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Theme Of Insecurity In Othello

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William Shakespeare’s tragedy Othello (1600) examines human flaws that transcend time, making it possess an enduring relevance. Set during a period of warfare between Venice and Turkey, Shakespeare explores the dangers of misplaced trust to create an engaging play focusing on a tragic hero’s moral collapse. Shakespeare also asserts the notion that disaffection can lead to individuals being susceptible to jealousy and vulnerable to manipulation. The universal afflictions of an excessive focus and reputation resonate with audiences today, showing Othello to hold relevance in the contemporary age.
Shakespeare demonstrates that and individual’s insecurity arises from their social and cultural differences and often results in their susceptibility …show more content…

Othello’s human flaw of hubris results in the disintegration of his dignity and his eventual demise. Initially, the arrogant tone and anaphora of “my parts, my life, and my perfect soul shall manifest me rightly” portrays Othello’s pride and certainty that his positive reputation in Venice will outdo Brabantio’s rebuttals. After Cassio loses his position of lieutenant the hyperbole in “I have lost the immortal part of myself, and what remains is bestial” epitomises society’s excessive focus on reputation and its adverse effects to one’s confidence. Othello’s emphasis on his reputation is highlighted in his exaggerated declaration “Farewell the … pride, pomp, and circumstance of glorious war!” indicating that his reputation, being tainted by Desdemona’s supposed infidelity has stripped him of his military prowess. Following Desdemona’s murder, the satanic allusion in Emilia’s accusations “thou art a devil … thou art rash as fire” reduces Othello’s initially high status of an honourable soldier to that of a “cuckhold”. This loss of his positive image leads to Othello’s self-execution in an act of attempted atonement, portrayed in the paradoxical statement “for nought I did in hate, but all in honour …” demonstrates his preoccupation to salvage his reputation. Othello’s inability to face the consequences of his actions, resulting from his obsession with reputation facilitates his ultimate demise and the pathos in this allows the play to retain relevance with modern

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