The theme of death is present in many works of literature. It is given metaphors and cloaked with different meanings, yet it always represents an end. Every end signifies a new beginning, and every death gives rise to a new birth. Physical death “...is mere transformation, not destruction,” writes Ding Ming-Dao. “What dies is merely the identity, the identification of a collection of parts that we called a person. What dies is only our human meaning” (49). Figuratively speaking, death symbolizes a change, an interruption or cessation of regular routine. In this sense, death can be viewed as a more positive occurrence, because change leads to new experience, which, in turn, leads to knowledge and a better …show more content…
Thus, when confronted with a mental battle, his logical defense isn’t strong enough. Othello loses because sentiment beats his rationality.
The final scene in Othello is loaded with deaths. Every character that died in the play was a victim of Iago’s fraudulent plot. Iago slew Roderigo and Emilia to maintain the frame around his scheme. He killed to keep them silent, thinking that he could still retain his cover. Iago was foul, because he did harm to others only to satisfy his own appetite. His plot ended in the most unfortunate way, and it’s end didn’t justify the means, because he got caught.
Othello slew Desdemona for honor and justice. Although he was wrong, his action can be somewhat justified, as his purpose was understandable. Othello was already dead inside before he committed suicide. The difference in his character before and after the temptation scene is remarkable. Iago literally tore Othello apart and rebuilt him, instilling in him a whole new set of facts and ideas. Othello killed himself when he realized the truth, because his old self was already gone, not to mention the love of his life. His suicide followed the instant that he stepped out of delusion, and his death was an awakening,
because it shattered the misconception of truth. Othello’s death concluded the play, clearing up every lie that Iago had woven.
The theme of death in Henrik Ibsen’s A
Iago is one of the most misunderstood villains in Shakespeare literature. We side with Othello from the start because his name is on the cover of our paperback, we read Othello when learning about heroes, so we expect Iago to be a villain, a ruthless manipulator. We don’t know why, he doesn’t state it plainly or in simple English, so we assume that he’s evil, that he’s just a disgruntled sociopath out to exact his exaggerated revenge on good and noble Othello. Iago’s misunderstood reputation is a result of not truly examining his character, and answering the “why” factor behind his actions. After all, everyone is innocent until proven guilty. His goal in the play was not just to destroy Othello for the fun of it. His objective,
Persuading Othello was a difficult and time consuming effort, by the final scene we see Othello give into the looming “evidence” and smother his wife but this act is surely not from simple impulse of evil. Othello was a puppet in Iago’s hands and had been ignorant of his wife’s genuine love but enforced his ideal of justice upon himself through suicide, showing his remorse. Ultimately it
Othello may be seen as a tragic hero throughout William Shakespeare’s famous play, Othello. From the get go Iago masters manipulating Othello, he continues to do so until he suffers his major downfall. Iago is not remorseful for it at all. In fact, he’s doing it for revenge of the
Even if Othello was not as trusting or corrupt, he still would not realize Iago was lying. Othello commits his first act of violence against Desdemona by hitting her. This shows now Othello's tragic flaw. He made himself susceptible to Iago and the jealousy within him begins to lead to the end of others. By his actions, Othello has isolated himself from everyone except Iago. This gives Iago the perfect opportunity to complete his course of action. Finally, Othello's breakdown
lip’, ‘Old black ram’. At the start of the play when he is seen heroic
Othello had the option of having a rational discussion with Desdemona however he decides to blame her without evidence. While reflecting on the information Iago has given him, Othello begins plotting his revenge. Othellos temper made matters worst for Desdemona. Whenever he becomes angered he lashes out on Desdemona and would physically and mentally abuse her. Othello’s aggressive behavior has become suspicious to some, yet he is left alone. Othello commits the murder of Desdemona with no remorse and doesn't think twice about what will happen to him. Othello states, “Yet she must die, else she’ll betray more men. Put out the light, and then put out the light. If I quench thee, thou flaming minister,I can again thy former light restore”(5.2.235). He undoubtedly believes that Desdemona must be killed no questions asked. When Lodovico realizes what Othello has done he is stunned. Lodovico attempts to convince Othello of what he did is wrong, but he believes his actions were right, ”O thou Othello, thou wert once so good,Fall'n in the practice of a damnèd slave,What shall be said to thee?”, othello then states,” Why, anything. An honorable murderer, if you will,For naught I did in hate, but all in honor” (5.2.342-347). Instead of taking responsibility for killing Desdemona Othello is making excuses to protect
Iago’s reasons for wanting Othello to murder Desdemona are never satisfactorily explained. As Iago himself says, "What you know, you know" (5.2.306). He gives various reasons for wanting to destroy Othello, but none ring completely true. He is disgruntled because of Cassio’s promotion over him. He suspects Othello of bedding his wife. But why is he determined to have Othello murder Desdemona? His plot seems based on sport rather than reason. Iago truly hates the Moor, but his hate is not grounded in any firm reason. As the play progresses, Iago’s motive never fully crystallizes, but his determination to dupe Othello into murder, thereby destroying his sense of honor, grows stronger.
Othello commits his first act of violence against Desdemona by hitting her. This shows Othello's tragic flaw. He made himself susceptible to Iago and the jealousy within him begins to lead to the end of others. Through his actions, Othello has isolated himself from everyone except Iago. This gives Iago the perfect opportunity to complete his course of action.
The Shakespearean tragedy Othello contains a number of themes; their relative importance and priority is debated by literary critics. In this essay let us examine the various themes and determine which are dominant and which subordinate.
In William Shakespeare’s play Othello, the Iago is the most important character. It is his dreams, hopes and desires that turn him evil, bringing out the worst possible characteristics in order to achieve all the things he wants. Iago’s manipulative traits, deceitful actions and love for Othello eventually cause the death Emilia, Desdemona and Othello himself.
Most murder mysteries and tragedies end with killings that are committed with sole action, but in Othello, a tragedy by William Shakespeare, the reader is shown that you can end a man’s life with just words and a plan. Taking place in Venice, Italy the play is about a moor, Othello, who falls in love with a fair skinned woman who goes by the name of Desdemona. Eventually the two get married, but Iago, the main antagonist, plans to seek revenge by killing both Othello and his wife. Shakespeare shows how Iago uses rhetorical devices to convince Othello that Desdemona is having an affair resulting in both their deaths.
Tragedy is an intrinsically human concept; tragic heroes are damned by what they themselves do. Othello is not so much felled by the actions of Iago, but by a quality all people possess-- human frailty. Accordingly, Othello is not a victim of consequences, but an active participant in his downfall. He is not merely a vehicle for the machinations of Iago; he had free agency. Othello's deficiencies are: an insecure grasp of Venetian social values; lack of critical intelligence, self-knowledge, and faith in his wife; and finally, insecurity-- these are the qualities that lead to his own downfall.
. He is admired by everyone in the play, even Iago comments on what a good man Othello is. Secondly, a tragic hero can not be perfect. He or she must have a flaw of some kind. In Othello’s case it is that he allows his emotions to take over. Manipulated by Iago’s lies, Othello is forced to confront emotions he obviously can not handle. His wisdom and patience are replaced by anger and hate. The power of these destructive emotions ultimately lead to Desdemona’s death and Othello’s suicide
Likewise another weakness of Othello’s would be that he is a man who gets confused easily and cannot judge right from wrong. This can be seen when
Iago’s vengeful hatred is responsible for the suffering and in some cases, the tragic deaths of several innocent characters. Iago cleverly reaches at the final stage of his plan and reaches to a point where he becomes the cause of deaths of innocent people. Iago continues lying to Othello to break his calmness resulting in action against Desdemona and Cassio. Othello says to Iago that “ay, let her rot and perish, and be damned tonight, for shall not live! No, my heart is turned to stone: I like it, and it turns my