In the play of Othello by William Shakespeare, the character Iago shows his abilities of understanding the mind of Othello, leading him to his downfall. Iago’s skillful manipulation of protagonist, Othello, eventually leads Othello to self destruct. Although he has these positive traits at times he may portray other traits which make him seem naive and unsophisticated compared to many other people. Othello is self-conscious and defensive about his difference from other Venetians. 3  Pages. Speaker: Iago The control is not only of power but of the sense of his being who he is, a great warrior. eponymously titled play ‘Othello’, manifests greed, ambition, jealousy, revenge and most of all, manipulation. / Arise, I say!" If thou canst cuckold him, thou dost thyself a pleasure, me a sport. At the centre of this play is the tragic, story based upon the revenge of two characters, Shakespeare’s. Instant PDF downloads. Hi there, would you like to get such a paper? "Even now, now, very now, an old black ram / Is tupping your white ewe. Emilia, Desdemona, Iago 1545  Words | Arise, arise! Othello’s lack of judgment causes his downfall in that he chooses to trust Iago, even to the exclusion of others. Othello - Act 1 Scene 3 key quotes and themes. The downfall of Othello is a story by William Shakespeare which is a romantic tragedy involving some themes such as jealousy, revenge, greed, reality versus appearance which all play a role in bringing the play into a tragic end. Shakespeare’s Othello consists of the themes betrayal, love and dishonesty. Iago believes that because these three hold their honor so dear, any show of disrespect from Cassio will get him into trouble. Audience: Rodrigo Iago, Mind, Brabantio 1448  Words | - vulnerability and downfall - tragic flaw? Othello Act 1, Sc, 1 Quotes Iago, however, aids in Othello’s downfall through manipulation. Compare and Contrast Essay: The Downfalls of Oedipus and Othello Iago, Judgment, Marriage 593  Words | The other way Iago helps bring Othello’s downfall is by making use of his pre-built reputation. Using, Othello as the main character discussed he poses some strengths and weaknesses. Once he gets the handkerchief, he escalates his proof, climaxing with the description of Cassio’s erotic dream, so that when all he can produce as evidence of her infidelity in the missing handkerchief, it’s enough. Othello Quotes on Jealousy Here are some additional examples of jealousy in Othello. This is why Iago, to get his rewards and revenge, uses him as a scapegoat because Othello chose Cassio over him to be lieutenant. He is very proud and in control of every move throughout the play. Iago creates an alternate world filled with lies, that unfortunately consumes the trusting and naive Othello. There are several themes present in Othello, but the downfall of our hero, Othello, is at the middle of it all. This conflict gives the reader a glimpse of what is to come. " Othello has told Cassio he has made a mistake and he believes he has not had an affair with his wife and hasn't give Othello a reason to hate him. Imagine no longer having control of your thoughts and never feeling secure and stable; the same way, heroic men that became the victims of two tragic, themes betrayal, love and dishonesty. Iago has a reputation of honesty and trustworthiness that is acknowledged by everyone he knows. From early in the play we learn that he is a trusted soldier and a loving husband who remains calm under pressure and … Iago also manipulated pretty much everyone in the play, and his web of lies just grows and grows. 3  Pages. He asks for forgiveness coming towards the end of Act 2 which he is Iago’s skillful manipulation of protagonist, Othello, eventually leads Othello to self destruct. Iago absolutely hates Othello. Love, Iago, Trust 1102  Words | Iago is not what he appears to be, making his reputation very useful. Most people have heard the phrase “pride comes before a fall”. Just before Othello kills Desdemona, he finally explains the reason behind his assumption: Cassio’s possession of her handkerchief. Are You on a Short Deadline? Quote : “O, beware, my lord of jealousy; / It is the green-ey’d monster which doth mock / … What Othello should have taught us That everyone is capable of evil That it's all down to the choices you make And not to give Roderigo, Desdemona, Thou 445  Words | Othello is intelligent and confident in military matters but socially insecure, one of the reasons that lead to his downfall. " I believe you and I ask you to forgive me. Sophocles, the writer of Oedipus the King, and Williams Shakespeare, the writer of Othello, were both enormously influential playwrights of their respective generations and their legacy continues today. He’s a genius at putting on a trustworthy front and maintaining it, even as he is deceiving multiple people to act against those they love. He treats his wife with … 5  Pages. Speaker: Brabantio ii. Explication: Brabantio wants Rodrigo to leave. And when we are about to praise him for his good luck and fame, he finishes it all for once and all partly by his own blindness and jealousy and partly by the tricky cunningness of evil Iago. Downfall of Othello The play begins with an argument between Iago and Roderigo. Oedipus and Othello were both honorable and heroic men that became the victims of two tragic downfalls that can be compared and contrasted with each other. The once “noble and valiant moor” is transformed into the “blacker devil” as he kills his beloved Desdemona due to her supposed infidelity with lieutenant Cassio. 313. ) Yes. In some ways you could say that Othello was highly responsible... Free Othello is of strong character. Othello’s character seems to be a cool, calm, brave, and strong minded. Desdemona, Poetry, Venetian language 1506  Words | Iago absolutely hates Othello. He does make some effort to learn the truth from Desdemona’s perspective by questioning Emilia, who tells Othello that Desdemona is faithful. Shakespeare uses the technique of foreshadowing to help the reader predict the misfortunes that will befall the characters in the play... relationships can either bring great joy or can become the very cause of human frailty. The play, Othello, is a twisted tale of deceit and revenge. The play, Othello, is a twisted tale of deceit and revenge. As if picking up a cue, in the very next speech, Iago foretells Othello’s downfall, saying the Moor’s “joy…may lose some color” (I.i.72). Othello's tragic flaw is often identified as jealousy, but other possible tragic flaws include insecurity and poor judgment. Famous Quotes A list of quotes from Othello, Shakespeare's well-known tragedy about jealousy and deception. Othello who is a Moor completely fits the definition given by Aristotle of a tragic hero. All rights reserved, Othello's downfall. Othello in the play appears to be strong and brave. Othello senses the truth behind Emilia’s words, but dismisses them, calling Emilia “a simple bawd” and Desdemona “a subtle whore”. He is a combination of greatness and weakness. Othello is a true tragic character for he inspires us without any jeopardy and sensational deeds. One main point of this play could be that though it may appear that a person is solely responsible for his own demise, there is usually someone behind them, appearing to be helping, but actually aiding their own downfall. Othello makes a mess of his life and decides to end it prematurely when it becomes apparent to him that his downfall is his own fault. Othello’s downfall is caused by his lack of character judgment, but it is also made possible by the villain Iago through his manipulative ways, his pre-built reputation, and his use of that reputation. The Downfall of Othello Audience: Rodrigo And finally, insight is given to this appearance through the words of Brabantio, his father-in-law, who speaks incredulously of his daughter's love for Othello: "To fall in love with what she feared to look upon" (1.3.98). The relationship between Othello and Iago is built on friendship... Free Detailed quotes explanations with page numbers for every important quote on the site. He is a general in the Venetian defense forces, and, although a foreigner from Africa, he has won this post by excellence in the field of war. This acknowledgment is not limited to people that know him socially, but is accepted among his personal relationships also. Premium 4  Pages. Premium Premium This will eventually lead to many problems ultimately including the downfall of Othello. In the play ‘Othello’ by William Shakespeare we witness the downfall of the main character Othello and the underlying factors which lead to his downfall. 3  Pages. "I have charged thee not not haunt about my doors." Othello and Iago Iago’s hatred of Othello is profound; he does not employ him as his lieutenant and there is a suggestion that he bedded Emilia previous to his relationship with Desdemona. Iago creates an alternate world filled with lies, that unfortunately consumes the trusting and naive Othello. The company of Othello, directed by Iqbal Khan in 2015 ( VI. Othello is a combination of greatness and weakness, in his own words "an honourable murderer" (V.2, 295). 7 terms. Or both. “Reputation is an idle and most false imposition; oft got without merit, and lost without deserving. 7  Pages. Therefore, Othello’s downfall is a consequence of the actions of those around him. Shakespeare present Othello as being responsible for his own downfall? Because Othello is resistant to believing in Desdemona’s guilt, … 5  Pages. Premium . Premium Iago is able to make the most of his pre-built reputation by telling just enough of the truth to make his false, inaccurate stories believable. Line-by-line modern translations of every Shakespeare play and poem. For one to qualify he must possess qualities such as being a person of a high state, face downfall and become unhappy, and his downfall must be contributed by his tragic flaws (Kennedy & Gioia, 856). In the play’s first scene, Roderigo makes reference to Othello’s stereotypical facial features, reducing the entire man to calling him “the thick-lips” (I.i.65). / Awake the snorting citizens with the bell, / Or else the devil will make a grandsire of you. Teacher Editions with classroom activities for all 1386 titles we cover. Iago has planned Cassio's downfall, and in a soliloquy he says that Cassio will share guard duty with three Cypriots "That hold their honours in a wary distance" (2.3.56). Premium Michael Cassio, Joint manipulation, Emilia 1106  Words | The Defeat of Othello The easy answer would be the “green eyed monster,” jealousy. The Downfall of Othello The operations of a human beings mind, the place where we hold thoughts, find peace and security is thought to be our own…what if this is compromised? Tragedy, Othello, Sophocles 1228  Words | Othello’s downfall is a result of Iago’s psychotic scheming, motivated by his thirst for revenge and jealousy and the exploitation of Othello’s trusting and confident nature. Othello's downfall comes about due to a combination of the influence of Iago and the fatal character flaws of the otherwise virtuous Othello. in [his] speech" (1.3.81). The quote shows that from the moment the action begins, Iago is already looking for ways to bring about Othello’s downfall. While Othello did lack judgment of character, which eventually led him to kill his wife, if we look back in the story, we see that he is not the only player here. He sometimes even talks about himself as an outsider. - is clearly kind here and shows his devotion towards her - 'haste-post-haste' ... Othello - Act 1, scene 1 key quotes. We also see that Iago has an honest reputation, acknowledged by everyone and uses it to its full advantage, mixing just enough truth with his lies to make the situations believable. This conflict gives the reader a glimpse of what is to come. Hayley Scott Shakespeare and Film July 11th, 2012 Othello’s Downfall Iago is the primary cause of Othello’s downfall. It is a reminder that we should always act with grace and understand our own flaws and fallibility. He has no reason to suppose that Desdemona is unfaithful, only Iago’s innuendos and lies. In this essay I will be discussing the reasons for and against Othello being responsible for his downfall through looking at critical interpretations of his character and actions. The play begins with an argument between Iago and Roderigo. Look, Tragedy in dramatic terms has rules, dating all the way back to Aristotle. At the centre of this play is the tragic downfall of Othello at the hands of his so called friend Iago. Discuss the Downfall of Othello William Shakespeare For Aristotle a tragedy is to be serious having dignity and a protagonist of high esteem that experiences a reversal of fortune. Othello admits freely that he is "rude . Explication: He is saying that he is not who he appears to be. tiff1799. Iago’s manipulative words convince Othello that his wife is unfaithful; from then on he begins to lose his noble traits. He hates Othello and abuses his trust by conceiving a plot to bring around Othellos downfall. Critics view on Othello's Downfall By Leah Nattrass We all the the Potential to do or be bad in the end it's what choice you make- remember: Thank you! The best quotes from Othello by William Shakespeare - organized by theme, including book location and character - with an explanation to help you understand! A Flair for the Dramatic/Selfish Machines by Pierce the Veil. Imagine no longer having control of your thoughts and never feeling secure and stable; the same way Othello felt after being controlled by Iago. Iago can be considered an agent of fate, sent to doom Othello. However, Othello’s faith in Desdemona also opens the door for Iago to give Othello seeming “proof” of Desdemona’s infidelity. Explication: Brabantio wants Rodrigo to leave. Initially with no proof at all, just his own mind, he let his insecurity get in the way. … After reading this tragedy and seeing how manipulative, evil, and deceptive Iago was throughout the plot, this statement seems logical. The tragedy "Othello is a story based upon the revenge of two characters, Shakespeare’s Othello is a play with unique characters. Here Iago explains how Roderigo can help him. How about receiving a customized one? Definitions and examples of 136 literary terms and devices. Iago plays upon Othello’s own weaknesses and fears with his lies and innuendos making Othello a more susceptible... Free But I believe it is Othello’s insecurity in personal affairs. He wasn’t really experienced with women so when Iago gave him advice, he took it and held on to it. He should be the master of his own mind because he governs what he does and he always had the chance to evaluate the validity of Iago’s claims. While the average reader might be quick to blame Iago for this tragedy, in this essay I will show you how Othello was actually responsible for his downfall for a variety of reasons. Refine any search. Speaker: Brabantio Humans feel the need to interact with one another, to fulfil this need humans build relationships. Virtues: Othello is essentially a good man. Desdemona, Envy, Othello 842  Words | Othello is blinded by his lack of judgment which causes him to trust what Iago says and no one else. One of the main factors is the relationships he had with others. It is clear in the play that the contriving actions of others enable his weaknesses to be preyed upon and used as a tool of annihilation, but it is through the beguilement of others that seals him to his treacherous fate. Shakespeare's Othello is a play of destruction, deception and jealousy in which the mind of a valiant soldier named Othello is manipulated and cheated leading to his downfall. Othello Quotes Leading To Downfall eponymously titled play ‘ Othello ’, manifests greed, ambition, jealousy, revenge and most of all, manipulation. "I have charged thee not not haunt about my doors." / Arise, I say!" Henry VII - Royal finance and Domestic policies. The quote shows that Othello does love his wife and does not want to think ill of her. 6  Pages. 23 terms. He is different from those around him, due to his origins and his life history. It is ironic that the most trusted person in the play is actually the most untrustworty and the person who Othello should trust most is perceived as untrustworthy in Othellos eyes. “To fall in love with what she feared to look on!… Against all rules of nature” Duke of Venice to Brabantio in Act1;3 “Your son-in-law is far more fair than black” Othello using his race when referring to his wife’s supposed immorality in A3;S3 “As Dian’s visage, is … (Courtesy Natasha Moustache) This article is … In building up Othello’s jealousy, Iago starts with the believable, advising Othello to wear his eye neither jealous nor secure and reminds him of how easily Desdemona deceived her father to elope with Othello. OTHER SETS BY THIS CREATOR. Arise, arise! His shallowness allows him to trust Iago as he does to the exclusion of anyone else. Othello’s downfall comes about due to a combination of the influence of Iago and the fatal character flaws of the otherwise virtuous Othello. 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