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Theme Of Pride In Othello

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Pride is one of the seven deadly sins. People with high pride, also viewed as arrogance, will never see themselves to be proud until they face consequences of their pride. Viewing one’s self better than another person, insecurities and being arrogant this can lead to flaws, and suffering. Sophocles and Shakespeare use pride in their plays Oedipus and Othello prove this in the main characters and shows the consequences of pride.
Oedipus' pride is revealed/shown in his belief that he is greater than the gods. He believes that he is capable of creating his own future without the help of the gods. At the beginning of the story a priest begs Oedipus to help the people in the time of famine and trouble, he states: "It was God that aided you, men …show more content…

Oedipus' pride is turned to shame as he murdered of his father and his incestuous relationship with his mother was brought forward. He begins to lose those things that are most precious to him. First, he loses his mother and wife as Jocasta is found "hanging, the twisted rope around her neck" (1294). Next he loses his sight as he takes Jocasta's "gold chased brooches fastening her robe" (1299) and stabbed his eyes out. Finally, he loses his kingdom as Teiresias' prophecy is fulfilled: "blindness for sight and beggary for riches his exchange" (503-504). Othello's pride is also turned to shame as he listens to the villainous Iago and murders his innocent wife. In doing this, he also loses those things most precious to him. First, he loses his true love as Desdemona forgives him from her deathbed by trying to hide his guilt. When asked "Who has done this deed?" she replies: "Nobody-I myself" (5.2.123-4). Then he completely loses his honor as he is replaced by Cassio as governor and labeled a murderer. Finally, he loses his life as he declares: "I took by the throat the circumcised dog and smote him-thus" (5.2.351-52) as he kills himself. Pride destroys both Oedipus and Othello.

Oedipus and Othello both learn from their experiences that pride is destructive, and that men who choose to be proud are made for great suffering in this life. Oedipus and Othello feared even greater suffering

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