... in unbalanced relationships, feeling more for their self-centered men who appear unable to reciprocate. Nevertheless, these women display genuine feelings toward each other unlike any of the male-male friendships. Desdemona and Emilia are both married to career military soldiers. Newly wedded Desdemona is inexperienced (innocent) in the "real world" despite being raised by a prominent Venetian Senator. In contrast, Emilia ... other two male characters also mistreat their women. Cassio appears to have no real feelings for Bianca. He is a lady's man, and therefore cannot be concerned with...

• Word Count: 4504
• Approx Pages: 18

... seemed to be friends, but upon closer inspection their friendship is nothing more than an illusion. In truth the reality of their friendship coincides with something else; something in its true form, not friendship. Throughout the play their friendship is sufficiently discussed by William Shakespeare. Another wonderfully written literature, The Song of Roland, discusses friendship between two characters, Roland and Oliver ... in reality Iago is using him to seek revenge on Othello. Iago's jealousy of power and love consumes him into using his apparent friend for his own personal gain. I...

• Word Count: 1407
• Approx Pages: 6
• Grade Level: High School

... other characters are to some extent free in a sense they conceal hardly anything from each other, Iago progresses through the play with a mask. The mask he wears which hides his true form to the world is his only shield in keeping his identity concealed if he wants to remain honest to the unsuspecting. It is due to the art of keeping ... which bears a great weight on his shoulders which whilst is an attempt to retain his freedom, is keeping him enchained as well. The beauty of no-one knowing about Iago's true identity apart from the audience, creates a great deal of excitement for them ...

• Word Count: 1539
• Approx Pages: 6
• Grade Level: Undergraduate

... play, with the enemy disappearing by themselves. This simplistic view does not help him in matters of the heart. His marriage is based on tall tales and pity and his friendships are never examined; he thinks that anyone who knows him love him. Thus the ultimate evaluation of Othello must be that, although he leads well and means well, he lacks ... do with his power: "Do you go back dismayed? / Man but a rush against Othello's breast / and he retires." Giving up is hardly Othello's style, but this is how a noble and true man should react when he has mistakenly killed his wife. However, O...

• Word Count: 1266
• Approx Pages: 5
• Grade Level: High School

... effeteness, a super-refinement entailing pusillanimity (162). Iago is cynical and obsessed with his own personal gain. His manipulative and spiteful behavior leads to the thirst for revenge, the betrayal of friendships, and the destruction of love. However, does Shakespeare intentionally populate his play with two main characters? According to Geoffrey, "Shakespeare runs the risk of confusing the allegiance of the audience ... sure of it was your wife's - did I today see Cassio wipe his beard with" (3.3.496-498). Othello accepts the proof at face value and believes the scandalous affair...

• Word Count: 1786
• Approx Pages: 7
• Has Bibliography