In its turn, this explains the lessened plausibility of films action, as compared to what it is being the case with original tragedy. The play concludes with Iago's exposure and punishment for his deceitful actions. Yet Iago freely chooses to appear to be virtuous, for without this dissemblance there is no chance of advancement. Here are some key quotes from the opinion by Chief Justice John G. Roberts Jr. and the dissents from Justices Sonia Sotomayor and Ketanji Brown Jackson: Roberts: Cassio leaves quickly, and Iago makes the most of this, indirectly insinuating to Othello that such behavior is indeed suspicious. IvyPanda, 3 Oct. 2022, ivypanda.com/lit/othello-study-guide/topics-for-essay/. The second date is today's Desdemona is perplexed that Othello would have such suspicion against her character when she has carefully guarded her reputation in marital fidelity. Othello, a husband to Desdemona realizes later that Desdemona was a faithful and loving woman. IvyPanda. / My parts, my title, and my perfect soul / Shall manifest me rightly Act 1 Scene 2 Othello, an eloquent and physically fit person is considered as the protagonist and hero of the play; however, in spite of his elevated status, he is nonetheless an easy prey to insecurities due to his []. Being a servant is one thing; to be a slave is totally reprehensible. She is not totally innocent. Why does Othello care about Desdemonas handkerchief How does Iago manipulate Desdemona? Verdi's powerful music captures the intense emotions of the characters and brings Othello's tragic tale to life. Othello's position as a black man in a predominantly white society has been explored and analyzed in the context of race relations, colonialism, and social injustice. Perdition catch my soul But I do love thee! In the process, his stature in the eyes of society has either been lowered or not been raised to the level at which Iago esteems himself. With a little bit of jealousy and a spark of ambition, the evil possibilities are endless but how far exactly will an envious Shakespeare weaves an intricate web ensnaring the characters in The Tragedy of Othello, The Moor of Venice. Oh, I have lost my reputation! Othello is a powerful figure that is respected by [] Pages: 2 Words: 482 Topics: Jealousy, Othello, William Shakespeare. In Shakespeares play, the motif of discrimination is explored in conjunction with Othellos dark skin color, something that caused the noble Moore to be treated with suspicion by other characters throughout the play. Othello is concerned how this will be reported abroad. Novel Within this novel, Othello is the protagonist. We use cookies to personalyze your web-site experience. The higher a persons rank, the more he is expected to honor the code and the harder it is for him to conceive of someone else breaking it. If you don't see it, please check your spam folder. Why does Roderigo wake up Brabantio? In Act 3, Scene 3, Desdemona tells Othello, "The heavens forbid / But that our loves and comforts should increase / Even as our days do grow," foreshadowing the impending tragedy and the deterioration of their relationship. Iago denigrates those servants who claim they serve out of love of their master. 5 February. Altruism is a lie, because even in aiding another, one is expecting some form of reciprocity, either from the individual, others, society, or God. Iago is Brabantio, Can't Help Falling in Love, Deception, Desdemona, Emilia, Ethics, Human, Iago, Michael Cassio, Moral. ensure the integrity of our platform while keeping your private information safe. Neely, C. T. (1977). We hope that you already have read the plot or watched the play. eNotes Editorial. 1, pp. In the play, Othello strives to emphasize that his blackness is insignificant impediment and highlight the advantages of his origin revealing the positive features of his character and behavior. Wed love to have you back! Traditionally, the character of Othello has been played by a white actor in blackface makeup. Like those men, Othello wants to place the blame for his feelings of inferiority somewhere and winds up laying that blame not where it belongs (in this case, at Iagos feet), but on his own skin. Social Commentary: "Othello" addresses issues of race, identity, and prejudice, making it a powerful tool for social commentary. Did Desdemona and Othello Experience True Love? Download the entire Othello study guide as a printable PDF! Nowottny, W. (1954). Jealousy is one of the most destructive feelings of humans natures. Yet Othello does not seem to be abnormally obsessed with his wife. Othello becomes full of anger and jealousy and kills Desdemona. In fact, it appears that this passion is encouraged by the feelings of regret and shame more than by affection to Bayardo. 4 July 2023 , Last Updated on June 8, 2022, by eNotes Editorial. eNotes.com, Inc. We utilize security vendors that protect and Your subscription will continue automatically once the free trial period is over. 102 Othello Essay Topics & Examples. On the other hand, in The Blind Owl, the storyteller, a pen-case decorator, falls in love with a naive woman who is virtuous and demonic at the same time. Before you start outlining, you should ask yourself: what or who is Othello? 1. But when his daughter, Desdemona, decides to marry Othello, he is outraged. Irony: Irony is used to create a contrast between what is expected and what actually occurs. The tragedy of Othello, written by William Shakespeare, introduces the central character Othello, as a very honorable, and dignified person who has enthralled adventures and has very good military accomplishments. For example, in 2001, author Sena Jeter Naslund wrote the novel "Ahab's Wife," where she includes a fictional encounter between Othello and the protagonist. "102 Othello Essay Topics & Examples." The main idea of the William Shakespeares tragedy Othello, written in 1604, is the confrontation of the mind and the heart. (https://www.journals.uchicago.edu/doi/abs/10.1086/rd.21.41917258?journalCode=rd) In a clever move, Iago states that he is prone to be suspicious and jealous. Enraged and hurt, he is mistaken in his judgments about Desdemona, it is anger that he is moved by and not his sound mind. !DyPM. t He is from a land that Venetians consider exotic and mysterious, he has had unique adventures, and his military accomplishments far exceed those of the men around him. by IvyPanda Updated on: Jun 22nd, 2021. What Role Does Incoherent Language Play in Othello? Othello presses him to speak his thoughts, but Iago demurs, saying his thoughts might not be the most fair to Cassio. With this confession, the audience is warned not to take anything he says at face value. All rights reserved. Othello disregards the explanation that Desdemona has in regard to the accusation of being unfaithful and kills her.Shes, like a liar, gone to burning hell, Shakespeare 28. After Othello killed Desdemona, he believed more in []. First, Othello passed him over for promotion in favor of someone whom Iago regards as less deserving and less capable. While he may not envision physical destruction, he would be satisfied with the destruction of Othellos reputation. University of Toronto Quarterly, 21(4), 330-344. It is not so much the possibility that he has indeed been cuckolded that upsets Iago; instead, it is that his reputation is so low as to invite rumor. William Shakespeare and Othello Background, Read more about the weaponization of race in Angie Thomas. 5. 92 Exceptional Topics for Othello Essay "Othello" has contributed several phrases and expressions to the English language. He has been dishonorable, not only for committing murder, but even for sinking to the level of jealousy. Emerald Group Publishing Limited. IvyPanda. Free trial is available to new customers only. After Othello strongly insists to know what Iago thinks, Iago says You cant find that out, even if you held my heart in your hand you couldnt make me tell you. For example, in Act 1, Scene 1, Iago describes Othello and Desdemona's elopement as "an old black ram / Is tupping your white ewe," employing the contrasting images of a black ram and a white ewe to convey the scandalous nature of their relationship. But eventually he internalizes Iagos and others idea that his Blackness makes him barbarous. In the lead-up to the passage to be analyzed, Iago has tried to turn Brabantio, Desdemonas father, against Othello by letting him know his daughter is making the beast with two backs with the Moor. The play is primarily based on a story from an Italian novella called "Un Capitano Moro" by Cinthio. Without a good name, you were hampered socially, financially, and spiritually. In stating that not all masters can be truly followed, the insinuation is that not all masters (in this case, specifically Othello) deserve to be followed. I Am Not What I AmDestructive Emotions in an Organizational Hierarchy: The Case of Othello and Iago. (Othello, Act 2 Scene 1) I am not merry; but I do beguil. An evil person may be considered as somebody who condones bad or morally wrong activities that cause ruin, injury, misfortune or destruction Brandon Johnson writes in. Can Pathos and Ethos Compel Othello Out of Logic? Describe Othello: Who is he? This post will help you to ask Othello essay questions and successfully write your paper. The name Iago comes from Latin, Iacobus, meaning one who trips up another and takes his place. This name also belongs to the most important character in Shakespeares Othello and one of the most wonderfully evil characters of all time. Did you know you can highlight text to take a note? As Iago points out, she was unfaithful to her father in marrying Othello without his consent or knowledge. 3 October. Best Othello Quotes (2023, February 5). Our literature guides will become an irreplaceable helper in discovering and deep studying of the most renowned written works. Othello's doubts intensify, leading him to confront Desdemona and ultimately strangle her in a fit of madness. The obvious answer is Desdemona. The floodgates have opened, and now Othello is in danger of believing all of Iagos racist nonsense. But Othello insists, so Iago confesses a tendency to be suspicious and jealous. "But I will wear my heart upon my sleeve for daws to peck at: I am not what I am", 1. The imagination of the audience is captured by the fact that the drama involves interracial marriage that was unfathomable in those days. Othello and Snow Country: Personal Opinion. This passage targets the foundation at which Iago chips awaya persons reputation. (2022) 'Topics for Essay'. (2023) '102 Othello Essay Topics & Examples'. People seem willing to believe that Emilia would stray, which shows Iago incapable of keeping his wife by his side. 2. When he lives, his life, occupation, etc. Reputation, he says, is more important than money. Here are some questions you may answer in your Othello character analysis: Explain the pointers above and provide a better understanding of the Othello character to your readers. author. TO CANCEL YOUR SUBSCRIPTION AND AVOID BEING CHARGED, YOU MUST CANCEL BEFORE THE END OF THE FREE TRIAL PERIOD. "Othello" remains a timeless and significant work in literature, making it an important subject for essays and academic discussions. By pointing this out, Iago effectively opens the gate for the green-eyed monster, jealousy, to walk in. This section contains thematic guides on a variety of literary pieces. Bristol, M. D. (1990). For Othello, the doubt and suspicion growing in his mind regarding a possible relationship between Cassio and Desdemona were started with Desdemonas father at the beginning of the play. Foreshadowing: Shakespeare employs foreshadowing to hint at future events and build tension. WebBut I will wear my heart upon my sleeve For daws to peck at: I am not what I am. (Act 1 Scene 1) These are the words of Iago in the first scene. How does Iago use Bianca to trick Othello? The Properties of" Othello,". Your privacy is extremely important to us. The citation above will include either 2 or 3 dates. 5`^S&%0 Consequently, Othello seeks to distance himself with the misconstrued stereotypes of a Moor. This essay seeks to prove that the main characters sense of identity leads to his self-destruction. Thus, you should make your outline, as well as introduction and conclusion intriguing. https://ivypanda.com/essays/topic/othello-essay-examples/, IvyPanda. The Venetian setting reflects the cultural diversity of the time, with characters from various backgrounds and ethnicities. So, firstly you should study online samples of Othello argumentative essay topics, and then you will be aware of what to include in the paper of your own. Shakespeare Quarterly, 40(4), 383-412. Human development, 30(3), 137-159. Shakespeare took inspiration from this source material and adapted it into his own version, adding depth and complexity to the characters and exploring themes of jealousy, betrayal, and manipulation. The paper demonstrates the relevance of Othello to the contemporary audience by highlighting the existence of the major issues Shakespeare addresses in this play. (https://www.proquest.com/openview/91053b700d876bd2b3be478cb40742b1/1?pq-origsite=gscholar&cbl=1819311) "She loved me for the dangers I had passed, And I loved her that she did pity them. It is only by hindsight that Othello now sees the possibility of unfaithfulness. Pride and Jealousy Othello, written by Shakespeare, uses multiple thematic focuses to develop a tragic plot. Iago tells Othello that Desdemona has been unfaithful to him and provides circumstantial evidence for this. Renew your subscription to regain access to all of our exclusive, ad-free study tools. Speech in Shakespeares Othello possesses a power beyond that of deeds. Unaware of what is happening, Desdemona continues to show her fierce devotion to her husband which both blinds her to the truth of Othellos murderous emotions and feeds them. Iagos reports and the loss of the handkerchief appear to Othello reliable proofs of Desdemonas unfaithfulness, and under the effect of anger the protagonist is both unable and unwilling to do further investigation. We utilize security vendors that protect and Justice and love in Othello. Having a hidden weapon, he demonstrates his actions in his story by stabbing himself. Topics for Essay. "Othello" is believed to have been first performed around 1604. Venice represents the veneer of civilization and societal expectations, while Cyprus represents the raw emotions, passions, and darker aspects of human nature. 3. Fishburne's portrayal emphasized Othello's dignity and inner conflict, earning critical acclaim. It is a green-eyed monster which doth mock the meat it feeds on. More damage can be done by jealousy than by infidelity. Do you identify with Othello? This casting practice has faced criticism and controversy over the years, as it perpetuates racial stereotypes and limits opportunities for actors of color. The database is updated daily, so anyone can easily find a relevant essay example. Having successfully brought Othello to the point of doubt, Iago now builds up his own innocence. The loss of honor is, to Othello, a capital offense, and the execution is his own responsibility. To spy into abuses, and oft my jealousy. October 3, 2022. https://ivypanda.com/lit/othello-study-guide/topics-for-essay/. IAGO: I do beseech you. Renews July 11, 2023 Shakespeare has employed one of the literature elements by using major characters like, Othello, a hero and the head of armies, Desdemona, Othellos covert wife, Michael Cassio, Othellos deputy, Lago, ranked below the lieutenant, among [], It is not that easy to control lots of people, and this is why it is better to define the steps, which will help to take everything under control and not to be kept by []. He has no virtue that is not a mask of vice. Othello's character has also been explored in literary adaptations and reimaginings. Instead, highlight the thesis statement to show your readers that your essay supports it. Perfectly Written Custom Essays as Fast Desdemona, Emilia, Emotion, Iago, Michael Cassio, Morality, Othello. to catch the readers attention, you should be creative. The above lines portray Othello as a victim of prejudice. "I kissed thee ere I killed thee no way but this, killing myself to die upon a kiss" Does the play reflect contemporary issues? date the date you are citing the material. Please wait while we process your payment. How Does Iago Convince Othello That Desdemona and Cassio Must Die? For more information, consider other articles about the play below or try our topic generator. We will write a custom essay specifically for you! Your privacy is extremely important to us. Othello secretly marries Desdemona, a Venetian woman, despite objections from her father, Brabantio. to start your free trial of SparkNotes Plus. Once trust is broken, Iago knows, it is rarely confined to one area. Literary Influence: "Othello" has had a profound influence on subsequent works of literature. The purpose of this essay is to detect and analyze various traits of racism in Shakespeares famous piece Othello and how it relates to the character of Othello. Quotes Phrases like "green-eyed monster" and "the beast with two backs" have become part of the cultural lexicon. (https://muse.jhu.edu/pub/1/article/417219/summary). Othello, who is the main character, is a perfect example of a tragic hero. "102 Othello Essay Topics & Examples." In his renowned play, Othello, Shakespeare exploits the stark contrasts in the storys two settings, the two cities of Venice and Cyprus. for a customized plan. Iago You cannot, if my heart were in your hand, Nor shall not, Whilsttis in my custody (Act3, scene 3,168-169). SparkNotes Plus subscription is $4.99/month or $24.99/year as selected above. As far as his crime, he wishes it to be told fully, without toning down his flaws or making him more of a monster than he feels he is. When Iago tells Brabanzio that an old black ram / Is tupping your white ewe, he demeans a passionate and loving relationship between two intelligent adults by characterizing Othello as a mindless rutting animal who has soiled the pure Desdemona with his lust. "Reputation, reputation, reputation! The intense love between Othello and Desdemona is contrasted with Iago's twisted obsession with destroying their happiness, shedding light on the complexities of human relationships. (I.i. The character of Othello presents a unique and complex role for actors, requiring both physical presence and emotional depth. Iago states, Men should be what they seem, a direct contrast to what he has previously confessed is his nature in Act 1. 2023 gradesfixer.com. Cassio, in Act 2, Scene 3, cries out, Reputation, reputation, reputation! For Shakespeare, Brabantios views are representative of the racial prejudice of the society in general, rather than of his personal feelings towards the protagonist. When working on your Othello essay introduction, you should get a clear understanding of The Moor character and its origin. It is not the marriage bed that he regards as sullied, but his reputation. How does Othello see himself? Does Iago Cause the Tragedy of Othello and Desdemona, or Is He Merely the Catalyst? In the play Othello by William Shakespeare the character of Iago can be considered evil and immoral. Renaissance Drama, 21, 3-21. Want 100 or more? Evaluate how discriminatory language in the play shapes the overall meaning of characters and themes. 12 min. The movies point of attack is Othellos decision to overlook Iago for a promotion to the position of Lieutenant in favor of Cassio. As stated, he holds reputation to be of greater worth than gold, even though it may not profit the one who destroys that reputation. Last Updated on June 8, 2022, by eNotes Editorial. He is naturally suspicious, and many times has seen things that were in fact totally innocent. The main purpose of this paper Black Moor, Black people, Brabantio, Desdemona, Emilia, Iago, Identity, Love, Marriage, Michael Cassio. Discount, Discount Code The deplorability of Othello is the story of envy. Before you start writing your Othello essay, you must have a clear understanding of who The Moor is. Iago does indeed believe that a reputation is a treasure to be guarded. IvyPanda. We`ll help you brainstorm great ideas about. Actually, Othellos anger is an outcome of his jealousy. According to him, the prerequisite of a tragedy revolves around the plot of the play. In Othello by William Shakespeare, Iago a power hungry ancient drives the plot through his cruel and manipulative ways. The handkerchief, a symbol of fidelity, becomes a significant object in the play. His decision to commit suicide rather than face the dishonor of a trial is reminiscent of the ancient Romans, who willingly sacrificed their lives once they knew that they had brought shame into those lives. Ed. (2012). By reverse psychology, Iago drives the thoughts deeper into Othellos consciousness, giving them greater credence, while attempting to dismiss them as merely a product of his flawed nature. Students can find summaries, famous quotes, essay topics, prompts, samples, and all sorts of analyses (characters, themes , symbolism, etc.). Quotes are from No Fear Shakespeare. He is a Venetian senator and favors Othello, the Moorish general of the Venetian forces. Brabanzio, outraged at his daughters elopement, expresses disbelief that Desdemona could shun the curly-haired young men of Venice in favor of Othellos sooty bosom. Brabanzio channels his own insecurity about his daughters loyalty to him by expressing sneering disgust about Othellos race, implying that Othellos Blackness is a dirty coating that threatens to soil Desdemonas purity. 8. What Are the Contextual Factors Critical to the Study of Othello? for a group? Thanks for checking our topics out! eNotes.com, Inc. 382 likes. In his final speech, Othello numbly accepts his fate, though it will be an acceptance of his own choosing and device. These consisting themes misguide peoples perceptions and actions that result into the ultimate unfortunate death of Desdemona. It marks a turning point: Othello has fallen victim to the same racist logic (or illogic) that rules the thinking of people such as Iago and Roderigo. 1. One notable example is the opera "Otello" by Giuseppe Verdi, which premiered in 1887. Iago, though duplicitous in regard to Othellos reputation yet genuine in regard to his own, states in Act 3, Scene 3: Good name in man and woman, dear my lord, is the immediate jewel of their souls. A good name was the credit score of the Renaissance period. Iago then hypocritically speaks of the importance of having a good name. While this is a heinous crime, Othello was simply a Brabantio, Desdemona, Doubt, Emotional insecurity, Guilt, Iago, Jealousy, KILL, Michael Cassio, Orson Welles. How Are the Characters Empowered or Disempowered in Brilliant Lies and Othello? This passage is in the form of a dialogue between the two characters in the play. The formalist analysis of Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep repeats the same mistake, as it focuses on the plot devices and tropes presented in the story. IvyPanda. Race is not the primary cause of the death of Desdemona, nor of the suicide of Othello. Othello is not perfect either and the reason he acts the way he acts is that he is jealous; not that Desdemona cannot match his principles. Shakespeare is using the Moor to challenge the ideologies of race, sex and miscegenation in the Elizabethan period. Othello's tragic downfall is a result of his inability to discern truth from falsehood, emphasizing the dangers of misjudgment and manipulation. It offers opportunities to discuss the portrayal of women in the play and the theme of women's agency in a patriarchal society. Contact us Iago says this with insincerity, since he expects to profit handsomely by the irreparable damage that he intends to inflict on the reputations of his enemies. In addition, there is another revelation that seems to be haunting Iago: the rumors of his wifes infidelity with Othello. Shakespeare Studies, 10, 133. Get your 100% original paper on any topic done in as little as 3 hours. February 5, 2023. https://ivypanda.com/essays/topic/othello-essay-examples/. The Duke (Act I, Scene III) Explanation:-. Othello When Roderigo states that he would rather be Othellos hangman than to be humiliated by being placed in a lower position, Iago says that it is the curse of service. It is in response to Roderigos view that it would be better not to serve Othello at all that Iago makes the above speech. Why does Othello care about Desdemonas handkerchief. Desdemona character analysis (essay) Desdemonas father, Brabantio, treats her as an object through which he defines himself. Gender and Power: Shakespeare examines gender dynamics and the societal expectations placed upon women. In the same way, Iago has been brought low and takes revenge on Othello (his master and commander, one might say his god), not by personal action, but through the manipulation of others. Braden, W. S. (1990). WebBest Othello Quotes For Essay Events This profile significantly reduces distractions, to help people with ADHD and Neurodevelopmental disorders browse, read, and focus on the essential elements of the website more easily. Whenever characters such as Iago feel jealousy, fear, or simple hatred toward Othello, they give vent to their feelings by using racist slurs. Chandler, M. (1987). Dangerous passion: Othello syndrome and dementia. For instance, when Iago says, "I am not what I am," in Act 1, Scene 1, it is an ironic statement, as he presents himself as trustworthy while plotting Othello's downfall. 3. It is a quiet moment, but a hugely significant one. Iago, a jealous man from the beginning of the play, pretends to befriend Othello and speaks to him about the danger of jealousy. Othello Essay By grappling with the moral dilemmas and psychological depth of the characters, an essay on "Othello" opens doors to deeper insights into human nature, society, and the enduring power of Shakespeare's storytelling. Imagery: Shakespeare skillfully uses vivid imagery to create powerful visual and sensory impressions.

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