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Othello Analysis

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The tragedy Othello is filled with a complex web of separate conflicts that are connected with each other. The external conflicts are very obvious, such as Iago trying to replace Cassio as lieutenant and Othello's belief in Desdemona's affair. In addition to these conflicts, however, many characters in the play also face their own internal conflicts in which they have to make a choice between two opposing forces. An excellent example of this internal conflict can be found in analyzing Roderigo. Roderigo's love for Desdemona creates conflict because he faces the choice of going back to Venice since he has no money left, or staying in Cyprus because he wants to pursue Desdemona. In more general terms, Roderigo deals with the conflict of …show more content…

When Roderigo confronts Iago with these words, it is evident that his conflict has progressed. In the quotation previous to this one, Roderigo is telling Iago that the plan to win Desdemona over was simply not going to work. The next time around, however, Roderigo makes a direct attack on Iago saying that Iago is purposely tricking Roderigo. This signifies that Roderigo is beginning to realize that he has been manipulated. While Iago is able to persuade Roderigo to give it more time, Roderigo doesn't completely trust Iago as he did before. He even threatens to "seek satisfaction" with Iago if he finds out that Iago is lying. Unfortunately, Roderigo's decision in giving Iago another chance is one chance too many and ends in Roderigo's death. While Roderigo's internal conflict can be analyzed in its own sense, it can also be used in portraying the play's main theme which is that complete trust is an invitation for betrayal. Iago's manipulation is successful in swaying Roderigo to choose Desdemona over his common sense because Roderigo decides to keep trusting Iago even after he becomes suspicious of Iago's intentions. Roderigo's situation, along with the theme of the play as well, is ironic because trust is often seen as a positive attribute. In this case, we find manipulation in the presence of trust and see that trusting others can be a dangerous thing. Roderigo's conflict relates

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