Preview

Othello and the Seven Deadly Sins

Good Essays
Open Document
Open Document
1728 Words
Grammar
Grammar
Plagiarism
Plagiarism
Writing
Writing
Score
Score
Othello and the Seven Deadly Sins
It is the basic crux of Christianity: Man is born a sinner. Throughout history, the nature of sin has seen many different faces and has changed to fit many different social expectations. As Bartleby the angel laments in the movie Dogma, “I remember when eating meat on Friday was supposed to be a Hell-worthy trespass.” His friend Loki counters with the observation that, “The major sins never change.” Although the list of the Seven Deadly Sins is never mentioned in the Bible, the concept has existed since before the Middle Ages. Anger, envy, gluttony, greed, lust, pride, and sloth are present throughout human civilization even when they are not named as such or displayed as a set of seven. William Shakespeare’s tragedy Othello is a literary example of how these vices slip into our daily behaviors and, ultimately, ruin our lives. Each of the Seven Deadly Sins is displayed in this classic play, each with tragic or deadly consequences. Othello is an easy prey to his insecurities because of his age, his life as a soldier, and his self-consciousness about being a racial and cultural outsider. Pride, envy, and sloth surrounded Othello throughout this play. Othello's pride prevents him from finding the truth, which eventually leads to his demise. His knowledge of his own pride can be found in (Act I, Scene II, 18-26) where he states: “Let him do his spite: My services which I have done the signiory Shall out-tongue his complaints. 'Tis yet to know,--Which, when I know that boasting is an honour, I shall promulgate--I fetch my life and being From men of royal siege, and my demerits May speak unbonneted to as proud a fortune As this that I have reach'd: for know, Iago, But that I love the gentle Desdemona, I would not my unhoused free condition Put into circumscription and confine For the sea's worth.” Othello was so desperate to hold on to his former identity as a soldier when his new identity as a lover/newlywed starts to fall apart that his envy quickly goes from normal
Continue Reading
View Writing Issues

You May Also Find These Documents Helpful

  • Good Essays

    How Does Shakespeare Present Disturbed Characters?
    • 2160 Words
    • 9 Pages

    How Does Shakespeare Present Disturbed Characters?

    At the beginning of the play, Othello is considered as a very respectable man and is even referred to as a moor, which shows his strong authority. In Act 1 Scene 3 however, we find Othello in a council room in Venice in front of the Duke, senators and officers with a concern about his marriage with Desdemona. In this scene, Othello is a highly respected man who has been promoted to a high office, despite the prejudice he has encountered. In the court he states that he is not a good talker when he says ‘Rude am I in my speech’; which shows that he is an honest and valued man. However he is eloquent speaking in Iambic pentameter, and is in fact a great speaker. Throughout this scene, it is discovered that Othello and Desdemona had run away together to get married. Brabantio, whom is Desdemona’s father, does not approve of this, and accuses Othello of drugging his daughter and using witchcraft on her to make her fall in love with her. Brabantio makes many crude comments such as “Against all rules of nature, and must be driven to find out practices of cunning hell” and “Or with some dram, conjured to this effect, he wrought upon her” and “To fall in love with what she feared to look on”. All of those negative and hurtful comments are the accusations that Brabantio used against Othello. He states that there is no real love there, and that Othello has surely tricked Desdemona into loving him. However Othello is restraint and remains calm…

    • 2160 Words
    • 9 Pages
    Good Essays
    Read More
  • Good Essays

    Othello Act 5, Scene 2 Lines #338-356
    • 839 Words
    • 4 Pages

    Othello Act 5, Scene 2 Lines #338-356

    Despite having done his services to the state, he reveals his foolishness as someone who existed within and outside Venetian society giving rise to a series of contradictions. In line 342, he asks others to speak of him as he truly is being, “nothing extenuate, Nor set down aught in malice.” The first contradictory sentence reveals that he does not wish for his guilt to be lessened as suggested by the diction “extenuate.” Nor does he want be considered evil which he would feel ashamed for as Iago is the real villain in the play. Othello reveals in the next line that he has “loved not wisely, but too well” indicating that he was unable to convey the same amount of affection back to Desdemona as she had done to him. Othello’s love for Desdemona reveals a sensitive part of Othello despite his military background. It was Othello’s love for Desdemona, however, that acted as a catalyst to…

    • 839 Words
    • 4 Pages
    Good Essays
    Read More
  • Good Essays

    Othello and Related
    • 1507 Words
    • 7 Pages

    Othello and Related

    Discuss this statement, showing how composers of texts represent their ideas in relation to identity. In your response you must refer to Othello and one other related text.…

    • 1507 Words
    • 7 Pages
    Good Essays
    Read More
  • Better Essays

    Comparative Study Othello and O
    • 1249 Words
    • 5 Pages

    Comparative Study Othello and O

    In Shakespeare's Othello, the theme of jealous is evident throughout the play. Shakespeare uses techniques such as characterisation and imagery to illustrate this theme. By characterising his characters with jealousy, Shakespeare effectively emphasises the destructive power of jealousy, which corrupts the values of honour and trust. In Othello, the protagonist is characterised as a general who has a high social status, a man who is known as the "valiant," "more fail than black" moor and a respected member of the Venetian society. This is contrasted with the Moor towards the end of the tragedy, who is enraged with jealousy and utter disgust for Desdemona, even calling her an "Impudent strumpet!" Despite Desdemona's constant pleas of being innocent and faithful, Othello's mind becomes so corrupted by Iago that the once calm and honourable figure, seems to lose control of his mind, working himself up and…

    • 1249 Words
    • 5 Pages
    Better Essays
    Read More
  • Good Essays

    Jealousy in Othello
    • 635 Words
    • 3 Pages

    Jealousy in Othello

    Othello's jealousy against Desdemona is perhaps the strongest emotion incurred in the play. The jealousy he experiences turns him insane with rage, and he loses all ability to see reason. The first instance that instills doubt in Othello's mind is Brabantio's warning "Look to her, Moor, if thou hast eyes to see:/She has deceived her father, and may thee" (1.3.292-293). This early seed of doubt allows Iago to play on Othello's jealous nature, and concoct a plan to take advantage of Othello. Iago slowly leaks his poison into Othello and soon has the result he desires, Othello is overcome with jealousy. Othello continuously denies his jealousy, but it is apparent that he is losing his mind with the thought of Desdemona's unfaithfulness. He speaks to Iago saying "No Iago;/I'll see before I doubt; when I doubt, prove;/And on the proof, there is no more but this,--/Away at once with love or jealousy!" (3.3.189-192) The fact that he believes that his wife is unfaithful with only insinuations put forth by Iago shows the fact that he is prone to jealousy. Soon after, with Iago's "help" he believes to see undeniable proof that Desdemona is unfaithful with the loss of the handkerchief. Othello experiences jealousy so strong that he delves…

    • 635 Words
    • 3 Pages
    Good Essays
    Read More
  • Good Essays

    O and Othello Comparison
    • 929 Words
    • 4 Pages

    O and Othello Comparison

    Jealously is one of the main central ideas and is shown through many character but mainly Iago and Hugo and Othello and O. In act 4, scene 5 Othello goes into an eplileplsy fit after hearing the news that Cassio slept with Othello’s wife Desdemona and Othello has lost nearly all control of himself to his jealousy in the play. Nelson has recreated this scene into a Slam Dunk competition where Odin is high on cocaine and Hugo (Iago) has given him the misinformation that Desi (Desdemona) and Michael (Cassio) have been sleeping together. In the novel ‘Othello’, Othello strikes Desdemona in the company of Lodovico, a Venetian nobleman. This very action implies that Othello is so engrossed in his emotion that he simply does not care that other people can see his anger and subsequent violence towards his wife. In “O,” this concept has been magnified where Odin's violent actions do not occur in front of one person, but instead in front of an entire crowd of people. Also when Lodovico's see’s this he is surprised and Othello has to fix his actions “My lord, this would not be believed in Venice, / Though I should swear I saw't. `Tis very much; / Make her amends - she weeps” (4.1.236) During “O,” when Odin destroys the backboard and pushes the ball boy down, the crowd simply boos at him. Both responses are appropriate to the contexts they take place in, but both express displeasure at…

    • 929 Words
    • 4 Pages
    Good Essays
    Read More
  • Good Essays

    Othello: Religious Motifs
    • 1935 Words
    • 8 Pages

    Othello: Religious Motifs

    Relationships in which people allow themselves to be manipulated through their weaknesses are truly flawed and have a great potential for failure. These relationships can become tainted by jealousy and rumours nurtured by deceitful individuals. Such is the situation in Shakespeare’s Othello, which depicts the tragic downfall of an apparently perfect relationship. Shakespeare uses images of heaven in the beginning of the play to emphasize the seemingly flawless love between Othello and Desdemona. Furthermore, as the play progresses, the juxtaposition between heaven and hell is used to represent the manipulative powers of Iago over Othello revealing the weaknesses of Desdemona and Othello’s relationship. As a result, the twisted heaven and hell imagery used near the end of Othello reflects the eventual break down of Othello and Desdemona’s marriage. Thus, in Shakespeare’s Othello, the connotation of the religious motifs throughout are used to develop the idea that even the most loving couples have their flaws leaving them vulnerable to the destructive powers of jealousy brought on by the manipulative influences of others, resulting in suspicion and ultimately betrayal.…

    • 1935 Words
    • 8 Pages
    Good Essays
    Read More
  • Powerful Essays

    What Are John Owens Seven Deadly Sins
    • 1555 Words
    • 7 Pages

    What Are John Owens Seven Deadly Sins

    In Overcoming Sin and Temptation, John Owens presents the seven deadly sins or vices as a list originally used in early Christian teachings to educate and instruct followers concerning fallen man's tendency to sin. Proverbs 6:16-19 declares, “There are six things the LORD hates, seven that are detestable to him: 1) haughty eyes, 2) a lying tongue, 3) hands that shed innocent blood, 4) a heart that devises wicked schemes, 5) feet that are quick to rush into evil, 6) a false witness who pours out lies, and 7) a man who stirs up dissension among brothers.” According to Pope Gregory the Great in the 6th century, the seven deadly sins are as follows: pride, envy, gluttony, lust, anger, greed, and sloth. The traditional list of seven deadly sins…

    • 1555 Words
    • 7 Pages
    Powerful Essays
    Read More
  • Satisfactory Essays

    Othello, Why Did I Marry?
    • 371 Words
    • 2 Pages

    Othello, Why Did I Marry?

    Lies, insecurity and perhaps self-esteem are a driving force for Othello to question his reality. Othello’s judgment seems to be clouded by self doubt, for example, “By the world, I think my wife be honest and think she is not. I think that thou art just and think thou art not” (Act 3, 395). He knows that his wife is faithful but he is uncertain of that fact. This suggests that perhaps Othello is not as confident or perfect as he was deemed to be in act one, “If you do find me foul in her report […] Not only take away, but let your sentence even fall upon my life”( Act 1, 117). This showing of imperfection can only insinuate that reality sometimes may not be what we think it is because Othello had no slight doubt about Desdemona’s loyalty to him. His willingness to die if found guilty not only solidifies his courageous character but also hints the kind of man he is; firm believer of truth. Othello’s question reveals the insecurities and self doubt he has about himself. The question seems to be a paradox about his life because it is not directed to any one in particular or to anything to that matter. At surface level the question may be in conjunction to his marriage to Desdemona but it is not because it causes him to even question his own character, reputation and ultimately his beliefs. A lie forces Othello to see reality as non-existent because one moment Iago is a villain and next moment a dearest friend who becomes a lieutenant. This sudden disappearance of reality is a revelation to Othello’s weak self-esteem because he fears that “Desdemona’s infidelity” would devastate his reputation and therefore belittle him in the public eye, “Farewell! Othello’s occupation’s gone” (Act 3,365). Could it be that Othello’s biggest flaw is his alter ego? As he fears that his true colors are starting to be visible in the public eyes. In conclusion, it is not the present Othello is after with his question…

    • 371 Words
    • 2 Pages
    Satisfactory Essays
    Read More
  • Satisfactory Essays

    The Deceitfulness Of Desdemona In William Shakespeare's Othello
    • 265 Words
    • 2 Pages

    The Deceitfulness Of Desdemona In William Shakespeare's Othello

    Throughout the story the hearers of the play witness how the deceitfulness of the main character, Iago, toys with the mind of Othello, generally leading Othello into having the jealous thoughts towards his peers and an hateful heart towards his wife, Desdemona. At the beginning of the story, Othello makes it apparent to the other men in the story that he is okay with Desdemona’s independence, and is actually proud of that in her and makes it apparent that, her independance is a feature that attracted Othello to Desdemona. “ But to be free and bounteous to her mind; And heaven defend your good souls that you think I will you're serious and great business scant When she is with me” (Shakespeare 1.3.264-267). Through Othello’s passion in saying…

    • 265 Words
    • 2 Pages
    Satisfactory Essays
    Read More
  • Better Essays

    Examples Of Pride In Othello
    • 1140 Words
    • 5 Pages

    Examples Of Pride In Othello

    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…

    • 1140 Words
    • 5 Pages
    Better Essays
    Read More
  • Good Essays

    Bradley vs Leavis, Notes on Othello
    • 766 Words
    • 4 Pages

    Bradley vs Leavis, Notes on Othello

    Othello’s description of himself as, “one not easily jealous, but, being wrought, / Perplexed in extreme,” is perfectly just. His tragedy lies in this – that his whole nature was indisposed to jealousy, and yet was such that he was unusually open to deception, and, if once wrought to passion, likely to act with little reflection, with no delay, and in the most decisive manner conceivable.…

    • 766 Words
    • 4 Pages
    Good Essays
    Read More
  • Good Essays

    Control Of The Mind In Shakespeare's Othello
    • 351 Words
    • 2 Pages

    Control Of The Mind In Shakespeare's Othello

    Insecurities have a powerful effect on the human mind, and thats just what happened to Othello, he succumbed to his insecurities. Being a different race…

    • 351 Words
    • 2 Pages
    Good Essays
    Read More
  • Better Essays

    Theme Of Reputation In Othello
    • 1306 Words
    • 6 Pages

    Theme Of Reputation In Othello

    Coleridge in 1813 had quoted : “Othello does not kill Desdemona in Jealousy, but in a conviction forced upon him by the almost superhuman art of Iago, such a conviction as any man would and must have entertained who had believed Iago’s honest as Othello did.” From this statement, Coleridge suggests that it is not jealousy that is the driving force for Othello’s actions, but rather his insecurity of being black in a world that is not his own. His reputation is his pride which started to hinder when Iago pretends to be a well wisher and quotes “Nay, but he prated and spoke such scurvy and provoking terms against your honor.” Iago steals away to warn Othello that Brabantio has found out about the elopement and is coming after him. He feigns rage at the insulting words that Brabantio says about Othello.…

    • 1306 Words
    • 6 Pages
    Better Essays
    Read More
  • Satisfactory Essays

    Jealousy In Othello's Death
    • 398 Words
    • 2 Pages

    Jealousy In Othello's Death

    Before Othello’s death, he had spoken about how he does not want people to think that it was all in spite of jealousy. “Speak of me as I am. Nothing extenuate, nor set down aught in malice. Then must you speak of one that loved not wisely but too well-” (words reported by Lodovico) Othello did not want to be remembered as one…

    • 398 Words
    • 2 Pages
    Satisfactory Essays
    Read More

Related Topics