Written in 1603 by William Shakespeare, The Tragedy of Othello, the Moor of Venice tells the story of Othello, an esteemed foreign general, who after marrying Desdemona, the beautiful daughter of a Venetian senator, is manipulated into extreme paranoia by Iago, a spiteful ensign. Having been led to think that Desdemona has committed adultery, Othello murders Desdemona, and upon realizing his deception by Iago, subsequently commits suicide. Though the plot itself is relatively simple, the subjects addressed throughout the writing constitute a story of utmost complexity and depth. At the heart of Othello is the titular character himself, a man torn between tenderness, hate, trust and jealousy. As a major player in his own tragic downfall, Othello fits multiple key aspects of the tragic hero archetype: he is essentially a virtuous person that nevertheless possesses a critical flaw, a flaw that ultimately culminates in his consumption by the worst aspects of his …show more content…
In fact, it is these precise attributes that have allowed him to ascend to his current top-ranking role in the Venetian army and respected position in Venetian society, in spite of his ethnicity. Yet, as Othello is ready to assume the worst of himself at every turn, placing Iago in a in a state of utmost power over Othello, in a cruelly ironic twist it is also these precise attributes that are slowly warped and exaggerated to become his foremost deficiencies. Take, for instance, Othello’s sincere nature. As a soldier, Othello is conditioned to retain the utmost faith in his comrades’ truthfulness and expect the same in return. This trait is most clearly seen in Othello’s frequent referrals to Iago as “honest.” While of course, the reader is aware that Iago is anything but honest, Othello sees no reason to doubt Iago’s word as a fellow officer and compatriot, and as such often urges Iago to
When it comes to Iago, he is constantly using others in the story as “pieces” in his larger game. He knows how to trick others into thinking that ideas that are completely absurd and very unrealistic are true. The only thing is that nobody realizes his intentions until it is too
In this paper, I will explore the contributing factors as to why Othello places more trust in Iago than he does his wife. The interactions in Act 1 quickly establish Othello's implicit trust of Iago. He holds firm belief and reliability in Iago's statements and thoughts, and confides in him regularly. This is evident in how Othello continually refers to Iago with positive modifiers such as "honest Iago" (2.3.177; 2.3.6; 5.1.31). When the Duke tells Othello he must leave immediately for military duty in Cyprus, Othello tasks Iago with delivering important documents from the senate because "A man he is of honesty and trust" (1.3.284).
Iago contributes to the tragic downfall of Othello, playing him like a fiddle. The human nature of Iago manipulates the trust
Thesis Statement: Othello’s generosity and integrity, let the false accusations that Iago told him get to him because he was too focused on one part of the story that was being told. Forecast: As Othello kept listening to Iago 's lies he became very heated and ended up killing
Othello appeared to have sound judgment, but almost immediately after showing blind trust in Iago he lacked “the judicial temper, and in important crises [did] not observe the judicial procedures” (Martin 47). As soon as Othello shows blind trust in Iago Othello is only nominally “searching for evidence; in actuality he is crying for certainty at any price, and doing so in the office of prosecuting counsel” rather than take his time and make sound rational judgments (Kliger 137). Othello became completely ensnared in Iago’s web and believed Iago’s every word as
The tragedy of Othello written by William Shakespeare presents the main character Othello as a respectable, honorable, and dignified man. However, because of his insecurities and good nature he is easily taken advantage of and manipulated by his alleged friends. Shakespeare is known for his exceptional ability to compose plays full of deceit, revenge, and jealousy. Jealousy is an underlying theme throughout the tragedy and has been represented by many of the main characters, such as Iago, Roderigo, and Othello. The topic of jealousy will ultimately lead to the demise of many characters throughout the tragedy.
Knock, knock. Who’s there? Religion. Religion is almost always present, as it’s vast and abundant in some part of everyone’s everyday life. Religion is also widely used in literature.
When we look at the name of the play, Othello (The Tragedy of Othello, the Moor of Venice), we can make the assumption that Othello is an outsider in the book. Before we start to read the play we already know that Othello will be an outsider and when we read the play we can understand why. We also fin in the play, Othello, which Iago refers to Cassio as an “honest fool”, but in that phrase honest have a different meaning. Honest in the play is used so many times that is ironic. Iago is seen as honest and we know that Iago is everything but honest.
In the play Othello, William Shakespeare creates an elaborate tragedy with various in depth characters, enhancing the story with powerful characterization. Iago, the main antagonist of Othello, exemplifies Shakespeare’s use of characterization to create in depth and complex characters. Using his manipulative nature, intellectual mind, egotistical attitude, and dishonesty, Iago controls the other characters in order to achieve his goal, leading Othello to succumb to an overwhelming jealousy causing his downfall. In order for Iago to gain control of the characters in the play, he manipulates Othello, Roderigo, Cassio, and more to believe false information and turn on one another.
In William Shakespeare's tragedy Othello, Othello’s dynamic character is presented as a great noble war hero with strong integrity that loses touch with his moral principles due to Iago’s scandalous rumors which eventually leads to his downfall.
Othello is a Shakespearean tragedy produced around the seventeenth century. Othello is a well-known play that is still read and praise today. America and other countries are full of Othello’s and Iago’s, men willing to do anything to gain power and prove a point. Iago is a well-known Venetian soldier, who is upset about not being chosen as Othello Lieutenant. Iago had some financial issues and this position would’ve solved all those problems.
Shakespeare’s novels are consisted of two categories between tragedy and comedy, as the novel Othello falls into the category of a tragedy. For a piece of literature to be considered a tragedy it must acquire a tragic hero that experiences a tragic fall. The protagonist, Othello, represent the acts and characteristics of a tragic hero. Othello is known for his jealousy and trust leading him towards his personal ruin. The jealousy caused by assuming his partner has committed infidelity led him to a state of madness.
According to Keyisjian “Iago convinces Othello he is full of” “love and honesty, qualities that Othello admires” (Shakespeare 3.3.116). This is to earn his trust and to undermine him. This was one of the strategies that Iago uses to deceit the characters in the play. He is also very sneaky when he does it.
Final Essay on Othello In the book Othello written by William Shakespear, one of the protagonists also known as the as the villain of the play named Iago is often debated on to decide if he is completely villainous or if he has real reasons for getting revenge against Othello. Another argumentation is choosing if he is a realistic character or does his behavior and emotions seem completely implausible. Although it seems like Iago has no motives in the play other than him being jealous about Othellos general position. In addition Iago has already demonstrated that he will do anything to get what he wants and won’t stop for anything.
Othello is a play by William Shakespeare that focuses on Othello, a general in the Venetian army; Iago, Othello’s ensign and the villain of the story; Desdemona, daughter of the Venetian senator Brabanzio who is secretly married to Othello; and Micheal Cassio, Othello’s lieutenant, young and inexperienced soldier who is resented by Iago for having such a high position. The play has a variety of themes that include: racism, jealousy, love, betrayal and revenge. One of the central themes is racism. Throughout the play, the race of Othello comes into effect more than once.