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Introduction

Othello Essay Othello, the noble Moor of the Venetian state, is the plays protagonist and is of central focus throughout the course of the play. Othello is powerful character by nature and uses his hierarchal position as the general of the armies of Venice to rule with pride and integrity, all those close to him are respectful of his status and are humbly invigorated by his stature as a warrior. The extent of Othello's importance to the Venetian army , with which he holds true with firm allegiance, is first supported by his arch enemy and antagonist, Iago, who mutters: "With safety cast him". (I.i.147). Clearly Othello has some influence as military character and further more his capabilities as a warrior are trusted by his fellow colleagues. ...read more.

Middle

(I.iii.381). Additionally , there is a concurrent motif prevalent in the play in relation to sight or apparent blindness. When Iago reputedly reports Cassio wiping his beard with the handkerchief he gave to Desdemona as a symbol of their undying love, out of revulsion Othello demands "ocular proof" as evidence of this calamitous act. (III.iii.442-444). Othello has a tendency to make premature assumptions about things he has not yet seen and tends to act irrationally when faced with a decision of dire circumstance. His quickness to react, often with ill consideration exposes his susceptibility to be manipulated by the truth, and often plays into the hands f Iago. Othello, uses the words: "Rude am I... set phrase of peace" to indicate his unsophisticated, simplistic reasoning associated with a stereotypical warrior and is in stark contrast to the shrewd, devious and overbearing nature of his adversary Iago. ...read more.

Conclusion

In case, Iago uses his newly acquired social position to gain Othello's assurances and become his trusted right hand man. Iago uses Othello's conceptions about his race, age , career as a soldier and relationship with his wife Desdemona as prerequisites to the inherent insecurities that ever tamper with his thoughts, allowing their accumulation to pervert Othello's imagination , twisting his insecurities into fears, and his fears into a relentless and treacherous jealousy. For example, Iago uses his tone and utter disregard of Othello's social position paired with his manipulation of time to reduce Othello's language, a self-proclaimed strength, to mere groans of agony and distress. "O, beware, my lord, of jealousy!". (III.iii.169). Here Othello's imagination begins to believe the generalizations constructed by Iago about Cassio's interactions with Desdemona, his suspicions fueled by Iago's cruel slight. ...read more.

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