Shakespeare introduces Othello in the first half of the play as “valiant” and “noble” (qtd)‚ where the adjectives of courage and moral principles deter the Elizabethan notion that black people are treacherous and villainous (qtd). To add to that‚ the Duke of Venice “straight employ[s] [Othello] against the general enemy Ottoman” (1.3.49-50). Here The preposition “against” directs Othello’s martial body as the hero in Venetian society rather than the enemy for now. The respect for Othello as a black general
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believe ridiculous lies. Since Iago was an external force‚ which created an internal force in Othello‚ to which he responded by murdering his wife. Once jealousy entered Othello’s mind‚ it consumed him and devoured all rational thought within him‚ causing Othello to commit murder‚ which is deemed by the general society to be morally questionable. It destroys him‚ causing him to physically collapse. By now Othello is completely blinded by jealousy causing him to loathe Desdemona. To him she must die “else
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Themes in Shakespeare’s Othello Throughout Shakespeare’s play‚ Othello‚ there are many themes interwoven to describe the author’s perspective of the true nature of a man’s soul. Three themes critical to the play are doubt versus trust‚ monstrous imagery and the fallible love of man. One central theme of the play is the major contrast of doubt versus trust. For whatever reason‚ Othello’s trust of Desdemona is too weak to resist Iago’s accusations. As happens in many of Shakespeare’s works‚ miscommunication
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how their city and country is discriminated. Throughout both plays “Othello” and “The merchant of Venice” they face many obstacles including racial and religious discrimination. In “The merchant of Venice”‚ Antonio‚ a wealthy man‚ discriminates Shylock who lends them money. To compare‚ In “Othello”‚ Iago who serves for Othello does not like him because he didn’t get the promotion he thought he deserved. During the play Othello is racially discriminated mostly by Iago. Shylock is a Jewish moneylender
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******** ******** 3/14/12 Period 7 Topic 1 Othello is one of the many plays by William Shakespeare. It tells the story of the tragic love life of the valiant Moor‚ Othello. It shows how he changes; starting from greatness and respect‚ he is tricked by Iago in to being cruel and hating. Many people assume the basis of the story is Othello’s life and that because the play is called Othello that he is the protagonist. The actual protagonist though is the supposed antagonist‚ Iago. Iago
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OTHELLO ESSAY “O‚ beware‚ my lord‚ of jealousy! / It is the green-eyed monster‚ which doth mock/ The meat it feeds on” (Shakespeare III. iii. 195-197). Everyone has the capacity for jealousy. It can change how people think as well as how they act. In the play Othello by William Shakespeare‚ jealousy is nurtured within the minds of multiple characters‚ and this jealousy is what ignites the want to make multiple misconceptions arise in order to create havoc and inflict suffering upon others and
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appear to be‚ few really know who you are.” To put this quote in context‚ Machiavelli was instructing a prince to appear to be a trustworthy and merciful guy and then to be prepared to act in a manner contrary to the appearance. Iago from the play Othello‚ employs this exact strategy--appearing to be an honest man only to use this good reputation to get what he wants. Throughout the play‚ Iago capitalizes on the gullibleness of others and his reputation as a righteous individual. Whether it be a poor
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Othello begins on a street in Venice‚ in the midst of an argument between Roderigo‚ a rich man‚ and Iago. Roderigo has been paying Iago to help him in his suit to Desdemona. But Roderigo has just learned that Desdemona has married Othello‚ a general whom Iago begrudgingly serves as ensign. Iago says he hates Othello‚ who recently passed him over for the position of lieutenant in favor of the inexperienced soldier Michael Cassio. Unseen‚ Iago and Roderigo cry out to Brabanzio that his daughter
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happened to Othello are due to him giving into gossip and being gullible. Othello was a commendable military leader which made it surprising that such a strong military leader would let gossip without validity become his downfall. The events which prompted Othello’s collapse stemmed from Iago. He had deep rooted hatred towards Othello and wanted to destroy him. The villain Iago came up with an evil scheme to reveal to Othello that his wife Desdemona had an affair on him. Iago knew that Othello was
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The Beast in Shakespeare’s “Othello” "What is left when honor is lost?" This question‚ asked by Publilius Syrus‚ a known writer of the Ancient Rome during the times of Caesar‚ serves as a basis for the struggle between Othello and Iago. Both men are engaged in a battle over Othello’s honor. Iago is intent on destroying Othello’s sense of honor and reducing him to a bestial state. Iago views Othello as a beast masquerading in warrior’s dress. He wants to return Othello to what he believes to be his
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