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Betrayal And Betrayal In Othello

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Humans are social creatures and in the same way, loving relationships are crucial to one’s well being and happiness. In light of this fact it is easy to see how the betrayal of the same persons that provide your happiness create massive ripples. While the play “Othello” explores various theme topics and ideas, the main theme topic is betrayal, which is projected through the various relationships. Shakespeare uses imagery to show the corruption of relationships through the feeling or appearance of betrayal and is evident between three main relationships throughout the play, in the first place: Desdemona and Brabantio, her father, additionally, Iago and Emilia, and lastly Othello and Desdemona, both husband and wife. Brabantio, prior to the commencement of the play has tried to arrange Desdemona’s marriage but she not only rejects most of the eligible …show more content…

When Roderigo and an unknown man, Iago, transports the news of Desdemona’s affair with the Moor, Brabantio’s reaction suggests a feeling of betrayal, and the seemingly quaint relationship suddenly shows its flaws. Before even telling Brabantio of the news, Iago speaks with Roderigo that they will “poison [Brabantio’s] delight” (I.1.69), which in turn gives light to flaws of the relationship between Brabantio and his daughter, “yet throw such chances of vexation on’t as it may lose some colour” (I.1.73-74), for instance a lack of needed communication. To add insult to injury Iago phrases the betrayal in a rather detestable manner: “an old black ram is tupping your white ewe” (I.1.89-90) that radiates strong sexual imagery which enhances the disgust of not just the relationship but the betrayal. The feeling of betrayal is perfectly stated by Roderigo, “[Desdemona] hath made a gross revolt, tying her duty, beauty, wit and fortunes in an extravagant and

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