... are the reasons behind all the sinister plans.In order to examine these motivations, I plan to explore the following passages and soliloquies: (1) Who Othello, Cassio, Iago and Desdemona are at the beginning of the play. (2) What are the relationships between them. (3) How Iago gets angry and alliances ... with the result. Iago, in order to express his dissatisfactory of not being promoted, he plots his evil plan to frame Othello and Cassio. Othello's bestial behavior is also shown in the play where his jealousy transforms into hatred and he kills his wife, Desdemona. This ... supports m...

• Word Count: 1146
• Approx Pages: 5
• Has Bibliography
• Grade Level: High School

... wooed my lady, Know of your love?" or by muttering under his breath, "Ha, I like not that," when Cassio visits Desdemona. Iago warns Othello, "Look to your wife, observe her well with Cassio." Shakespeare intensifies Iago's manipulative techniques as he begins to use words like "cuckhold," personifying animalistic ... an animalistic, malicious monster who uses Iago's bestial vocabulary. While one can consider Iago the sole cause of Othello's downfall, cause can also be found within Othello himself. It is Othello's intrinsic internal flaws of jealousy, naivety, inability to judge charact...

• Word Count: 854
• Approx Pages: 3
• Grade Level: Undergraduate

... highly insecure and he is heavily manipulated by Iago, whose plotting and scheming creates the central conflict, which arises from his Machievellian actions. Iago uses Othello's otherness to his advantage and gains Othello's trust as a respectable ancient. Othello is vulnerable due to his insecurity in his relationship with Desdemona and his ever-present violent and misogynistic nature, he turns to Iago for help ... 's death and at the end of the film when the tragedy has subsided. Desdemona sings the "Willow Song" in an indirect way, she faces the eventual possibility that Othello is go...

• Word Count: 944
• Approx Pages: 4
• Grade Level: Undergraduate

... , tragic. They all seem to have the same endings. His tragedies all end in some tremendous catastrophe resulting in death. In dramas like Othello, there are certain things the author uses to add tension and suspense, hinting at events to come in the story. Foreshadowing is commonly used ... to believe the stories he was being told by Iago. But after overhearing a conversation between Cassio and Iago, he was convinced. Ever since, Othello went from loving Desdemona to hating just the thought of her. Desdemona notices the change in her husband, but doesn't think anything of it. ... happy; ...

• Word Count: 1156
• Approx Pages: 5
• Grade Level: High School

... is a driving force by involving jealousy, trust and pride in this classic tragedy. Jealousy is a key factor that appears to destroy Othello. Another aspect that love is a driving force is the trust that Othello had in "honest Iago". Finally, Othello's pride clouds his judgment about what is right and therefore he murders his beloved wife, Desdemona. Love was a driving force that ... the Senate at the request of the Duke. He regards Iago "A man he is of honesty and trust" (Othello, 1.3). Othello continued to entrust Iago with responsibilities, including escorting his wife to Cyprus .Iago...

• Word Count: 517
• Approx Pages: 2
• Grade Level: High School

... trust under influences of deception, the nature of pride to be replaced by irrational jealousy and how love is vulnerable to societal influences. Because of these messages, 'Othello' remains relevant to readers through time and age. Through Iago's foul play and deceptive conduct, Shakespeare demonstrates how duplicity fosters misplaced trust and subsequently abuses the innocent. ... I challenge that I may profess due to the Moor my lord' in defence against Brabantio's anger demonstrates how the patriarchal expectations of the Elizabethan context strengthens her faith in Othello. How...

• Word Count: 1031
• Approx Pages: 4
• Grade Level: Graduate

... the women of her time, challenging the unuttered bounds of her patriarchal society. These anomalies all form part to the theme of difference that is core to this Shakespearian tragedy. Othello's different racial background displaces him within the societal sphere of his career. His Moorish roots elicit skepticism to his capital position in the Italian military, however it is indubitable that ... before I would drown myself for the love of a female bird," epitomising prejudice to women in the patriarchal context of the play. His relationship with Emilia is entirely polar to Othello and D...

• Word Count: 1213
• Approx Pages: 5
• Grade Level: Undergraduate

... transformation. It is these aspects of his character, along with the circumstances of the play and Iago's Machiavellian manipulations, that ultimately bring about Othello's demise. Othello's insecurity, in particular about his African origins and his relationship with Desdemona, is an element of his character that contributes to his transformation from ... places great importance on his reputation and is proud of his standing within the community. It is this strong sense of pride that causes Othello to react so radically when he believes that Desdemona has been unfaithful. Instead of con...

• Word Count: 1190
• Approx Pages: 5
• Grade Level: High School

... a single flaw; naiveté, jealousy and pride, are universal relationship issues that allow individuals to empathise with. The inability to discern facades from reality finally results in moral degradation for Othello. The Elizabethan era leading into the Jacobean era was a period of espionage and deceit due to the political turmoil caused by the heirless throne. The pure universal trait naiveté ... ; in human nature is first exposed through the characterization 'The Moor is of a free and open nature' spoken in Iago's soliloquy foreshadows potential exploitation as Othello is too...

• Word Count: 981
• Approx Pages: 4
• Grade Level: Undergraduate

... reader by a deceitful Iago. Convincing Rodrigo, other characters and perhaps the reader that their love could only be the result of some spell cast by Othello to usurp her love. Iago spins on his web of deceit. Desdemona's love is not true. It is the result of some magic. Twisting ... reality Iago convinces them and the result is death. The story begins. Branbanzio confronts Othello. " .O thou foul thief, where hast thou stowed my daughter? Dammed as thou art, thou hast enchanted her, for I"ll refer me to all things ... involuntary reaction to the situations. Maybe if he says what he thi...

• Word Count: 883
• Approx Pages: 4
• Grade Level: High School

... thing about him did not change however: his love for Desdemona. As in all Shakespearian tragedies, however, the main character has one fatal flaw. In the case of Othello, this flaw also happened to be his love for Desdemona, but it is the love of a jealous man. Due to his love, and the deception of Iago, ... life to her, and, as he puts it, "She loved me for the dangers I had passed, and I loved her that she did pity them." When Othello arrives in Cyprus, he brings good news of the Turkish fleet, but then his main attention returns to Desdemona. He spouts that her being there is the grea...

• Word Count: 856
• Approx Pages: 3
• Grade Level: High School

... third characteristic is a moment of self-realisation or self-awareness and the last characteristic is that the fall of the hero results in death. Othello is portrayed as a well-respected citizen within the Venetian society. He can be seen as an intelligent and heroic military leader whose skill is ... iii, 286). He has been given full martial and political command of Cyprus and is a figure of high standing and esteem within the Venetian community. Othello's flaw or weakness lies in his hubris, or exaggerated pride in himself, and he continually refers to it saying "Let [Brabantio] do his...

• Word Count: 1159
• Approx Pages: 5
• Grade Level: High School

... make him what he is. Act 3 Scene 3 line 265 "haply for I am black and, and have not those soft parts of conversation that chamberers have ." Othello believes that he has done everything correctly till that point in time and consequently takes pride in this. His reputation is pristine, and as a result is well respected ... exactly how he played it; he mixed around with the moor's emotions and planted a seed that evolved into a deadly weed. It was the thought in Othello that Desdemona would prefer a man other than him, and do it so openly with no fear of the outcome that terrified him the ...

• Word Count: 1081
• Approx Pages: 4
• Grade Level: High School

... must understand him as a tragic hero with both greatness and weakness. A tragic hero is the main character in a play that takes a downfall or is ruined during the play. Undoubtedly, Othello is ruined during the course of this Shakespearean drama. In the beginning of the play his life is in order, as he was married to the beautiful Desdemona, the younger ... I love the gentle Desdemona, I would not my unhoused free condition put into circumscription and confine for the seas" worth," Othello said when referring to his affection and true feelings for Desdemona. Othello was very remarkable...

• Word Count: 462
• Approx Pages: 2
• Grade Level: High School

... to judge the character of others and because of Macbeth's inability to judge Lady Macbeth's character caused his downfall. In Shakespeare's Othello, the characters of Othello and Cassio greatly contribute to their own downfalls. Iago sets up a treacherous trap and they fall into it. Cassio assists in ... In fact he was a very violent drunk. During his drunkenness, he gets into an altercation with Montano, whom he wounds very badly. Hearing the fight, Othello leaves his wedding bed to investigate. He is appalled by Cassio's foolish and rash behavior, and removes him from the position of l...

• Word Count: 692
• Approx Pages: 3
• Grade Level: High School

... love and strength by also standing up to Brabantio and exclaiming love for Othello. In the dark was hidden Iago, a man under Othello's command who believed he needed revenge on Othello. He had an evil plot to find Othello's flaw and abuse it to make Othello bring himself to defeat. Iago causes Othello to turn against his wife, and have jealous rages that caused her much ... Desdemona, I would not my unhoused free condition put into circumscription and confine for theseas" worth," Othello said when referring to his affection and true feelings for Desdemona. Othello's love for Desdemona was...

• Word Count: 574
• Approx Pages: 2
• Grade Level: High School

... Iago. However, as the first scene progresses the tone and implications of Iago's speech become darker and more menacing, as he reveals that "I follow [Othello] to serve my turn upon him". The audience becomes aware of the fact that Iago may not be who he is first perceived to be as they ... spoken warning, "I am not what I am". Indeed, as the first act unfolds Iago begins to reveal the malevolence of his character and his deep hatred for Othello, "Now sir, be judge yourself/ Whether I in any just term am affined/ To love the Moor". Iago's intrigues are carefully planned and expertly per...

• Word Count: 799
• Approx Pages: 3
• Grade Level: Undergraduate

... can either control lives or be controlled. Let loose, these tendencies can cause both happiness and death without notice. In William Shakespeare's Othello, Othello's nature and personality make him an easy target for Iago's villainy. The nature of trust is the act of putting all faith in someone to ... , to speak the truth Shall nothing wrong him. This it is, general (II, iii, 214-217) Shakespeare uses harsh, graphic images to naturally make Othello believe Iago. If someone is willing to have their tongue cut from their mouth, then they must be telling the truth. Shakespeare also uses som...

• Word Count: 536
• Approx Pages: 2
• Grade Level: High School

... said he wanted it. Iago then placed the handkerchief in Cassio's room to make him look guilty. Also, throughout the play, it seemed that Othello was the only one who didn't know the truth. Shakespeare uses situational irony well to make the story more interesting. The verbal irony in this ... novel can sometimes be humorous because of how ironic it is. The most essential part of dramatic irony in the story is Iago. Othello often said things that were actually the opposite of Iago: "O, thou art wise! (IV.I.87), "Honest Iago . . . "(V.II.88), (II.III.179) ... is innocent. Along with this...

• Word Count: 738
• Approx Pages: 3
• Grade Level: High School

... loved her that she did pity them"(I.III.342). The relationship was built on an unstable foundation which leads to disaster. Desdemona's love for Othello is based on his past and stories. She does not try to uncover his present. There was never stable communication between the two. As shown ... there marriage was a wrong decision and decides to try and correct it by using her submissive manners. She naively believes that by doing whatever Othello wants, she will be saving the marriage and proving everyone wrong. "As shown in the scene where he beats her, "I will not stay ... decision mar...

• Word Count: 751
• Approx Pages: 3
• Grade Level: High School

... of his gullibility in the play. How could the author of a book depict the hero of this book in a racist way? Throughout the early parts of the play Othello was only referred to as "he", "The Moor", and "his Moorship" by Iago, Roderigo, and Brabantio, the three "bad guys" of the play. They also ... "the bad guys" and the audience isn't suppose to agree with what they say. By having these three men describe Othello in such a way, Shakespeare is telling the audience "since these guys despise Othello so much, Othello is good, and anything they say about him is biased because their evil". Th...

• Word Count: 670
• Approx Pages: 3
• Grade Level: High School

... third characteristic is a moment of self-realisation or self-awareness and the last characteristic is that the fall of the hero results in death. Othello is portrayed as a well-respected citizen within the Venetian society. He can be seen as an intelligent and heroic military leader whose skill is ... iii, 286). He has been given full martial and political command of Cyprus and is a figure of high standing and esteem within the Venetian community. Othello's flaw or weakness lies in his hubris, or exaggerated pride in himself, and he continually refers to it saying "Let [Brabantio] do his...

• Word Count: 1078
• Approx Pages: 4
• Grade Level: High School

... other characters. For example, a senator remarks here comes Brabantio and the valiant Moor' (I, iii, 47) upon his entrance. The Duke himself also goes on to describe Othello as valiant Othello'. (I, iii, 48) As a military man, Othello exhibits great dignity and self-control as he refuses to retreat before Brabantio. Furthermore, he treats Brabantio with respect and patience despite being accused as a thief' (I, ii ... regains the respect from those around him as a man who was great of heart', according to Cassio. (V, ii, 360) The murder of one's wife could be considered a monstrous act,...

• Word Count: 1048
• Approx Pages: 4
• Grade Level: High School

... was from happiness and love, to unhappiness and distrust. He was superior over every other man as a heroic soldier and he was very well respected by everyone. Othello, a black Moor, has spent his life as a soldier and become a general in the army of Venice, Italy. He was a citizen who was respected ... man. He was jealous of Cassio, because he thought he was having an affair with his wife, Desdemona. Othello trusted Iago, an ensign to Othello. Although they were close, Othello should have been wiser. Othello's flaw was his trusting nature. He trusted Iago when he should have not, and ir...

• Word Count: 650
• Approx Pages: 3
• Grade Level: High School

... questions her chastity, as well as, having an uncomfortable intercourse with Desdemona. A scene more painful than a murder. (Bradley,415) Iago is the most complex and interesting psychological study in the Othello.(Rowse,268) It is often said that Iago, who villainy causes the whole tragedy, is an incarnation of pure evil, without motivation. This is not true; he has several motives ... the sight of happiness in anyone. Captured in an unhappy marriage without intercourse, yet envious of the pleasure it brings to others. (Rowse,268) He is also upset because General Othello names Cassio l...

• Word Count: 914
• Approx Pages: 4
• Has Bibliography
• Grade Level: High School