Comparing Othello And The Talented Mr. Ripley

Fueled by Envy: Analysis between Othello and The Talented Mr. Ripley The Film The Talented Mr. Ripley, directed by Anthony Minghella, and the Play Othello, written by William Shakespeare, are similar in the theme that envy leads to a demise of characters. In both works, the antagonist motives are pursued by the acquisition of wealth, and in the end are deemed by the desire for power. In The Talented Mr. Ripley, Tom Ripley is a poor shipbuilder from New York who must persuade wealthy Dickie Greenleaf to move to the United States. In return Tom will receive $1,000 as a payment from Dickie's father, Mr. Greenleaf. Tom starts off by following the plan by just getting to know Dickie. Tom is a wealthy, well respected man. Tom grows
fond of Dickie but his affection quickly turns into obsession.
Tom not only wants Dickie, but aspires to be him. Tom Ripley's envious actions are fueled by the want to be as great as Dickie. Correspondingly, In Othello, Iago begins the play by working for Roderigo as his personal spy. Roderigo pays Iago to help him pursue Desdemona. Iago plans to drain Roderigo of his earnings, but soon realizes it is not enough to please him. Iago wanted the promotion of Lieutenant, but lost it to Othello's best friend Cassio. In revenge, Iago acts on his personal hatred for Othello, and comes to the conclusion that he too, wants Desdemona. This shows that despite Cassio and Othello's higher rank over Iago, Iago will ultimately have the most power by hurting Othello's pride. Also In the two works, antagonist will fulfill their goal at all cost, even if it means murder. In The Talented Mr. Ripley, Tom Ripley feels Dickie growing annoyed with him on their voyage to Sanremo. Tom calls Dickie out on mistakes he has made, and an argument escalates into a fight. In pure rage, Tom beats Dickie to death with an oar. In awareness of what he's done Tom, hides the evidence upon reaching his destination. Checking into the hotel with Dickie's passport he becomes conscious of the
fact that he passes well for Dickie. From then on he trys to cover Dickie's murder by impersonating him. When he find out news of his late son, Mr. Greenleaf gives part of Dickie's inheritance to Tom. Others grow suspicious of Tom's change.
A friend of Dickie named Freddie is murdered when he tries to confront Tom. Similarly, Dickie's girlfriend Marge also suspects Tom had a role in Dickie's death. She sees that Tom is wearing Dickie's ring, which she gave him. She knows that Dickie has never taken off the ring before. In her head she confirms what Dickie has done, and is able to escape murder. In Othello, Iago is able to convince Roderigo that Cassio will ruin their plans to have Desdemona, causing Cassio to be the first victim of murder. Iago prompts the second death by persuading Othello that his wife is a cheater. Iago has Desdemona's handkerchief copied by a prostitute named Bianca. Desdemona tells Othello that she hasn't cheated on him, but Othello doesn't believe her. Already going mad, He recalls the evidence of the handkerchief, and chokes Desdemona to death. Shortly after, Iago's wife tries to reveal the truth to Othello. In midst of explanation, Iago kills his wife and flees the scene. Lastly, In both works the antagonist achieved what they wanted, but in a sense are enlightened by the fact they still cannot escape the mistakes they have contributed to. In The Talented Mr.
Ripley, Tom was able to serve as a wealthy man. He was powerful by the fact he was able to deceive people and even murder them. Although in fear, Tom had to conceal his true identity and continue running from the police to prevent the truth from being revealed. In the end Tom goes on to murder peter, in hopes that he will not be exposed. In Othello, Iago's desire was carried out. He was able to split Desdemona and Othello up. In comparison to Tom Ripley, he might not have directly carried out murders through his actions, but with his elaborate mind was able to convince others to do it for him. In the end, Iago's plot for revenge was revealed, and he is blamed for the murders. Iago is then scheduled for his execution. In conclusion, in both works, The Talented Mr. Ripley and Othello envy leads to the demise of characters. The two antagonist begin by pursing wealth, yet, later on feed their ambition for power. Both will knock those down who get in the way of their plans, which includes murder as a solution. The antagonist get what they want, but ultimately have to pay for the pain they have caused.