse, bluff, and genial. Moreover, the characters in the play prefer his easy solutions to every problem and he pretend to have best interest on Othello at heart. Though everyone is above him professionally and socially, he interacts without any ego.
For instance, in the fight between Roderigo and Cassio which he instigates, Iago tells Cassio, I should rather have this tongue cut from my mouth than it should do offence to Michael Cassio. Yet I persuade myself, to speak the truth (Shakespeare 2.1.80). He later convinces Othello to replace Cassio in the army for gross misconduct. This move is meant to win Othellos trust and favor and facilitation of his scheme to replace Cassio as a lieutenant.
His goodness to Othello only serves his personal interests .Iagos pride is of sly vindictiveness. In line 280, of scene 1 in act 2, Iago justify his hate and for Othello and is determined to cunningly revenge for a twint my sheets&done my office (Shakespeare 2.1.88). In pretence of loyalty, he vividly plots to break Othellos marriage by vowing that, till I am evened with him wife for wife (Shakespeare 2.1.88).His vengeance insight is declared on Othello for what he presumes as a trodden pride.
In summary, the play Othello is captivating and presents racism as it was. The character Othello is gullible and easily manipulated by Iago who is below his class. Brabantio cannot approve Othellos marriage to his daughter since he is dark-skinned. Generally, in the times of Shakespeare the blacks were despised as inferior being irrespective of their position in the society.
Works Cited
Shakespeare, W. Othello. Cambridge: Plain Label Books, 1968. Print.
Julius, L. Othello. New York: Turtleback Books, 1998. Print.
The essay is a critical examination of the character of Iago in the play Othello written by Shakespeare. In literature there is always a direct link between characterization and theme development. Othello deemed to be written in 1603 revolves around four main characters; Iago Othello, Desdemona wife to a Moorish general, Cassio and the general.
The themes of the play are honesty, love, misrepresentation, self knowledge, magic, racism, oppression, pride, appearance and reality, revenge, betrayal and jealousy. For instance, in case of honesty Iago is termed honest racism is depicted when Othello is termed the black with thick lips.
Most of Shakespeare readers have painted Iago to be the most heinous and villain character of all time. He is capable of manipulating those around him propelling him to achieve his desires. For this reason, he is a character that is most loved to hate. Additionally he is the most purely malevolent character engaging in most wrongdoings.
To under stand the characters of Iago, it would be rational to clearly define the term character; in literature it has been thought of as the attributed or characteristics given to subjects used in a play, poem, novels, playwrights as well as other literature by the author to help pass across or communicate certain themes.
Iago characters
It is ironical that Iago is referred to as honest person. A closer examination of his deeds and motives paint him another character. However, majority of other characters are not yet aware of his deceitful and selfish character. Due to this almost all characters are in a crisis of determining who and who not to trust.
Most trust the wrong person, Iago which lead to downfall of various characters. For instance Othello said &my ancient; a man he is of honesty and trust. To this conveyance I assign my wife (Shakespeare 199) in reference to Iago.
It is worth mentioning here that it is this attributes that he possessed that made him successful in manipulating other characters painting him to be a strong and compelling character. Through it, he is capable of convincing Othello that his wife Emilia had and a fair. This was accomplished by him taking a handkerchief using it as evidence. It is worth noting that being a solder and always siding with Othello, Iago turns out to be a trusted advisor to Othello.
From the on set of the play, Iago complains that Cassio unfairly was promoted instead of him, due to this he plans to make both Cassio and Othello pay for this. He proclaimed himself to be an honest and trustworthy person, Touch me not so near. / I had rather have this tongue cut from my mouth / than it should do offense to Michael Cassio; Yet I persuade myself to speak the truth / shall nothing wrong him. (Shakespeare 263).Thus everything he said seemed to be thought to be nothing but the truth.
Another major character that makes audiences love to hate him is being vengeful. It is apparent from the onset of the play that intends to revenge against anybody for instance Othello, Desdemona, Cassio, Emilia among others. He seems to gain pleasure when others are undergoing pain as well as damage as results of his actions.
He first made Othello believe that his wife Desdemona had a love affair with Cassio. Iago did this by manipulating his wife (Emilia) wittily to take a handkerchief given to Desdemona by Othello, once in his possession; he told Othello that he had seen it being possessed by Cassio.
To prove things beyond doubt, with great skill, he arranged a conversation between Cassio and Bianca and carefully position Othello so that he thinks Cassio is discussing his wife. Additionally, in Act I, Scene III Look to her, Moor, if thou hast eyes to see: She has deceived her father and may thee. (Shakespeare 194) Warns Brabantino, this statement is used by Iago to remind Othello that his wifes father said she might betray him.
Additionally, his manipulative characteristic is depicted when convinced Roderigo a friend to side with him. Iago uses his deceitful and treacherous character in making the later hold the opinion that after making Othello go, he will win the affection of Desdemona, Othellos wife only when he supports his plans which he did not decline.
It is no doubt that Iago is a jealous individual. This coupled with the fact that he has desire for fellow men make him hate women. This can this be attributed to the fact that he killed his own wife. Additionally, he is not happy considering the fact that he is passed in ranks. For this he carries a heavy heart and promises to revenge which he eventually did.
This was accomplished when he plan a fight between his ally Roderigo and Cassio; he took the chance to kill Cassio on the basis that the victim double crossed his friend. The character of jealous is what mainly drove him to be vengeful.
Iago can also be as not being very creative. Although he managed to put on a face of honesty he failed to change tact when things seemed work against him. His downfall can be attributed to sticking to his plans despite the fact that it was obvious that he was not capable of seeing his own destruction and if he could see, it seemed that he just ignored it Dull not device by coldness and delay (Shakespeare 231).
Iago is also seen to be a funny character. In this scene, Iago can be said to have winked at the audiences while revealing his wits, skills and knowledge of manipulation. Lastly and more importantly, although Iago looked to be scheming person who is not a coward, towards the end of the play, he is seen as being a coward. Killing his wife manifests this.
Conclusion
From the review of the character of Iago in the play Othello by Shakespeare, it is evident that he is the one character that successfully plays the villain and most of the audiences and readers would love to hate him. Among the characters that clearly define Iago are; he is vengeful jealous, funny, honest, manipulative, coward and lacks creativity.
For instance he failed seeing his own downfall and change tact, he went an extra mile making others suffer or completely damaged. Using his deceitful skills he destroys the relationship between Othello and his wife, kills Cassio for his own selfish interest, and kills his wife. It is definitely through him that we Shakespeare manages to bring out various themes such as revenge, jealous and betrayal.
Work Cited
Shakespeare, William. Four Tragedies: Hamlet, Othello, King Lear, Macbeth. New York: Bantam Books, 1988. Print.
Is Iago purely evil, or is Othello incredibly gullible? How does such a strong (or gullible) man become trapped in such plotting?
Othello, the Moor of Venice is a tragic play written at around 1603 by William Shakespeare, which addresses the encounters of Othello, the protagonist. Othello is a Venetian military general and who falls prey of Iagos devious schemes, which are triggered by jealousy, deceit and quest for power (Hundley 4).
Shakespeares Iago is amoral character who drafts devious plans to lure others into his vengeance mission. Equivocally, I ago is a significant character who participates greatly in Othellos misfortune. He is also accountable for Emilia, Roderigo and protagonist deaths. He contributes to plot development in the play in that he relates to other characters significantly.
His most important role is to accomplish the tragedy of Othello, which brings out the themes of hatred, envy and vengeance. In addition, he distinguishes Othellos character and that of Desdemona to expose dramatic irony for the audience to be occupied (Kolin 8).
Is Iago purely evil? Yes. His inherent evilness is seen when Iago makes friends to hate each other by taking advantage of their trust toward him. To attain his mission, he uses their worries and anxieties to make the net that shall emesh them all (Shakespeare II. iii. 321-2). His evil motives are mostly a soliloquy that are never attained and becomes forgotten entirely. His scheme is initiated when he desires Cassios position of lieutenancy, which he wanted to be his.
He is envious of him and claims that he deserves and will fit into that position. Therefore, he plots a scheme to deceive, rob and eventually kill Cassio to fit in his lieutenant position. He aspires to replace Cassios work as a lieutenant by taking advantage of Desdemonas naivety. He dishonors Cassio by inciting him to finish Roderigo and free him the lieutenant position when he states that Cassio, I love thee, But nevermore be officer of mine (Shakespeare II.iii.242-244). As a result Cassio was become unaware of the outcome.
Iagos devious plans persist when he tactfully makes Othello to believe that his wife, Desdemona, is cheating on him with Cassio even without any evidence to show for it. Iago accomplishes this mission by ensuring that Othellos thoughts concentrates on the fact that he is being cheated on, an aspect that leads to his tragedy.
Othello instead fall into his scheme and his furry makes him hate his wife whom she doesnt believe. Significantly, Iago awards Othello with the evil thought that he could kill his wife Desdemona, which will accomplish Iagos vengeance mission (Hankey 5).
His devious plan is manifested when he claims that Iago had had an affair with Emilia, Iagos life. To ascertain this fact, Othello points out that And it is thought abroad that twixt my sheets/ Hes done my office I know not ift be true/ But I, for mere suspicion in that kind; / Will do as if for surety (Shakespeare I.iii.381-385). Iagos paranoia is tremendous to an extent that his insanity is portrayed when he deludes Othello to kill his own wife.
As if that is not enough, Iago robs his friend Roderigo. He uses the funds awarded to him by Roderigo to entice Desdemona. On noticing that Iago kept the money for himself, Roderigo makes threats to Iago and becomes furious about his actions. Unexpectedly, when Roderigo is informed of the scheme to entice Desdemona, his mind is eroded to forget about the money and instead, kill Cassio, whom Iago is envious of and is supposedly having an affair with Desdemona (Hankey 8).
These instances show that Iago has no conscious and therefore amoral, as depicted through his actions. He is deceptive to his wife and friends, which emphasize his evilness. He is tactful in carrying out his schemes, which however portrays his diabolical capability allowing him to erode his friends and his fifes thoughts.
His intellectual ability is astonishing to the reader since he achieves and gets away with his devious schemes. He is able to win over others thoughts by targeting their desires through twisting, playing and eventually brainwashing their psychological power. These instances clearly portray Iago as having no conscience therefore, purely evil (Hundley 5).
Is Othello incredibly gullible? Yes. Othello on the other hand is a gullible character unlike Iago, who falls into the trap of Iago and falls into prey of his evil tactics. Othellos character is dynamic having been a villain in the beginning and.
His jealousness is exposed after Iago deceives him to become vengeful and kill his wife. Othello angrily point out that `Damn her, lewd minx! O, damn her, damn her! Come go with me part. I will withdraw To furnish me with some swift means of death. For the fair devil. Now are the my lieutenant (Shakespeare I. iii. 122).
This susceptibility and jealousness causes his tragedy. Othellos weaknesses is exposed by the allegedly wifes infidelity which he takes as being unclean and disgusting. This is because he observes sex as a unifying force which bloats his paranoia. Iagos quest to become powerful is manifest as he pursues to destroy Othello who is a Venetian military general since he is envious of his status. Iago in disbelieve wonders how easy it is to brainwash Othello and even appreciates how easy it was to do so (Kolin 203).
How does such a strong (or gullible) man become trapped in such plotting? To start with, Othello falls short of knowledge on brewing power and is therefore doomed to fail. He is in the military as a general and therefore has authority over war such as the Turkish fleet, an aspect which should be reflected in his life but fails to (Vaughan 35).
Othellos faults indicate that his tragic end is justifiable although he did not deserve it. Being a god of war he should have done better than having his several flaws dictates his tragic end. By doing this Shakespeare achieves the readers sympathy towards the protagonist.
In addition, Othello lives in his own world since he has distinct race and culture since he is not conversant with traditions in Venetian women and even marries Desdemona irrespective of her fathers disapproval. Besides, He takes women as being holy or as being filthy based on their degree of fidelity. His naivety is reflected as he does not believe his wife since he has witnessed her deceive her father before, a deception that she allegedly transfers to the matrimonial bed.
Moreover, Othello has immature communication skills leave alone his expression of personal thoughts, aspects which exaggerate his inadequacy. He says to Brabantio and Duke that Rude am I in my speech and little blessed with the soft phrase of peace (Shakespeare 1.ll. 81-82)&.. And little of this great world can I speak, More than pertains to feats of broil and battle (Shakespeare 1. ll. 86-87).
He uses violence instead of persuasion when addressing women and murders his wife for a single unproved reason of infidelity. This indicate Othello is unable to multitask and has no flexibility of reason as he trusts Iago, since he has proven to be sincere and friendly as well as being loyal to Emilia His wife.
He does not conduct introspection to evaluate his inner self but believes Iagos incitement and insinuations blindly, becomes emotional, which leads to his irrational thinking. His gullibility ignites jealous which overwhelms him and controls his actions. Eventually, Iago accomplishes his evil schemes of destroying Othello and his wife who were deeply in love.
In conclusion, Othellos imperfections justifies his tragic end an aspect that Shakespeare implants in the reader to depict that Othello and his like are not the best people to lead the world due to their inherent imperfections. Although he defends the residents of Venice in war, through his victories and abilities, he emerges a tragic hero since he lacks a sound reason and falls into Iagos plot. This guilt haunts him and ultimately drives him to commit suicide as he sees it as a means of sacrifice to pay for the death of his beloved wife.
Iagos quest for power, vengeance is accelerated by jealousy and this does not benefit him in any way. As a result, Intellectual power is necessary to enable one to have a rational and an independent thought before carrying out an action. Othellos predicament awards sympathy to the reader, which appears more real than fiction (Vaughan 5). Therefore, Iago is purely evil while Othello incredibly gullible since he falls prey of Iagos devious plot.
Works Cited
Hankey, Julie. Othello. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press. 2005. Print.
Hundley, Sterling. Othello. New York: Sterling Publishing Company, Inc. 2005. Print.
Kolin, Phillip. Othello: New Critical Essays. New York: Routledge. 2002. Print.
Shakespeare, William. Othello: By William Shakespeare. New York: MobileReference. 2008. Print.
Vaughan, Virginia. Othello: A Contextual History. New York: Cambridge University Press. 1996. Print.