Iago as the Cause of the Tragedy of Othello and Desdemona...

Iago as the Cause of the Tragedy of Othello and Desdemona or as the Catalyst The play Othello was originally written from a collection of one hundred and twelve stories called Cinthios Gli Hecatommithi. The stories were mostly moralistic in tone. The stories were written in French and Italian only. Therefore, Shakespeare had to have read it in Italian of French. From all the one hundred and twelve stories Shakespeare, chose one, regarding the Moor of Venice, Othello. Shakespeare’s main innovation was in developing the villainous character of Iago with his complex and ambiguous motives. Shakespeare wrote the play in 1604, one hundred years after Hecatommithi was written. A man named Geoffrey†¦show more content†¦Following, Henry VIII’s breakaway from the Church of Rome, all the people in England were able to hear the Sunday service in their own language. The book of common was used in every Church and an English translation of the Bible was read out aloud in public. Boys went to school, until their parents could afford it. However, gi rls stayed at home, and acquired domestic and social skills – cooking, sewing perhaps even music. At the start of the sixteenth century, the English had a very poor opinion of their own language. Latin was the language of international scholarship, and the Englishmen admired the eloquence of the Romans. Nevertheless, by the end of the century, English was a language to be satisfied of. The most important themes of the play are – witchcraft, magic, jealousy, honesty, and misrepresentation. Magic is one of the main themes because Shakespeare knew that King James I loved magic, as he had written a book about magic and witchcraft. A further reason for magic being a main theme is that Othello was charged with using magic to impress Desdemona, merely because he was black, and therefore â€Å"pagan.† â€Å" Damned as thou art, thou hast enchanted her, For I’ll refer me to all things of sense, If she in chains of magic were not bound†¦Ã¢â‚¬  (Act 1 Scene 2, lines 63-65) Brabantio is accusing Othello of enchanting Desdemona through supernaturalShow MoreRelatedOthello Tragedy Analysis1276 Words   |  6 PagesUltimate Reason For Othello’s Tragedy--Self-Contempt Speaking of the reasons of Othello’s tragic ending, the opinions have been various. Some people believe that racial discrimination contributes to the tragedy; some deem that Othello’s character defects causes the tragedy; some think that the instability of their love leads to the tragic end†¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦ In my opinion, many of these factors are the by-products of his self-contempt, the most fundamental reason of Othello’s tragedy should be inferiority complexRead More Racism in William Shakespeares Othello Essay1059 Words   |  5 PagesShakespeares Othello The play, Othello, is certainly, in part, the tragedy of racism. Examples of racism are common throughout the dialog. This racism is directed toward Othello, a brave soldier from Africa and currently supreme commander of the Venetian army. Nearly every character uses a racial slur to insult Othello at one point in the play. Even Emilia sinks to the level of insulting Othello based on the color of his skin. 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Yet, as the playRead MoreShakespeares Use of Aristotles Guidelines to Tragedy in Creating the Play Othello1572 Words   |  7 PagesThroughout time, the tragedy has been seen as the most emotionally pleasing form of drama, because of its ability to bring the viewer into the drama and feel for the characters, especially the tragic hero. This analysis of tragedy was formed by the Greek philosopher Aristotle, and also noted in his Poetics (guidelines to drama). As a playwright, Shakespeare used Aristotle’s guidelines to tragedy when writing Othello. The play that was created revolved around the tragic hero, Othello, whose tragic flawRead MoreThe Tragedy Of Othello By William Shakespeare880 Words   |  4 Pages1102 Professor Duke The Tragedy of Othello Throughout Othello, the character Iago was very jealous, deceiving and a manipulative man. He uses different individuals love and passions to please his own satisfactions and needs. Since Iago was known for being honest no one even noticed his manipulative ways. Sadly to say Iago knows that Othello will listen to him because he is his right hand man. So with ease, Iago gives Othello hints that he thinks Desdemona which is Othello wife and Cassio are moreRead MoreThe Downfall of Othello1545 Words   |  7 PagesThe Downfall of Othello Othello, written by William Shakespeare, is the perfect example of a romantic tragedy in which events involving the themes of jealousy, greed, revenge, and appearance versus reality bring the play to its tragic end. The play begins with an argument between Iago and Roderigo. This conflict gives the reader a glimpse of what is to come. Shakespeare uses the technique of foreshadowing to help the reader predict the misfortunes that will befall the characters in the playRead MoreHeroes and Villains: Iago and the Extent of Human Potential in Shakespeare’s Othello1646 Words   |  7 PagesThe character of Iago has traditionally been viewed as the most infamous villain in all of Shakespeare. The conniving ringmaster of the tragedy of Othello, Iago serves as a necessary catalyst for the action of the play. He takes such a principal role in the drama that the play has commonly been described as Othello’s tragedy, but Iago’s play. Scholars have disagreed, however, as to whether or not Iago can simply be described as an ingenious villain lacking all regard for morality. Many have seenRead MoreThe Ultimate Reason For Othello s Tragedy1202 Words   |  5 PagesUltimate Reason For Othello’s Tragedy--Self-Contempt Speaking of the reasons of Othello’s tragic ending, the opinions have been various. Some people believe that racial discrimination contributes to the tragedy; some deem that Othello’s character defects causes the tragedy; some think that the instability of their love leads to the tragic end†¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦ In my opinion, many of these factors are the by-products of his self-contempt, the most fundamental reason of Othello’s tragedy should be inferiority complex