Obsessions In Othello Analysis

Obsession is an idea or thought that continually preoccupies or intrudes on a person’s mind. When somebody is obsessed with someone or something, that certain person would do everything just to fulfill his or her wants even if it would negatively affect others. “Othello”, a play written by great William Shakespeare emphasized the three obsessions. These obsessions took an immense role in the story wherein it serves as the root of chaos.
The first obsession that was revealed is for Iago who wants power. He was very desperate to take the position of Michael Cassio being the lieutenant of the Venetian Army. Because of his anger and envy, he did a lot of manipulations which ruined the lives of those innocent ones not to mention Cassio, Othello,
Bianca, her wife, and most especially the ever faithful and loving Desdemona. The second one is the obsession of Roderigo towards the love of Desdemona. Because of his desire to have Desdemona with him, he made a deal with Iago in which he helped him to take the position from Cassio and as to Desdemona to him. Iago stole the handkerchief to Desdemona and used it as an evidence to prove that Desdemona was unfaithful to Othello. The third and last that was accentuated in the story was the obsession of Othello to the faithfulness of her wife, Desdemona. Because of the rumors brought to him by Iago, that his wife, Desdemona, is having an affair with his Lieutenant, Cassio, he became totally upset and out of his conscious mind. He made an unjust accusation to Desdemona and called her a whore. He did not listen to Desdemona’s explanation instead he preferred to believe what Iago had said. Having been that, the essence of “Trust” is lost. Because his heart is filled with jealousy and indignation, he ended his wife’s life. A grief occurred after.
Moreover, the story wants us to realize the importance of “Effort”, “Acceptance” and “Trust”. For us to reach the peak of success, we must exert effort and be determined enough to pursue our dreams in life. So as to Iago, he must have exerted his effort for him to be promoted to the position that he desired. Aside from that, we must have acceptance towards ourselves and our lives. There are really things which we can have and we cannot have. Thus, everything has purpose and that God has planned it already. So as to Roderigo, he must have accepted the fact that Desdemona was really not meant for him. Lastly, as a person, we must firmly build trust if we really love a certain person. If we happened to hear rumors, we must open ourselves to hear their sides or explanations instead of letting our jealousy and suspicion dominate our way of thinking. Because if that happens, everything will be in chaos.