Literary Characteristics And Symbolism In The Tragedy Of Othello
analytical Essay
710 words
The presence of certain literary elements creates a more dramatic and realistic image for the readers throughout the piece. William Shakespeare included literary elements in The Tragedy of Othello to bring the story line to life. Throughout the tragedy, Shakespeare used the elements of theme, dramatic irony, and symbolism along with many others. These three literary elements are significant because they help readers fully understand the complexity of the plot. The theme of jealousy, the dramatic irony, and the symbolism throughout the tragedy create the thrilling atmosphere readers experience. The theme of Jealousy is apparent throughout the tragedy. From the beginning, Iago is jealous of Cassio because Othello promoted Cassio to lieutenant …show more content…
In this essay, the author
- Analyzes how william shakespeare included literary elements in the tragedy of othello to bring the story line to life. the theme, dramatic irony, and symbolism help readers understand the complexity of the plot.
- Analyzes how the theme of jealousy is apparent throughout the tragedy. iago's jealousy leads him to devise a plan to ruin cassio and othello.
- Analyzes how shakespeare kept the readers informed of iago's plan throughout the tragedy of othello.
- Analyzes how the handkerchief othello gives to desdemona symbolizes his love for her. iago takes it from his wife emilia and leaves it with cassio.
- Analyzes how the literary elements within the tragedy of othello make it one of the most memorable and studied pieces of william shakespeare's work. the theme of jealousy is the driving force behind the plot, while the dramatic irony keeps the story interesting.
Shakespeare did just that throughout The Tragedy of Othello by keeping the readers informed of Iago’s plan. No one but Iago, Rodrigo, and the readers know about the plan that is taking place. The readers know that Desdemona did not commit adultery and that she and Cassio are innocent. However, it is suspenseful because Othello does not find out that his wife is innocent until the end of the tragedy. Othello also does not know that Iago is a villain until the end, therefore Iago is able to build up Othello’s trust. Othello shows his trust for Iago by telling Cassio, “Iago is most honest,” which is ironic within itself because the readers know that Iago is deceiving Othello (pg 1482, line 7). The irony that the readers know everything while the protagonist does not is what keeps the plot line so …show more content…
When Othello first gives Desdemona the handkerchief as a gift it symbolizes his love for her. Emilia explains that the handkerchief was Desdemona’s, “first remembrance from the Moor” and that she always keeps it with her. The symbol changed drastically when Iago takes the handkerchief from his wife Emilia, who was Desdemona’s close friend and maid. When Iago gets the handkerchief he leaves it with Cassio so that Othello will find it. Iago knows that once Othello see Bianca, Cassio’s love interest, with the handkerchief he will believe that Desdemona gave it to Cassio and that they committed adultery. The handkerchief then becomes a symbol of Desdemona’s unfaithfulness to her husband. Othello becomes furious and says, “let her rot, and perish, and be damned tonight; for she shall not live,” which shows the change in the symbol of the handkerchief as well as Othello’s feelings for Desdemona (pg 1516, line 166). The handkerchief is significant because without it, Iago would not have been able to provide proof of Desdemona and Cassio’s
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- The Tragedy of Othelloanalytical essayWilliam Shakespeare masterfully crafted Othello, the Moor of Venice as an Aristotelian tragedy play. The main protagonist of the play, Othello, is the perfect example of a tragic hero. Shakespeare was influenced by Aristotle’s concept of a tragic hero and used Aristotle’s principles to create Othello. William Shakespeare attempted to create an Aristotelian tragedy play with a tragic hero and succeeded in Othello, the Moor of Venice by weaving in pity and fear into each line and action. The power of pity and fear creates the upmost tragic situation and follows in accordance of Aristotle’s definition of tragedy. Othello makes the ultimate act as a tragic hero by killing himself at the end of the play. “Othello, more than any play in the canon, has a fascinating and contentious performance and reception history,”
In this essay, the author
- Analyzes how shakespeare crafted othello, the moor of venice as an aristotelian tragedy play with a tragic hero by weaving in pity and fear into each line and action.
- Explains aristotle's definition of tragedy and a tragic hero in the fourth century b.c.
- Explains that aristotle's tragic hero is made up of three requirements: the protagonist must be of high estate and have a tragic flaw.
- Analyzes how othello is a highly respected soldier for the venice army. his tragic fall is that he is too trusting and is quick to be jealous. he feels like an outsider in venice due to his race.
- Explains that aristotle's first requirement was for the protagonist to be of high estate. however, othello is a highly respected general.
- Analyzes how othello has many fatal flaws, also called hamartia. first and foremost, he is too trusting, which leads to him being manipulated by the antagonist, iago.
- Analyzes how othello, the moor of venice, calls himself an "indian" before he stabs himself. he says iudean or judean which means infidel or disbeliever.
- Analyzes how othello trusts too easily as his thrust for knowledge overrides any doubts. he desperately wanted to find out if desdemona was having an affair and gullibly accepted what he thought was the truth.
- Analyzes how the combination of othello's flaws weaves together the web of pity and fear — his issues of trust and jealousy make him a weak man for iago to manipulate.
- Analyzes how charles h. reeves talks about how a tragic hero must be good in his article, "the aristotelian concept of the tragic hero."
- Analyzes how shakespeare modeled othello, the moor of venice after aristotelian tragedy plays. pity and fear are two profound traits of shakespeare's play.
- Analyzes how golden's "othello, hamlet, and aristotelian tragedy" evokes profound emotions of pity and fear and leaves us with a feeling which i would call tragic optimism.
- Analyzes how shakespeare created an aristotelian tragedy play with a tragic hero and succeeded in othello, the moor of venice by weaving in pity and fear into each line and action.
- Describes the works of aristotle, poetics, belfiore, elizabeth, and leon golden.
- Describes kennedy, x. j., gioia, and phillips, adam. "othello on satisfaction." raritan 31, no. 1: 50-69.
1286 wordsRead More - The Handkerchief In Othello Essayanalytical essayThe handkerchief is a representation of different values to each character. Desdemona keeps it as a symbol of Othello’s love for her, as it was the first present she received from him. Because of Iago and his manipulation, Othello sees the it as Desdemona’s purity and devotion to him. Quickly, the symbol of a bond between husband and wife is taken by Iago and made into evidence of infidelity. Othello proclaims to Desdemona that a female prophet made the handkerchief using silk and “was dyed in mummy which the skillful conserved of maidens' hearts” (III.iv.65-66),
In this essay, the author
- Analyzes how the handkerchief represents different values to each character. desdemona keeps it as a symbol of othello's love for her.
- Analyzes how the strawberry pattern, colored with virgin’s blood on the plain white background correlates with the loss of virginity on a wedding night.
- Analyzes how the impact of the handkerchief on othello's mind reaffirms the success of iago’s manipulation.
327 wordsRead More - Shakespearian Language In Othelloanalytical essayIago had a planned conversation with Cassio in which Othello overhears. In reality, Iago was talking to Cassio about his relationship with Bianca. However, Iago says her name quietly so Othello thinks they are talking about Desdemona. He also has Othello’s handkerchief, which is enough for Othello to believe what Iago has told him to be true. Othello believes Iago, and quickly becomes extremely jealous. Iago then tells Othello, “O, beware, my lord, of jealousy! It is the green-eyed monster which doth mock the meat it feeds on” (3.3. 165-67). This seems pretty ironic considering the jealousy that Iago holds. He’s warning Othello not be jealous, saying jealousy destroys whoever is taken over by it. Indeed Othello is taken over by jealousy. He becomes so enraged and hurt by Desdemona he throws reason out the window and will believe nothing but what he has heard from Iago. Othello orders Iago to kill Cassio, and Othello will kill Desdemona. After he kills Desdemona and seen that he has killed her unjustly, he comes back to his senses. He speaks calmly, and rationally, condemning himself for what he has done. Othello will execute himself and take his own life. This tragedy really shows how jealousy can take a toll on peoples lives and destroy the lives around
In this essay, the author
- Analyzes how shakespeare's the tragedy of othello is a mixture of violence and passion, with moments of reflection on the characters inside thoughts and feelings.
- Analyzes how othello's jealousy takes many forms, from suspicion of an affair to competition for a job.
- Analyzes how iago's plan to make othello think michael cassio has been having an affair with desdemona works.
- Analyzes how dramatic irony plays a big role in othello. the reader knows that desdemona is innocent from the time that iago devises his plan.
- Analyzes how the handkerchief was othello's first gift to desdemona, and how iago convinced his wife to steal it.
- Analyzes how the tragedy of othello is a story about the dangers of jealousy and the toll it can take on the people who are consumed by it.
1101 wordsRead More - The Theme Of Manipulation In Othelloanalytical essayThe Tragedy of Othello the Moor of Venice was written by William Shakespeare, and it is only one of countless notable plays he wrote. A reoccurring theme in Othello is jealousy brought on usually by deception; throughout the play people often hide their true intentions and are not always what they appear to be like W.H Auden said “There 's always another story. There 's more than meets the eye.” The relationships Iago built on manipulation, lies, and false promises were a crucial part of the play; Iago was able to deceive other characters by twisting the situation so that characters like Roderigo, Cassio, and Othello misinterpreted what they saw. However, he was not the only one to put up a front in Othello; Emilia also put up a façade when
In this essay, the author
- Analyzes how shakespeare's the tragedy of othello the moor of venice is a reoccurring theme in the play. the relationships iago built on manipulation, lies, and false promises were crucial.
- Analyzes how iago's relationships with the people who considered him a dear friend were all false. he decided to take matters into his own hands and enticed roderigo to be his partner in crime.
- Analyzes how iago deceives cassio to get him fired after he was appointed to be othello's lieutenant.
- Analyzes how othello wanted iago to make him see 't, or, at least, so prove it, / that the probation bear no hinge nor loop/
- Analyzes how emilia chose to be loyal to her lady, desdemona, over her husband, and was the reason iago's plan came to light.
- Analyzes how othello was an outstanding general and noble man who was respected by his peers, but he loved not wisely but too well. iago brought to surface a number of his insecurities which led to his downfall.
1293 wordsRead More - The Dual Nature of Characters in Shakespeare's Othelloanalytical essayDual Nature of Characters in Othello Many of the characters in Shakespeare's tragedy, Othello are duplicitous to the extent that how they are perceived in public is not how they behave in private. The perception of the public plays a very important role in the play Othello. The character of Iago uses his public perception as an honest man to deceive Othello and other characters in the play. The perception of the public of Othello and Cassio played an important role in the play.
In this essay, the author
- Opines that othello was a military man, and courageous leader.
- Explains that because iago had the public perception of being an honest man, othello couldn't ignore his honesty.
- Opines that iago was just using him to rebel against her father.
- Analyzes how iago pleads his case to othello, because she knows him to be a good man.
- Opines that desdemona is cheating on him, with cassio, and hopes this will remove him and open his eyes.
- Analyzes how iago used him to rebel against her father. she loved him or rebelled against him.
- Opines that public perceptions and a person's true character are very different. people rely on their perception.
- Analyzes how the character of iago uses his public perception as an honest man to deceive othello and other characters in the play.
- Analyzes how iago's public perception played a key role in the play. he fooled everyone into believing that he is an honest man.
- Explains that othello has been a soldier since he was seven years old, and has experience on the battle field. he was chosen when they went to fight the turkish fleet.
- Analyzes how cassio was known to be a good soldier, and is proud of that public perception. after iago gets him drunk, he ruins his perception with othello.
566 wordsRead More - The Character of Othelloanalytical essayThe Character of Othello As the play progresses, Othello’s character goes through many changes which happen as a result of him falling victim to Iago’s evil schemes. At first he is introduced as an army general who is respected for what he does but still discriminated against for being black. Othello is a victim to racism throughout the play. He is often referred to as “the Moor” even by his beloved Desdemona and is also called by more offensive terms. Iago uses animal imagery in referring to Othello as an “old black ram”.
In this essay, the author
- Analyzes how othello's character changes as he falls victim to iago’s evil schemes and is a victim of racism throughout the play.
- Analyzes how iago uses animal imagery in referring to othello as an "old black ram" and emilia insults him by calling him "the blacker devil".
- Analyzes how brabantio throws harsh abusive accusations and hypocritical insults at othello.
- Analyzes how brabantio was charmed by othello, but he fell victim to iago, who used his trusting nature against him.
- Analyzes how iago tricks othello into feeling jealousy. he decides to doubt his mind with regards to desdemona and "undo her credit with the moor."
- Analyzes how iago sins against desdemona and cassio by degrading them in othello's eye.
- Analyzes how othello is overrun with jealousy and anger and makes a savage threat against desdemona saying he will "tear her all to pieces".
- Analyzes how othello is now under the influence of iago and his emotions. his anger and feelings for desdemona have almost vanished as he plans to kill her.
- Analyzes how othello is spiteful towards desdemona without picturing her with cassio and calls her using abusive terms such as "devil", "strumpet," "whore" and "false".
- Analyzes how othello wants to be remembered as the noble warrior who served the state and who was nave in love.
- Opines that othello is guilty of loving someone, trusting them, and seeing the best in people, but this is not a fault and he is therefore the victim.
625 wordsRead More - The Jealousy Begins/Othelloanalytical essayI will talk about the he five main characters of this play and they are all encased with jealousy in their own way. They are: Iago (the antagonist), Emilia, Bianca, Roderigo and Othello (the protagonist), who all display their sense of jealousy throughout the play. They all find different ways to sustain them. Iago enunciates his jealousy in the beginning of the play. He decides to plot his revenge on those who he feels has done him wrong. The first two jealousies he expresses are of Cassio, because he keeps his job as a lieutenant and gets promoted. He feels this should be his job (e-notes 2011). The second is of Othello; he believes that Othello slept with Emilia (his wife). “It is thought aboard that ‘twixt my sheets” (I.iii.369-370). As he becomes fixed with revenge he speaks by saying, he will not be satisfied “’Til I am evened with him/wife for wife/ At least into jealousy so strong/ that judgment cannot cure (2.1.299-302). In the end Iago is forced to expose his actual nature.
In this essay, the author
- Analyzes how jealousy played a major role in othello's tragedy. jealousy can destroy many relationships and take over the mind tremendously.
- Analyzes how iago, emilia, bianca, roderigo and othello are all encased with jealousy in their own way. they all find different ways to sustain them.
- Analyzes how emilia's jealousy is resentful, because of her low social status, unhappy with her job, desdemona being married to othello, or her innocence.
- Analyzes how roderigo's jealousy comes from the obsession he has with desdemona. he lets iago trick him into his plot of revenge.
- Analyzes how bianca's jealousy came from the handkerchief that was found in cassio’s chamber. she begins to believe it is of another woman.
- Analyzes how othello's jealousy towards desdemona turns him insane and enraged. iago continues to avenge damaging ideas to his head and soon gets what he wants.
- Explains how jealousy can take hold of people, and how it can lead to betrayal and violation. being betrayed or violated is uncaring and hurtful.
- Analyzes how othello was written many years ago and we can still relate to its tone and setting within the play, especially when a person can feel when jealousy is present.
954 wordsRead More - The Character of Othelloanalytical essayThe Character of Othello Shakespeare's Othello is not simply a play which embodies the conflict between insider and outsider. The paradigm of otherness presented in this play is more complicated than the conclusion, "Othello is different; therefore, he is bad. " Othello's character is to be revered. He is a champion among warriors; an advisor among councilmen; a Moor among Venetians. Yes, Othello is a Moor, but within the initial configuration of the play, this fact is almost irrelevant.
In this essay, the author
- Analyzes how iago's emphasis on othello’s simplicity and honesty contrasts with his skillfully-crafted towers of lies and bejeweled misrepresentations.
- Analyzes how othello possesses base characteristics such as jealousy, self-pity, murderous intent, but they are not symbols of his otherness.
- Analyzes how iago transforms the perception of almost every character in the play, from cassio to roderigo, to the opposite of what it had been.
- Analyzes how iago is able to play so well on othello's insecurities for they are his own.
- Analyzes how othello's breakdown into self-questioning mirrors that of richard iii who became entangled in the oppositions of his character.
- Analyzes how othello's unfortunate psychological movement coincides with his actual journey to cyprus, which becomes a metaphorical representation of the transformation he endures.
- Analyzes how iago is villianized, speaking in the prose shakespeare reserves only for ne'er-do-wells.
- Describes bloom's modern critical interpretations, othello ed. harold bloom.
- Opines that snyder, susan, "beyond the comedy: othello", modern critical interpretations, harold bloom, new haven, ct, 1987.
- Analyzes how shakespeare's othello is not simply a play which embodies the conflict between insider and outsider.
- Analyzes how othello's inability to recognize that the trap by which cassio has been consumed is only the precursor to his own destruction foreshadows his eventual consumption by iago’s maneuverings.
- Introduces barthelemy, anthony g., in critical essays on shakespeare's othello.
- Describes the critical essays on shakespeare's othello, including jones, eldred, and neely.
2133 wordsRead More - Othello Quote Analysisanalytical essayMy important theme that would relate to this book Othello is jealousy. I say that because a lot of people are jealous of each other but don’t tell them why. One example from the book is, Iago is jealous of Cassio’s position as lieutenant over him. Iago wanted that position so bad but Othello gave it to Cassio. To support this event here’s a quote from the book. “At Rhodes, at Cyprus and on the other grounds christian and heathen, must be-leed and calm’d by bediter and creditor, in good time Cassio must be lieutenant”. This quote supports the event because Iago hates Othello for giving Cassio his position. That’s jealousy. Another example is Iago starts to manipulate Othello and his wife, Desdemona. A quote is, “O, beware, my lord of jealousy;
In this essay, the author
- Analyzes how iago is jealous of cassio's position as lieutenant over him, but othello gave it to him.
344 wordsRead More - Jealousy Quotes In Othelloanalytical essayOne of the first instances of jealousy in the book is in Act 1 when Iago is passed up for an opportunity to be lieutenant and instead the job was given to Michael Cassio, Iago claims to hate Othello for this, saying how he has much more battle experience than Michael. (I.I. 21-34) Iago says “one Michael cassio, a florentine, A fellow almost damned in a fair wife, that never set a squadron in the field, nor
In this essay, the author
- Explains that jealousy in othello is a common yet strong theme. it single-handedly destroyed relationships and even got some people killed.
- Analyzes how iago's jealousy in the book is in act 1 when he is passed up for an opportunity to be lieutenant and instead the job was given to michael cassio.
- Analyzes how iago feeds othello with jealous thoughts of his wife cheating on him. he realizes that suspicion alone is enough to destroy oth
268 wordsRead More