Themes Of William Shakespeare s Othello - 956 Words

An author will often use recurring topics called motifs in his/her work in order to distinguish the work’s theme over all of the other events and symbols appearing within the piece. Examples of motifs include jealousy, love, disloyalty, and hate. By including such motifs within a writing piece, these topics will become more prominent over others in the story and will act to greatly affect the plot and highlight a possible theme. William Shakespeare uses motifs in order to receive this outcome in his drama Othello. In Shakespeare’s drama, motifs such as jealousy, revenge, and ignorance both drive the plot of the story and lead to the utter demise of characters, including Iago, Othello, and Desdemona. Jealousy falls among multiple characters in this play, but almost all of it originates from Iago. The first stroke of jealousy is between Iago and Cassio due to the former’s lack of promotion over Cassio. Iago discusses the matter, saying â€Å"I know my price, I am worth no worse a place† (Act I Scene I Line 12). After stating that he deserves the position which Cassio receives, he continues his jealous rant by attacking Cassio’s lacking capabilities by asking â€Å"And what [is] he? Forsooth, a great arithmetician† (Act I Scene I Lines 19-20). Iago, having experience on the battlefield, believes that he deserves the position over Cassio, who is an arithmetician. His continuous concern on the matter shows his jealousy directed towards Cassio. Iago also causes Othello to become jealousShow MoreRelatedAnalysis of The Theme of Language in William Shakespeare ´s Othello802 Words   |  3 PagesIn Othello, one of the most interesting enigmas is the relation ship between the spoken language and knowledge (or lack their of) which eventually leads to the downfall of Othello. One might contend that Othello’s lack of understanding throughout the play derives itself from the powerful, toxic language of Iago, which poisons the otherwise sound, knowledgeable mind of Othello. One might be comfortable with the idea that language has such a powerful, direct effect on human beings and can be used toRead MoreThe Tragedy Of Othello By William Shakespeare757 Words   |  4 Pages The Tragedy of Othello by William Shakespeare William Shakespeare uses many literary devices to enhance and provide greater complexity in his works. More specifically, the theme, symbolism, and dramatic irony are used to enrich Shakespeare’s The Tragedy of Othello. The plot is definitely engaging but the theme allows for an universal human correspondence, furthering the depth of the author’s message. The element of symbolism contributes to the theme of Shakespeare’s tragedy. 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Shakespeare undoubtedly positions the marriage to be viewed as heroic and noble, despiteRead MoreOthello : William Shakespeare s Othello2542 Words   |  11 Pages3 March 2015 Othello Introduction Shakespeare is the second most quoted writer in the English language – after the various writers of the Bible. Many of Shakespeare’s ideas for the play Othello came from a collection of tales written by Giraldi Cinthio. In Othello the character of Iago acts as the prominent main character throughout the play, even though he plays the role of the antagonist to the other central characters in the comedy Iago is the tragic hero. Shakespeare’s Othello was not justRead MoreWilliam Shakespeare s Othello - Appearance And Reality1279 Words   |  6 Pagesthe play Othello by William Shakespeare, the theme of appearance and reality is central. The relationship between Othello, the protagonist, and Iago, the antagonist, is deceitful, malicious, and troublesome. 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Iago shows distaste towards Othello, the play then goes through the story of Iago attempting to receive the positionRead MoreEssay about Jealousy in Shakespeares Othello1581 Words   |  7 PagesJealousy in Othello  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚        Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Shakespeare is known for his exceptional ability to compose plays full of deceit, trickery, revenge, and jealousy. The play Othello, evolves around the theme of jealousy.    One of Shakespeares most credible characteristics in his writing is his ability to compose a play in which has a story that originates, and strides on lies. As theses lies were unraveled the central theme of his play became distinct, and clearly visible. The central theme was basedRead MoreOthello, The Moor Of Venice, Is One Of The Principal Tragedies1180 Words   |  5 PagesOthello, the Moor of Venice, is one of the principal tragedies by Shakespeare. This tragedy contains many themes which are important in society today. Many aspects of people s lives have changed, but the way people think is still the same . Shakespeare s Othello wants to underline the psychological and social impact of racism; and the power of manipulation as well as jealousy. These are the most important themes throughout this drama. Othello takes place in Venice, Italy. He was a black general