Fatal Realities Secluded by Virtuous Impressions

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Recommended: Compare Othello and the great gatsby

Thesis Paragraph:

Looks can be deceiving. In F. Scott Fitzgerald's novel, The Great Gatsby and the play Othello by William Shakespeare, both display themes of appearance versus reality. This is visible from the actions of the characters as they challenge the importance of social reputation. They sacrifice their personal integrity through jealousy of others possessions, trickery and manipulation, and the disguising of true identity. They way characters appear in both works is a mere shell encasing the true self, thus allowing characters to use trickery and manipulation to accomplish their endeavours to achieve their goal.

First Paragraph:

Judging a character too quickly will cause the downfall of protagonists. In Othello, the main character that prominently displays jealousy is Iago. Iago portrays the antagonist in the play. He is the “Ancient” or standard bearer of the flag for the military. After working under General Othello’s command for many years Iago felt it was time for someone with dignity to be promoted to being lieutenant in command. When Othello declares Cassio, a bookkeeper and accountant, to be lieutenant Iago is abruptly filled with envy and anger over Othello’s decision. Iago felt jealous of Cassio and that Othello has deprived him of his rightful position. He believes that a military position should be given to a man with military experience. This conflict is the foundation that causes Iago to begin his evil plot and conspiracy against Othello. Iago deceives Cassio into making Othello jealous by distorting the truth of Desdemona’s affairs with Cassio, leading Othello to subconsciously fall into his trap and feel envious and angered towards Cassio. The same situation occurs in the Great Gatsby.

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...order to regain his past with Daisy he must become wealthy and eminent. Gatsby leaves his former persona to chase his fantasy of how he visions the American Dream, which is personified by Daisy. James Gatz died the moment he boarded Dan Cody’s boat. He learns the lifestyle of how rich and powerful men live through the inheritance of Cody’s wealth, transforming him into Jay Gatsby. Gatsby fears that he could not live up to Daisy’s reputation if she knew his past. By covering his true identity under the shell of a wealthy powerful man gives Gatsby the confidence to bond with Daisy. Even with the considerable amount of wealth, Gatsby feels incomplete without Daisy. This alternate reality allows Gatsby to have temporary moments of happiness, which is never meant to last.

How characters appears in both The Great Gatsby and Othello are misconceived by the protagonists.

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