The theme of suffering can come in numerous varieties; under categories both physical and emotional. Suffering is presented as a key concept in ‘Othello’, ‘Wuthering Heights’ and ‘One flew over the Cuckoo’s Nest’. All three texts explore many aspects of suffering in parts, however the most obvious and concentrated facet leans towards the psychological aspect rather then the physical side. In the three chosen texts many of the characters suffer from some sort of emotional trauma. Psychological suffering and distress is a major topic in all three chosen texts as the authors use this ailment in order to drive the storyline forward, invoke pathos and ultimately decide a characters fate. In this essay I will look at all types of suffering explored in the texts; closely studying how each character copes individually and looking at their experiences during their period of torment.
The majority of the main characters in this all three texts suffer mentally and emotionally at some point in their own way. Psychological suffering is a prominent aspect in Shakespeare’s Othello. The most obvious character that falls into this category is Othello. The celebrated Moorish general is infatuated with the lady Desdemona; a love so great that it should transcend cultural and social differences, but instead it leaves them defenceless before the deadly intrigues of the vengeful Iago. Through the constant manipulation from Iago, Othello becomes the paranoid figure we see for the majority of the play. Iago persuades Othello that his beloved has been ‘cuckolding’ with the character Cassio. Iago expertly conducts this act in a sly manner, being coy with his answers to Othello’s questioning, which automatically sparks off Othello’s suspicions and the irremovable essence of doubt.
Like Iago is the main instigator to Othello’s psychological suffering, in One flew over the cuckoo’s