Abstract This paper considers the possible reasons for the demise of Othello in Shakespeare's play of the same name and questions whether it was the predictable unwinding of a man under the duress of war, removal from his home, and the conniving of an infamous enemy, or whether his end was just an extension of his own jealousy, and could have been easily circumnavigated were it not for a series of poorly timed events which served to feed that jealousy. The paper explores both possible explanations and concludes that Othello has no one to blame but himself.
From the Paper 'Instead, he falls silent, as if to stop the spiral of jealousy-inspired madness that has dominated the entirety of the play. Iago, the villain mastermind, would be instead the victim who was taking out revenge on a friend who had betrayed him, and not intrinsically responsible for Othello's actions. By falling silent, and keeping his suspicions to himself, he accepts his fate. This is a typical set up by Shakespeare, because only we know of Iago's intent, from the monologue in Act II, to bring about Othello's demise because of his suspected infidelity."
Abstract The paper takes a close look at Desdemona's character in Shakespeare's "Othello," showing that she is partially responsible for the tragic events that occur in the play. The author challenges the accepted view that Othello lead to his own downfall. The paper describes Desdemona as a naive victim and cites this naivete as preventing her from standing up to Othello, and leading to the plays tragic outcome.
From the Paper "Desdemona's naivete is first seen when she defends Othello to her father. She describes her love for Othello saying, "I saw Othello's visage in his mind, / And to his honour and his valiant parts / Did I my soul and fortunes consecrate" (I,iii). This statement is made as part of a romantic speech where Desdemona describes the greatness of Othello. This shows a level of naivete because Desdemona is only able to see the goodness in Othello. A good comparison can be made by comparing the Duke of Venice's view of Othello. He too, shows that he has a lot of respect for Othello and refers to him as valiant. This respect is based on Othello as a soldier and he is considered brave and valiant. However, this respect does not extend to seeing Othello as a good husband. This is why the Duke of Venice is not easily convinced that Othello and Desdemona's relationship is acceptable. This shows that the Duke of Venice does respect Othello but also sees him realistically and does not consider him perfect. In contrast, Desdemona speaks of Othello as if he is perfect. She can only see the goodness in Othello and is not able to see his faults."
An analysis of the character flaws that lead to calamitous falls of Othello and Oedipus in Sophocles' "Oedipus the King" and William Shakespeare's"Othello".
1,125 words (approx. 4.5 pages), 2 sources, 2006, $ 44.95
Abstract This paper discusses Oedipus's and Othello's character flaws or weakness in the two plays, Sophocles' "Oedipus the King" and William Shakespeare's"Othello". The paper describes the two plays as classic dramatic tragedies, in the sense that the audience experiences fear and pity as they witness the hero undergo a huge and disastrous change. It then suggests that in both plays one crucial reason for this calamitous fall is character flaws or weaknesses in the protagonists, Oedipus and Othello.
From the Paper "Discuss Oedipus's and Othello's character flaws or weaknesses Sophocles' Oedipus the King and Shakespeare's Othello are two plays with much in common. Both are classic dramatic tragedies, in the sense that the audience experiences fear and pity as they witness the hero undergo a huge and disastrous change. Moreover, in both plays one crucial reason for this calamitous fall is character flaws or weaknesses in the protagonists, Oedipus and Othello. This paper will examine and compare the character flaws and weaknesses of these two protagonists. Both plays begin with their protagonist in a very good position."
Abstract This paper attempts to establish the character Othello in Shakespeare's Othello as a classic tragic hero as defined by Aristotle. The paper gives the various theories of Aristotle as found in his 'Poetics' related to tragedy and tragic hero.
Abstract This essay compares the characters of Iago, from "Othello", with Krogstad in "A Doll's House". These two men play significant roles in destroying a marriage; however, the results of their involvement are different. Iago ruins Othello and instigates the murder of Othello's wife. Krogstad inadvertently liberates Nora from her marriage so that she is free to leave her unhappy life. While both Iago and Krogstad are secondary characters, they play primary roles in effecting a dramatic change in the outcome of the plays.
Abstract This paper discusses the submissive victim role played by Desdemona in 'Othello' by William Shakespeare, and how it is the central aspect of Othello's demise. She is privately inquisitive as to why Othello is angered at her, but she cannot properly stand up to her husband and fend off the allegations set against her by Iago. This provides the various episodes of jealousy and rage that will culminate in the destruction of their marriage.
From the Paper "In this drama study, the character Desdemona in Othello by William Shakespeare will be analyzed for her various submissive roles as the wife of Othello. In many ways, she does portray a victim role, as she is clearly unaware of the seriously necessity to confront her husband. Although she is at once penetrating in her thoughts about her husband inwardly, she does not publicly surmise the danger of her husband's anger throughout much of the play. In essence, Desdemona is a submissive victim role character that cannot reveal the plot set against her by the vicious Iago. "
Abstract Explores the accessibility of William Shakespeares play Othello through its incisive exploration of human instincts, and rich character base. In particular focusing on the character of Othello as a social "outsider", and the character of "absolute egoism" - Iago.
From the Paper "William Shakespeare is often acknowledged for his rich development of character and his insights into social and moral concerns as well as human nature. In early seventeenth century his ability to analyze human nature and bring it to a theatrical setting was at its height and it was at this time that he produced Othello among other great tragedies. Othello is notable for its portrayal of characters, especially lago and Othello and the incisive observations it makes of human instincts. It is the strong character base and its timeless observations of human nature that make Othello accessible to an audience in any time or place."
Abstract This paper explains how Shakespeare uses the soliloquy in Act 2 ,Scene 3, lines 335-362, in "Othello" to demonstrate to the audience Iago's nature and to provide insight into his character. It shows how, in this scene, Iago reveals a devious plot that involves three other characters in the play with the intention on destroying two of them, Othello and Cassio. The third, Desdemona, is secondary, and her function for him is only as a vessel to carry his plan into action.
From the Paper "By content alone, one may deduce that Igao lacks strong character and a high moral value. It is difficult to believe that a character with a strong sense of morality would hatch such a plot, regardless of the circumstances that causes Iago's actions. We know that the circumstances that fuel his motivation certainly do not warrant this type of action by Igao. But for argument's sake, even if the circumstances were different and Iago was not fueled entirely by jealousy, his obvious lack of respect for the other characters? well being provides strong clues into understanding the type of character he is."
Abstract This paper examines the nature of the main characters Othello and Iago as complexly limited tragic figures in and of themselves. It also looks at the interaction between the two of them and how the contrast between their motivations and their actions, dictates the action of the play.
From the Paper "Othello is one of Shakespeare's most compelling plays whether it is reader seen on stage because of the nature of the main characters This work boasts not only one tragically drawn character but two Moreover not only are Othello and Iago both characters ..."
Abstract This paper analyzes the character of Othello and looks at how his obsession with his reputation leads to his downfall.
From the Paper "A major theme in Othello is that characters become so caught up in defending and protecting their reputation that they lose their powers of reason and common sense. This essay will discuss how the central topic of reputation and appearance is developed into this theme by the use of setting and characters. "
Abstract The author of this paper traces the subject of love through many Shakespeare works. Sonnets and plays are examined. The author then puts an emphasis on Othello and includes lavish quotes from the play in an attempt to describe love's role in the action and characters.
From the Paper "Other than in Romeo and Juliet, which is a romantic tragedy, love plays a part in Othello more than in any of Shakespeare's other tragedies. Othello and Desdemona are presumed to be in love. Roderigo chases after the love of Desdemona. Iago is jealous of the love between Othello and Desdemona and Iago's plots are all based on proving to Othello that Desdemona and Cassio are in love. Although love clearly plays a large role in the play, it is debatable whether this love is true love. This is especially true for the love between Othello and Desdemona. In order to determine what Shakespeare intended their love to be perceived as, it is possible to look at how Shakespeare has defined true love in other works. According to his definition, clearly Othello's love for Desdemona is not true love, however; Desdemona's love for Othello, is indeed true love that remains unbroken throughout the play."
Abstract This paper analyzes the role of Iago in Shakespeare's "Othello". The author examines the character's behavior throughout the play and looks at the way his character influences events in the play.
From the Paper "In act 3, scene 3 of Shakespeare's Othello, Iago has begun his attack on fortress Othello by planting the seeds of jealousy in his head, and by acting as nothing more than the caring friend who seems to be genuinely worried about Othello. He works up Othello to the point where Othello is interested in his thoughts, and then when asked as to what he is holding from him, Iago says "Utter my thoughts" Why, say they are vile and false? (3.3.159-60). By this he seems to Othello as a friend who is holding back information from him, someone who is worried about Othello's well being."
Abstract This paper examines the characters in the play "Othello," and discusses many of the reasons for betrayal and deceit between the characters. Through the unraveling of the plot, issues such as infidelity, jealously, and loyalty are detailed by the author.
From the Paper "In Act IV-scene 3, Emilia and Desdemona are alone in Desdemona's room engulfed in an intimate talk on infidelity. Desdemona tells Emilia that she doesn?t believe there is such a woman who would betray her husband. Emilia responds, "Yes, a dozen; and as many to th" vantage as would store the world they played for. But I do think it is their husbands? faults if wives do fall.? This is no doubt the opinion of a woman who has been married to a man such as Iago. To Iago, love is only lust. Even hiswife sees this in his character. He treats her no better than any character in the play. She admits to Desdemona that she would betray her husband, undoubtedly due to her husband's lack of loyalty. The true nature of their relationship can be seen in Act V-scene 2, here Emilia finally betrays her husband and tells Othello and the others of Iago's scheme."
Abstract This paper reviews William Shakespeare's tragic play, "Othello" through character analysis and descriptions of the play. The paper is a lively summary of the play, spiced with quotes from the theatrical play.
From the Paper "William Shakespeare's tragic play, Othello, pits an outsider ? Othello, a Muslim, black, war hero ? against a villainous, cunning European, Iago. The play opens in Venice, a city of law, order and high culture, with the recent marriage of Othello to Desdemona, a beautiful, white, European woman. Their marriage has stirred controversy in Venetian society, for it was both uncommon and somewhat scandalous for a white woman to marry a black man. Iago, the antagonist of the tragedy, jarred by the recent advancement of Cassio to lieutenant, a position that he believed rightfully belonged to himself, determines to destroy Othello's marriage and wreak havoc on his life. However, the setting transforms quickly to the island of Cyprus where Othello is newly stationed, placing him out of his secure environment and aligning him for Iago's successful manipulation of his marriage. "
Tags:othello, william, shakespeare, character, analysis, theatre, english, tragic, literature
Abstract "Othello" is tragic story whose action when viewed through the perspective of human relations can be seen as result of the racial issues that fester in the minds of the characters.
