Essays on Othello

Essays on Othello

Essays on Othello (250 words)

Othello is a scholarly play that was composed by William Shakespeare in 1603. The play is a misfortune rotating around four principal characters that incorporate Othello, Desdemona, Iago and Cassio. The four fundamental characters have various parts in the play that supplement each other in this heartbreaking play.

Othello is the lead character who assumes the part of a military officer in the Venetian armed force. Cassio and Iago are junior military officials who work under Othello. Desdemona assumes the part of Othello's significant other and the girl of a representative. The play starts with a discussion between a rich courteous fellow known as Roderigo and Iago.

Roderigo gripes about Othello's mysterious union with Desdemona and exhibits his exceptional energy for her. Roderigo anticipated that Iago should advise him regarding this improvement due to their companionship. Roderigo is enamored with Desdemona and his past endeavors to wed her had not succeeded. Iago isn't content with the way that Othello had advanced Cassio in front of him notwithstanding his inability. Roderigo chooses to report Othello to representative Brabantio who is Desdemona's dad.

Desdemona's dad goes out to search for Othello however they surprisingly find each other in a security meeting where Othello has been gathered to exhort legislators on the looming assault on Cyprus by the Turkish soldiers. There is an entirely awkward experience between Othello and Brabantio after the gathering.

Essays on Othello (500 words)

Othello is one of the greatest plays due to its’ collection of characters and themes. The theme of social status and racism plays a huge role in the story. You see the role of Othello as a “protagonist and hero” (spark notes), the drama is centered around him. In act 1 you see boast about his military career, “My services, which I have done the signiory shall out-tongue his complaints. Which, when I know that boasting is an honor I shall promulgate”, you see the protagonist here. He tries to be a strong confident man, fitting into the social status. He is very noble and highly regarded, but he knows he must work harder because of the color of his skin. I see him as a hero by the struggles he faces trying to marry Desdemona. He is well-liked and a successful soldier. He is naпve in the ways of the world and falls prey to Iago’s tricks. He does not see that he is successful, and his color and status make him an outsider. He is a hero who is ruthlessly transformed by his own insecurities. Othello and Desdemona are in love, she loves him, but his love is transformed into destructive jealousy all because of one man. I know my own securities have allowed people to cause doubt, jealousy, and anger into to my mind.

You see Othello is desperate and gullible, in trying to prevail against the racial bias of their time. You see racial differences nudge Othello’s insecurities and the conflict of man-vs man is so apparent. Othello’s character is so crucial in this play because he is a character of greatness, weakness, and strength. He has lived his whole life as a black man in a white world. He is intelligent and confident when it comes to military matters, but the color of his skin makes him socially insecure. You can see in act 1 why Othello has these insecurities. Iago is trying to stir up conflict and divulge the elopement of Desdemona and Othello to her father. He says “Even now, very now, an old black ram is tupping your white ewe (Shakespeare 1.1.85-86) Iago is using a racial “animal” imagery to describe Othello, this sets the tone of the play. Showing us the hostility towards Othello’s ethnicity and interracial marriage. Being a man of color, he experiences many difficulties. People feel Desdemona cannot love him, he is black, and he must use magic to make her love him. This was far from the truth; he had lived a life free of ridicule.

when he was in the military. But it was just a few people who envied and resented him, that used his insecurities to their advantage. Iago and Roderigo knew he deep down still struggled with race. They were intimidated by him; in fear he would sabotage their powers. They used his race to bring about his destruction, today we see that still happening. Like Othello, people can’t escape their heritage no matter how hard they try. They will always be the subject of others' ignorance and hatred. 

Essays on Othello (650 words)

In Othello by William Shakespeare, the role of women is emphasized dramatically. The women in this play each have an expectation to respect their husbands and expected to remain loyal and to do as they are told. Othello presents us three women, Desdemona, Emilia, and Bianca; each scene as a prostitute to society.

At first glance, Desdemona is seen to be nearly perfect. She has the personality of a truly good person. She is kind, loyal, innocent, and her love for Othello is undeniably pure “A maiden never bold, of spirit so still and quiet that her motion blushed at herself” (Act 1 scene 3 ). As she is falsely accused of adultery, her virtues transform into her flaws.

Though she was ridiculed for her flaws, she showed she was strong enough and well educated enough to disrupt the societal confinement passivity for women by marrying Othello.

Although she struggles to express her loyalty and respect for her husband, she strongly believes that a woman should never disrespect her husband.

Emilia has a similar role in this play, but she not only is loyal to her husband Iago, but she is also loyal to Desdemona for she is Desdemona’s attendant. Emilia spends most of her day with Desdemona, this gives her an insight and clear understanding of Desdemona’s personal life. This is very beneficial to the villain Iago. Emilia allows herself to be used by her husband for his own benefit. However, when she realizes the full extent of Iago’s wrong doing “I know thou didst not. Thou’rt not such vilian” (act 5 scene 2), she takes a brave action and turns against him “I will not charm my tongue. I am bound to speak” (act 5 scene 2) “He begged me to steal’t” (act 5 scene 2). Bianca on the other hand is actually a prostitute and is famous for her position. In the early periods, women were considered “morally, physically and intellectually weaker than me” (Eales,3) “ To suckle fools and chronicle small beer” (act 2 scene1). With this understanding, it was necessary to rule and control women. Married women were given the typical status of a women’s place in society, but prostitutes on the other hand were not acceptable in the society because they were not under the control of any man. Prostitutes in this society move freely, have no fear in man, and in some instances control man.

At this time, men were unable to live with the fact that women can actually survive without the dominance of man. They were afraid that the theories of men governing women would diminish and the women in society would face their troubles with society with courage.

The handkerchief plays an important role in Othello. It symbolizes the loves between Desdemona and Othello.

Desdemona received the handkerchief as a first gift from Othello, in symbol of love. Othello claimed that his mother used it to keep his father faithful to her, therefore the handkerchief represents martial fidelity. Further in the play, the villainous Iago gets a hold of the handkerchief and spitefully creates a plan to make it seem as if Desdemona has had an affair “I never gave it him. Send for him hither. Let him confess” ( act 5 scene 2 ). Later on, being the result of her death. As we can see in act iv scene iii, Desdemona remains faithful in her love towards Othello. Despite the fact that Othello often dismisses her and acts as if she isn’t present, she remains devoted to Othello, she remains devoted to Othello.

In conclusion, Shakespeare gives once again proves women as the victims of men. Throughout the play, men use women as the victim, whether or not its love or jealousy. 

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Themes in The Three Questions by Leo Tolstoy

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Soma Feldmar Imagination and Reality Rhetorical Analysis

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How and why does Iago convince Othello of Desdmona’s infidelity?

Shakespeare is often referred to as the greatest playwright that ever lived. His comedies have made many laugh, his tragedies many have cried over and romances that have touched millions. Shakespeare’s writing although hundreds of years old are always relevant to our lives because that …

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Treachery and Betrayal in Othello

Treachery and betrayal, they belong hand in hand, like a married couple, for they both ultimately lead to misery and sorrow. In William Shakespeare’s play, Othello, acts of treachery and betrayal have great dramatic significance. They greatly contribute to the theme that appearance does not …

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Words 1411
Pages 6
Three Century Women

The story “Three Century Woman” is about a woman who has lived in three centuries and is now at her old folks home being interviewed by the TV. I think that the round character in this story Meghan and the flat character is Grandma Breckenridge …

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Comparative Essay – Othello/Macbeth Tragic Heroes

Unit 1: ‘Many critics have argued that Othello is not a true Shakespearean tragic hero. Explore the idea that Shakespeare intended to make Othello fit the criteria of his tragic hero with comparison to Macbeth. ’ By Marina Georgallides A tragic hero, determined by Aristotle, …

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Words 74
Pages 1
Marriage in Othello

Marriage is a part of life that most people look forward to. Once people get married their whole life is devoted to each other. Married couples are supposed to work through their problems and support each other. In William Shakespeare’s play Othello, he suggests otherwise. …

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Words 809
Pages 3
Othello – Consider the significance of Act 3 Scene 3 to the play as a whole

What impressions does this episode make on the audience and by what means? How does Shakespeare prepare the audience to find this episode believable? Othello was written by Shakespeare around 1602 and was set 35 years previously to that time (around 1571) during the Elizabethan …

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Words 2145
Pages 8
Hamlet vs Othello

How the protagonists deal with their difficulties: Hamlet vs Othello In William Shakespeare Hamlet and Othello, the author creates two similar yet vastly different protagonists. The major source of contrast lies within each characters approach to decision making and premeditated action. As David Nichol Smith …

DesdemonaHamletIagoOpheliaOthello
Words 1819
Pages 7
Hamlet’s First Soliloquy

Hamlet’s soliloquy in Act I Scene 2 is the first time that the reader fully understands Hamlet’s character, his inner thoughts and opinions. The general tone of this soliloquy is very personal and emotional revealing Hamlet’s despair over the current situation and his depressing state …

HamletMacbethOthelloRevenge
Words 649
Pages 3
The Turning point in Othello

The passage in Act 3, Scene III of Shakespeare’s Othello, where Othello cracks down on Iago and demands proof from him of Desdemona’s unfaithfulness, is the turning point of the play. Iago has Othello in the palm of his hand, and has Othello’s entire fate …

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Words 660
Pages 3
Turning Point in the Truman Show

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Words 977
Pages 4
Heroes Speech

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Words 775
Pages 3
Othello as a Tragic Hero

Othello is character created by Shakespeare that “fulfils the conditions and requirements of a tragic hero (Bhattacharyya 123). ” This is for the reason that Othello’s character exhibits what Aristotle refers to as the tragic flaw that ultimately caused his downfall. Just like any other …

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Words 92
Pages 1
How important is it that Othello is black?

Othello’s race and colour are explored in the play, especially in terms of his interracial marriage with Desdemona and therefore are very important and significant. The play ‘Othello’ generates dichotomy views on the issue of race at that time and the different confrontations of it …

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Words 1762
Pages 7
Iago as the cunning villain of the play Othello

Iago is one of the most complex and interesting characters in this play. He is in the Venetian army and is General Othello’s trusted aide. He is married to Emilia, who is Desdemona’s’ (Othello’s’ wife) care taker. Iago is well acquainted with Othello, Rodrigo Cassio …

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Words 1687
Pages 7
Othello & Desdemona’s Relationship

In this essay, I will be exploring how Iago brought about the change in Othello up until act 3 of the play. This play is about a black Venetian soldier who elopes and marries a young white girl called Desdemona, who he shares an empathic …

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Words 4047
Pages 15
Discuss the Techniques Used by Shakespeare to Present Othello’s Transformation

Discuss the Techniques Used by Shakespeare to Present Othello’s Transformation The transforming of Othello is perhaps one of the most important parts to the play. Shakespeare uses a number of techniques to get across the monumental change in Othello and to dramatically present both the …

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Words 2165
Pages 8
Romeo and Juliet Act 3 Scene 5

Romeo and Juliet Romeo and Juliet are from two prominent and feuding families who reside in the city of Verona, a real city in northern Italy. As far as the audience are aware, they are their parents’ only offspring, the only other ‘children’ in the …

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Words 5359
Pages 20
Conflict in Othello

Othello is a play which contains many conflicts between the characters. The main conflicts in ‘Othello’ are between friends and foes. Othello’s inner conflict, cultural and racial differences which lead to racial judgement and discrimination, to express these conflicts; Shakespeare uses many techniques such as …

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Words 327
Pages 2
To What Extent Can Bosola Be Considered a Tragic Hero

To what extent can Bosola be considered a tragic hero? “Let worthy minds ne’er stagger in distrust/ to suffer death or shame for what is just. / Mine is another voyage. ” Thus the dying Bosola concludes his last speech and, in doing so, ends …

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Othello Appeal To A Twenty First Century Audience

In my opinion Othello appeals to a twenty-first century audience due to his themes such as jealousy, deception, racism, manipulation, love and corrupt civilisation which is still relevant in today’s society. These themes are themes that are timeless which explore human nature which is unchanging …

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Words 80
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Emilia in Othello: A complete Transformation

During the sixteenth century, men were able to control their wives and women were not able to speak out against their husbands, including Emilia, a character in William Shakespeare’s play Othello, is completely underestimated by every character, including her husband, Iago. In the beginning of …

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Words 108
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Danger of Isolation

Othello is a Shakespearean tragedy which depicts the incompatibility of military heroism and love; the danger of isolation. I personally think that Othello conveys the balance of human strengths and weaknesses amidst good and evil in society. In my opinion, Othello is a cultural and …

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Is Volpone Hero Or Villain?

It would be almost impossible for the audience of this satiric comedy, Valpone not to be moved, if not shocked by the larger than life, absolutely corrupt character of Valpone. He evokes both disgust and a perverted sense of admiration as we are presented to …

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Othello and A Dolls House

In every story, we often see a colorful character in the form of the story’s antagonist. They are usually held in contrast to the story’s main character or the protagonist. This is how the antagonists were portrayed in both the stories “Othello” and “A Doll’s …

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Racism, Human Nature, Love and Hatred “Mother Savage”

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Character Of Iago In “Othello”

Iago continually uses rhetorical strategies to manipulate others. He uses many devices to put false accusations into Othello’s head. In lines 330-447 in act 3 scene 3, Iago uses rhetorical questions, imagery, and sarcasm to make Othello believe that Cassio is having an affair with …

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Iago’s First Soliloquy

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The Great Gatsby and Social Class

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Find extra essay topics on Essays on Othello by our writers.

Othello is a tragedy written by William Shakespeare, probably in 1603, set in the contemporary Ottoman–Venetian War fought for the control of the Island of Cyprus, since 1489 a possession of the Venetian Republic. The port city of Famagusta finally fell to the Ottomans in 1571 after a protracted siege.
Originally published

1883

Characters

Iago , Othello , Desdemona , Cassio, Roderigo, Brabantio, Emilia, Bianca, Lodovico, Gratiano

Author

William Shakespeare

Adapted from

Un Capitano Moro

Information

Enemies : Iago

Frequently asked questions

What is the othello?
The othello is a board game that is played by two people. The game is played on a board that is divided into eight rows and eight columns. The game is played with a set of black and white pieces. The black pieces are called the black pieces" and the white pieces are called the "white pieces". The game is won by the player who has the most pieces of the same color at the end of the game."
How to write othello essay?
Assuming you want tips on how to write an essay on the play Othello: 1. Start by reading the play and taking detailed notes. As you read, think about the play’s major themes, such as jealousy, betrayal, and appearance vs. reality.2. Make a list of the play’s main characters, and for each character, write a brief description of their role in the play.3. Choose a specific scene or moment in the play that you want to focus on in your essay.4. Brainstorm a list of ideas and potential thesis statements related to your chosen scene or moment.5. Outline your essay, including an introduction, body paragraphs, and a conclusion. In your introduction, briefly summarize the scene or moment you’ll be discussing and state your thesis. In your body paragraphs, discuss how the scene or moment supports your thesis. In your conclusion, briefly summarize your main points and restate your thesis.6. Write a first draft of your essay, using your outline as a guide.7. Edit and revise your essay, paying attention to grammar, punctuation, and clarity.8. Once you’re satisfied with your essay, submit it to your teacher or professor.
How to start othello essay?
To start an Othello essay, you will first need to choose a topic and develop a thesis statement. Once you have done this, you can begin to develop an outline for your essay. When creating your outline, you will want to consider the different aspects of Othello's character and how they relate to the play as a whole. You may also want to discuss the different themes that are present in the play. Once you have developed your outline, you can begin to write your essay.
How Did Iago Cause Cassio To Be Argumentative
Iago is a master manipulator. He is constantly playing people off of each other and pitting them against each other. In this case, Iago is trying to cause a rift between Cassio and Othello. He does this by constantly stirring up trouble and getting Cassio worked up. Iago knows that if he can get Cassio to become argumentative, it will eventually lead to a fight between the two men. And, of course, Iago knows that if there is a fight, Othello will likely side with Cassio. This will cause even more tension between Othello and his wife, Desdemona.

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