Othello Essay

8 Pages 2121 Words

ntrol Othello’s thoughts through manipulation, as a result of Othello’s complete trust in Iago’s “honesty”. Iago holds the balance of power in the relationship. This is contrary to society’s expectations as they expect Othello to hold the power because he is of a higher class than Iago. Shakespeare is able to communicate the differences in power in Othello’s and Iago’s relationship to that of the expected relationship between a general and his Ancient because it is Iago’s character and his ability to manipulate that enables him to have power over Othello, in contrast to society’s expectations that dictates that power in a relationship depends on class.

The difference in the nature of Othello’s and Desdemona’s relationship is communicated through the character of Othello. The marriage of Othello and Desdemona was brought about by the admiration of each other. Desdemona admired Othello’s adventures and Othello admired Desdemona’s willingness to listen. Othello says, “She loved me for the dangers I had passed and I loved her, that she did pity them.” They both respected each other, which they also mistook for love, and because they respected each other, society expected their relationship to be long and happy. They then embark on their own adventure, off to Cyprus, with Desdemona wishing for some excitement saying that when she is left without Othello, “The rites for which I love him are bereft of me.” However the excitement quickly recedes, with the Turks having been fought and defeated as soon as they have landed. This allows Othello and the others to be idle, having no other preoccupation than themselves and their relationships. This permits Othello to become completely preoccupied with his insane jealousy and paranoia towards Desdemona. However, in his mind, and through what he can perceive, Desdemona does not give him the same attention, continuall...