Examples Of Pride In Othello

Don Carter
Othello Paper
4/23/13
Othello: The Deadly Sin, Pride

Othello is a character that takes on numerous amounts of responsibility not only for his own good but also for the good of the people. Taking such amount of responsibilities proclaims Othello as powerful respected figurehead in Venice. Othello has led his army as a soldier and a general facing many problems and turning them into a success. As a respected leader, we can assume Othello has accomplished many feats during his reign to allow him to capture this title.
As a leader of a city like Venice, we can assume Othello has made rational decisions to allow him to become a general. Throughout the play, a fellow soldier tries to deceive Othello with various lies, but unfortunately Othello does not use the skills of a General to see through them. Othello is faced with numerous lies, and dishonest antics by Iago but yet becomes naïve. As a general, Othello has the ability to critically think and make rational decisions but lacks that trait when personal discomfort appears. Othello’s lack of critically thinking is a result of his pride
getting in his way. Othello quickly consumes the lies that Iago is feeding him. But unfortunately, with this excessive amount of pride we see how Othello reaches his demise. Othello shows numerous examples of how his pride carries him away from the truth and lets Iago have his way with him.
The opening act quickly introduces the characters in various ways. We learn who the different characters are by how they treat and act towards each other. Various characters are presented to the audience in a way that defines them as a character. Desdemona, the wife of Othello, first comes to scene when she proclaims her love for her husband. Desdemona simply announces that here obedience is for her husband.
…. I do perceive here a divided duty.
To you I am bound for life and education. My life and education both do learn me How to respect you. You are the lord of duty. I am hitherto your daughter. But here’s my Husband.

And so much duty as my mother showed To you, preferring you before her father,
So much I challenge that I may profess
Due to the Moor lord . (I.III. 209-218)

Desdemona simply provides her true feelings without even knowing the chaos that is about to happen. From the beginning of the play, Iago shows his evil traits and immediately starts to deceive people. Iago causes a stir with the father of Othello’s wife. Brabantio, the father, has to hear that a moor stole his daughter by the mouth of Iago. But Iago did know Othello was married to Desdemona but yet wanted controversy to start. From there and out Iago makes it his destiny to bring Othello down and move up in the ranks. Othello appears into the play as a true leader would. Othello is faced with adversity from the start but keeps his composure. First, he is faced with news that he and his troops must prepare for battle but also the stereotypical doubtfulness of his wife’s father. As a man and leader Othello speaks with meaning and power when he explains to the Duke the situation between Desdemona, Brabantio, and him: …. And bad me, if I had a friend that loved her,
I should but teach him how to tell my story,
And that would woo her. Upon this hint I spake.
She loved me for the dangers I had passed,
And I loved her that she did pity them.
This only is the witchcraft I have used.
Here comes the lady. Let her witness it. (I.III. 190-196)

As act one closes, Othello is shown as a true leader and army general. The audience is shown that he is ready to protect his fellow people but also the tremendous amount of love he has for his wife Desdemona. As the story dwells deeper and deeper Othello’s pride starts to become prevalent. The play continues to act II, which is the start of the mayhem by Iago. Iago puts all of the characters into position for the demise of Othello. Cassio is faced with a huge life change from being lieutenant to completely demote. In a change like this Cassio wanted to do all that he could do to be a part of the Venetian army once again. If a man cant get what he wants through one o way he will try another. Cassio was very persistent on receiving his lieutenant rank back. Knowing that Cassio is yearning for the position, Othello turns a blind eye to the way Cassio is acting. While talking to Emilia, Cassio is explained what is happening while he is asking for Othello’s forgiveness. “ The general and his wife are talking of it,/And she speaks for you stoutly. The Moor replies/ The he you hurt is of great fame in Cyprus. He might not but refuse you. But he protests he/ loves you” (III.I. 48-53). Othello has shown his love and concern towards Cassio. Othello has a sense that Cassio has a main focus of restoring his position in the Army.
Iago and Othello continue to have a conversation but during, Iago insinuates Desdemona’s unfaithfulness.
Othello proceeds to tell himself that his wife is loyal but and would only create those actions based off of “instructions”. “ Nature would not invest herself in such a shadowing passion with out some instruction” (IV.I. 48-49). Without a second guess, Othello fully believes Iago. Othello has shown, as a general to make decisions and actions in his own hand. Bianca the prostitute plays an important role to Iago. Although, Iago instructed Othello to leave and listen to the conversation, Othello lacks the knowledge of what is truly happening. Othello is graced with an opportunity to see the truth when Iago, Cassio, and Bianca are talking. Othello sees the handkerchief that has been missing from his wife but yet uses his knowledge to piece the puzzle
together.
Throughout this tragedy, Othello is faced with adversities from everywhere. He shows examples as a great military leader and man. In the beginning, Othello uses his wise words to proclaim his love for his wife. He is respected as a person a to the audience but not all the characters feel the same way. Iago strives to bring Othello down to his demise and it works. Othello allows his pride to intercept his logic. Desdemona numerous times has announced he love for Othello but he still holds on to the lies of Iago. Even with the words from others Othello shows his pride fullness by not believing any person other than Iago.

Works Cited
Shakespeare, William, and Norman Sanders. The Tragedy of Othello The Moor of Venice. N.p.: Folger Shakespeare Library, 1993. Print.