Grit And Mindset In Othello

Monica Jeune
Ms . Milliner
ESS21QH02
1/20/16

Grit and Mindset in the story of Othello

The story of Othello is a Shakespearean play in which a person of color more specifically a black person (Moor) is first displayed in a positive light rather than a negative one . Othello’s race is constantly pinned against him and cause for much trouble throughout the story. Many of the characters face challenges alongside the Moor Othello , these characters of either grow alongside him or stay the same . The mindsets and grittiness of the characters play a large part in the Moor’s story in particular Iago’s and Brabantio’s stiffness which equates to much the drama found within the story. His wife Desdemona is in contribution to some of the fluidity
Iago perhaps wouldn't be so angry if the Moor took him more seriously for hire rather than being pushed aside . The ancient Iago was excited to work alongside the Moor especially in a position of power , Iago’s waiting and determination for the job he never got but still willing to be alongside Othello is characteristic of Grit . According to Angela Duckworth grit is “ sticking with thing ls over the very long term until you master them” (p.15). Iago definitely shows Grit as he stayed alongside Othello despite his actions towards him in order to act on his revenge. He wishes to enact on revenge due to instead of being a soldier he is hired to a flag boy during battle alongside Othello . Iago’s actions throughout the story is very reminiscent of a fixed mindset as he refuses to grow and change and simply fixate on the fact that Othello is in power and is a Moor . He would love to take the role of being in the lap of luxury but he knows he can't as he must be submissive and subservient. His fixed mindset lead him to be the villain of the story , he only cares about making Othello miserable not helping him overcome his problems. Fixed mindset meaning one feels the need be the center of attention repeatedly and to constantly be in the spotlight. Iago doesn't want the Moor to live the life luxury but rather it be him as he worth is far more precious than the Moor’s.
Desdemona is rooted the process of growth mindset “This growth mindset is based on the belief that your basic qualities are things you can cultivate for your efforts” - (Dweck , p. 52) . Desdemona's followed growth mindset as she no longer wanted to be a shy daddy’s girl but rather courageous wife of the Moor Othello . She slowly became attached to him through listening to his traveling stories . “ She’d come again, with a greedy ear devour up my discourse,... she loved me for the dangers I had passed, and I loved her that she did pity them “- Othello ( Shakespeare, p.20) Their loved spawned from his stories . Her love for him was natural witchcraft and medicines weren't a factor. She grew used to him and those stories were what grew on her leading her to just be as outrageous just as the tales she heard. Desdemona grew for own benefit, to be her own woman . Desdemona released her grasp on her father to now grasp her husband , she and him share a connection and relationship that no other characters share within the story even the way they speak to each other is full of love and heart. Iago and Emilia don't even come close as they always bicker and argue. The relationship between Desdemona and Othello can be seen as a growth mindset to always encourage , love , and act as a support system for one another. Their relationship can also be seen gritty as they stayed