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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Othello is the protagonist of the play; he is a highly respected general of the Venetian army. Othello is not a Venetian though; he is a moor‚ which means he is from North Africa. This puts Othello in a very unusual position; he is one of the most important people in the Venetian army and very respected but is also an outsider because he is a black man. I perceive Othello’s character at this point in the play to be Naïve‚ honorable and honest; he really has nothing to hide. His naïveté’s will cause
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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;
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The Dimensions of Othello the Tragic Hero How does one define a “tragic hero?” Aristotle illustrates such a character as an overall great person with very noble traits‚ but one who is not perfect. Many will look up to these tragic heroes; however each hero will have a specific flaw. This “tragic flaw” will ultimately lead to that character’s downfall. Also‚ these characters will often have the abilities to both recognize their tragic flaws in the end and also connect with the audience in some way
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racism provides the background for Othello’s first appearance. For Iago Othello is "an old black ram" (I.i.88)‚ "the devil" (I.i.91)‚ and a "Barbary horse" (I.i.lll); the consum-mation of his marriage is a making of "the beast with two backs" (I.i.115-16). Roderigo‚ who shares Iago’s disgust‚ speaks of Desde-mona’s "gross
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Violence in Othello In William Shakespeare’s Othello violence can be found in several different ways. Violence can be expressed physically‚ mentally‚ and verbally. This tragic play shows how jealousy and envy can overpower a person’s mind and lead them to wreak havoc on others. Not only does this story give many different examples of violence‚ it displays how mental violence can promote physical violence‚ and continues on in that cycle. Mental promotes physical which ultimately leads back to
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Amber Murray Shakespeare Film Questionnaire The title refers the main character Othello‚ therefore the movie is self titled. The main characters in the movie are Othello‚ Iago‚ Desdemona‚ Cassio‚ Emilia‚ Roderigo‚ and Brabanzio. Othello is the well-respected protagonist of the film. Othello is also the protagonist/hero. He is the general of the army of Venice and is well respected by his fellow citizens. He is easy victimized because of his age‚ position in society and his race. Iago is Othello’s
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Jealousy is described as feelings of resentment against someone because of that person ’s rivalry‚ success‚ or advantages. It plays a very large role in Shakespeare’s “Othello”. Jealousy is the fire that motivates Iago and clouds Othello’s judgment‚ leading to the downfall of both men. Iago is extremely jealous of Cassio because of his position in the army. “Iago‚ a Venetian soldier of so good reputation that he is known to everyone as “honest Iago”‚ feels bitterly and deeply that he has
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What is the play about? Othello themes include: * Jealousy (the sexual jealousy of Othello‚ and Iago’s professional envy of Cassio * Appearance versus reality (including honesty/dishonesty‚ loyalty/disloyalty) * Reputation * Public versus private concerns * Racism (including notions of alienation and belonging) Cultural materialist – Argues the play offers a subversive critique of the social and political beliefs of Shakespeare’s time e.g. racism and sexism seen as
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III. Evaluate Shakespeare’s representation of Iago as central to an understanding of the text Othello. Othello by William Shakespeare is a tragedy that depicts the fall of an honourable man through the deliberate deception and manipulation of a dishonourable man. The play describes the protagonist Othello’s disintegration and the tragic consequences of his moral deterioration. In the tragedy Othello‚ Shakespeare develops themes of trust and betrayal and employs dramatic conventions such as irony
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