faculty of philology department of english language … · 2018. 9. 17. · 4 1. introduction...
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UNIVERSITY OF GJAKOVA “FEHMI AGANI”
FACULTY OF PHILOLOGY
DEPARTMENT OF ENGLISH LANGUAGE AND LITERATURE
DIPLOMA PAPER
Love and Jealousy in William Shakespeare’s “Othello”
Mentor: Candidate:
Prof.Dr. LIRAK KARJAGDIU NJOMZA ZHAVELI
Gjakova, 2018
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Table of Contents
1. Introduction ......................................................................................................... 4
1.1. Life and Works of the Author .......................................................................... 7
a) Life ..................................................................................................................... 7
b) Work..................................................................................................................... 8
1.2. Relevant information about “Othello”................................................................ 11
2. Love in “Othello”
a) The Rise of Love
2.1. The Starting Point of Love.................................................................................. 14
2.2. The Othello's Story at the Senate Chamber......................................................... 15
2.3. Love and Honeymoon in “Othello”..................................................................... 17
b) The Fall of Love
2.4. The Interruption of Love..................................................................................... 18
2.5. The Ruin of Love................................................................................................ 20
2.6. The Tragic End of Love...................................................................................... 21
3. Jealousy in “Othello”
a) The Rise of Jealousy
3.1. Manifestation of Jealousy................................................................................... 23
3.2. Iago Convinces Roderigo.................................................................................... 25
3.3. The Quarrel between Cassio and Roderigo......................................................... 26
3.4. Iago Convinces Cassio to talk with Desdemona................................................. 26
3.5. Introducing the Jealousy into Othello’s Mind..................................................... 27
3.6. Handkerchief....................................................................................................... 29
3.7. Change of Othello's Character............................................................................. 31
3.8. Desdemona's Calmness and Wisdom.................................................................. 32
3.9. Assassination of Cassio....................................................................................... 33
3.10. The Death of Desdemona.................................................................................. 34
b) The Fall of Jealousy
3.11. Othello Reveals the Truth................................................................................. 35
3.12. Othello Kills Himself........................................................................................ 36
4. Conclusion............................................................................................................. 38
5. Bibliography.......................................................................................................... 41
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Declaration
I, Njomza Zhaveli, herewith pledge that I intend to work on my diploma paper BA thesis fully
respecting academic standards of the University of Gjakova “Fehmi Agani”.Therefore, any
reference from published or unpublished work will be duly acknowledged through quotation,
summarizing and paraphrasing.
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1. Introduction
William Shakespeare is a British writer who is known as one of the greatest English personalities
of all time. Among the many plays, sonnets, comedies, romantic plays and tragedies written by
Shakespeare, undoubtedly one of the most famous tragedies is obviously “Othello”, given its
varied and enduring topics of love, jealousy, betrayal, repentance, revenge and racism. Including
and mixing up all these topics in “Othello”, the play is still actuality and it is often performed in
professional and community theatre, as it is the source for numerous opera, film, and literary
adaptations. What is most fascinating about “Othello” is that Shakespeare turned the audience’s
expectations upside down by presenting a white anti-hero in opposition to a black, noble hero.
What distinguishes “Othello” from the other plays of Shakespeare is generally considered to be
the first black hero in Western literature and is still one of Shakespeare’s best known characters.
He also made a difference between understandings of two cultures and mentalities, in which at
one side is the noble Moorish Othello a leader under Venice service army, and in other side are
his surroundings, exploiting his sincere attitudes toward them, Iago, who is his senior soldier,
presents another culture and an evil man, who retaliates Othello, in the most sophisticated way,
only because he overcomes him for promotion. An unsophisticated man was wrongly in
sophisticated surroundings for intrigues so he ends his wife’s life and kills himself, after
discovering that it was a plot against him. The play “Othello”, gives opportunity for elaborating
topics such as culture, mentalities and racism, as the event occurs in Venice and Cyprus, and in
the middle of them stands Othello, a Moorish from North Africa, who suffers from the fact he is
a nigger. (Bloom, H. (Ed.). (1966). William Shakespeare's Othell, Bloom's Notes. Chelsea:
Chelsea House. Page: 5).
The play is a tragedy that gives the opportunity to better understand the historical conflicts
between Venice and the ottoman Empire, also the moor from North Africa who serves under
Venice army as a noble man, but failing to understand the mentality that surrounds him and that
during the play, he falls victim of the intrigue of a sophisticated minded man for bad intentions,
destroying his pure love with Desdemona as he introduces jealousy in the middle, a fictitious
jealousy, thinking that she had betrayed him, he kills her, then after he learns the truth about, he
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kills himself. The tragedy has the sad end, but also gives a message on how to notice it before it
is late. (Bloom, H. (Ed.). (1966). William Shakespeare's Othell, Bloom's Notes. Chelsea: Chelsea
House. Pages 18-19).
I chose this play to analyze for my diploma thesis, in an aim to achieve a new perspective of
acknowledgment the world literature, particularly British literature concerning the author’s most
popular work, till today days, as it is “Othello”. This play’s most significant subject is love and
jealousy, so this diploma thesis mainly focuses on these topics and their consequences, such as
misunderstandings, mentalities and different culture view of events, along with the characters
and their personal development through the play.
It consists of three chapters, introduction, love and jealousy. In the first part it will be presented
the biography of the author and his artistic work. In the author’s biography, I am going to
mention some interesting facts that highlight his life, such as his education and the beginning of
his career as a writer. After the information about the play’s author, I will point out some of the
crucial parts that helped in creating “Othello” and all the relevant information regarding the
play. In the work section, I will mention his main plays which the famous ones are the romantic
tragedies, and only tragedies such is “Othello”, that he published during his life and those that
were published after his death, as well.
In the main body of the novel, chapters two and three, I will explicate the rising and falling
points of love and their overcome. Their acts and behaviours in the play will be followed by
taking examples based on the book. After love points, I will be describing some of the most
essential topics of the play, which is jealousy, I am going to mention the raising, falling and their
overcoming points throughout the play following the chronological order.
I will conclude this paper on the last part with a personal approach concerning the work.
The methods used when working on this paper are the deductive method, the Critical method and
the research method, collecting and using general information about the novel, summarizing it
and narrowing it to the most important parts and theories required for this diploma thesis.
Anyone that likes to get deeply lost in the history of literature, one of the most important in the
world, such as the British literature, and William Shakespeare's works, those are tempting,
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because besides the subject and the meaningfulness of the works, there are important data from
the historical, cultural, traditional, racial and social aspects that have dominated the times of the
development of events, which are actually present even nowadays.
Among the books that I’ve studied for this paper, the ones that I was based on mostly are the
followings:
1. Shakespeare, W. (2005). Othello - The Moor of Venice. Minnesota:
EMC/Paradigm Publishing Shakespeare. W. (1993). Othello. Retrieved from:
feedbooks.com
2. Bloom, H. (Ed.). (1992). Intro. Iago. Chelsea: Chelsea House Publishers.
3. Fogiel, M. (Ed.). (2000). Othello – Acts and Summary. Retrieved from:
enotes.com.
4. Weller, P. (Ed.). (2001, April 04). Othello Navigators. Retrieved from:
shakespeare-navigators.com.
I would like to thank my mentor, Dr.Lirak Karjagdiu, for his patience and tireless support
through this journey, helping me finalizing one of the most important parts of my education.
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1.1. Life and works of the author
a) Life
William Shakespeare born 26 April, died 1564- 23 April 1616 is considered to be the greatest
writer in the history of English literature. According to early years public records show that he
was born to a middle-class family in the village of Stratford-Upon Avon, England.
He was the first born son to John Shakespeare who was a Glover maker and Mary Arden, a local
heiress. After author’s father John, got married with a member of a well off family, he become
an alderman, so young William would have received an excellent childhood education at a local
grammar school. (Muir, Kenneth. (2005). Shakespeare's tragic sequence. London; New York:
Routledge, Pages 2-3).
It is generally believed that he arrived in London between the end and the late 1580s and may
have found employment as a horse trainer in some of London's finer theatres. He attended school
where the lessons would have included English grammar, as well as Latin and Greek, including
studies of classical authors such as Virgil, Cicero and Seneca. However, it is believed that
Shakespeare had to leave school at age 13, because of his father who fell on hard financial times
so he needed his son’s help at home. Marriage at the age of 18, and Children in 1582,
Shakespeare married Anne Hathaway, 8 years older and at the marriage time, Anne was 3
months pregnant with their first child. They had three children, Susanna, born in 1583, and twins
Hamnet and Judith, who were born in 1585. There is no record of William Shakespeare ever
attending university.
There are records that he owned his own theatre, the Glob, and amassed enough wealth from his
venture to retire to Stratford as a wealthy gentleman. He invested heavily in his property on real
estate purchases in Stratford and bought the second largest home in New Place in 1597.
Shakespeare died on 23 April 1616 and was buried in the parish church. Stratford upon Avon in
the 19th Century became famous as the birthplace of William Shakespeare. (Encyclopædia
Britannica (2017, January 17). William Shakespeare Biography - by Tim Lambert, Retrieved
from: bing.com).
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b) Work
William Shakespeare is an English writer, poet and playwright. His fame rests usually in his
plays, sonnets and comedies. The works are translated into over 80 different languages and the
plays are performed across the world, used for audiences of all ages. The author of “Othello”,
Shakespeare, is considered one of the greatest writers in the world, to ever use the English
language. With his genius, Shakespeare wrote the most famous plays and sonnets in the world,
including “Romeo and Juliet”, “King Lear”, “Venetian Merchant”, “Hamlet”, “Midnight Night
Dream”, “Macbeth”, “Othello”, and many more. These plays are the world’s most-often
produced and published. Researchers have written thousands of articles and books about their
characters, plots, themes, and language. Shakespeare wrote at least 37 dramas that were labelled
mostly comedies, stories or tragedies. He is the most widely quoted author in history, he remains
one of the greatest entertainers, and his plays have probably been performed more times than
those of any other dramatist. There is no simple explanation for Shakespeare's unrivalled
popularity. (Bevington, D. (2018). William Shakespeare. Retrieved from: Britannica.com).
He had a great knowledge of human minds and behaviour, in which he was able to communicate
with a wide variety of characters through his portrayal. His writings serve as a study guide for
many fields, especially the psychological areas, because of the fact his being one of the most
profound thinkers, today actual as well.
His high and poetic language skills, as well as drama techniques to combine these human
motives, actions to produce a uniquely compelling theatrical experience multiple viewpoints.
Shakespeare was also an actor and the founder of the famous Globe Theatre; it is visited by
hundreds of thousands of tourists every year. The Shakespeare’s plays, several lyrical poems and
sonnets have been translated into over 80 different languages throughout the world. The play,
Romeo and Juliet were written at the beginning of the 1590, while the play Julius Caesar was
written at the end of the era. His early plays were regarded histories and comedies, which are
considered as some of the best work ever produced in these genres. The plays such as King
Henry VI and Richard III are written around the same time, between 1589 and 1591. The author,
then wrote mainly tragedies, until about 1608, including “Hamlet”, “Othello”, “King Lear”,
and “Macbeth”, these works are considered as some of the finest works in the English language.
In his last phase, he wrote tragicomedies, also known as romances or romantic – tragedies. Also,
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among the most well known plays are "Merchant of Venice," "As You like It," "Much Ado about
Nothing," "A Midsummer's Night Dream," and "Twelfth Night." With only a small degree of
change, Shakespeare mostly used a metric model, leaving the string empty to compose its play.
At the same time, there are passages in all the dramas that deviate from it and use forms of
poetry or simple prose with allegory. Often looks dramatic and beautiful, but its sentences tend
to start, stop, and finish at the end of the lines, with the risk of monotony. (Muir, Kenneth.
(2005). Shakespeare's tragic sequence. London; New York: Routledge, Pages 4-5).
In earlier plays of Shakespeare, the prose is almost always reserved for characters, from the
lower classes. Particularly in his early plays, Shakespeare used the most famous rhymed verse.
Rhymed couplets occur frequently at the end of a scene, perhaps serving as a cue, punctuating
the dramatic rhythm. Developing his dramatic skill, Shakespeare began to make greater use of
prose. Shakespeare, however, this rigid assignment of prose or verse had been abandoned on the
basis of social rank. Shakespeare always remained a dramatist and a profound thinker, where the
philosophical method elaborates the ethical tract in which the tolerance of human weakness is
evident in the plays, all of these shows that Shakespeare was a broad personality. He had
balanced views and generous attitudes towards humanity. Though he has not lectured at times,
his works clearly show that sound morals are implied in his own topics and in how he treats his
material. Sayings of Shakespeare's contemporaries, suggest that he possessed both, gentle
manners and integrity. (Naeem, M. (2010, December 02). Shakespeare and the idea of tragedy.
Retrieved from: neoenglish.com).
But, as the history plays indicate, Shakespeare, accepted the idea of monarchy and had little
interest or concept of a participatory democracy. Without condemning the people, he accepted as
they are, but he did not allow wickedness to triumph. Although many of Shakespeare’s women
characters, shown as independent and assertive, the author’s plays still have them subordinate
their energy into the logic of the male-dominated household. The author’s works, particularly in
the 20th and 21st centuries, have been repeatedly adapted and rediscovered by new movements
of writers. All that can be deduced is that in his years as a playwright, he wrote the plays that will
be remembered that capture the complete scale of human conflicts and emotion. His plays are
constantly studied, and also highly popular. The Shakespeare’s plays are reinterpreted and
performed in diverse cultural and political contexts, throughout the world. As stated in a poem
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by Ben Jonson, Shakespeare's prominence "not of age but of all time". (Encyclopædia Britannica
(2017, January 17). William Shakespeare Biography - by Tim Lambert, Retrieved from:
bing.com).
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1.2. Relevant information about “Othello”
The classic tragedy, “Othello” is written in 1603 -1604, a period which was tragic for
Shakespeare, it was first performed at the court of King James I on November, 1604. At that time
the author’s work included the tragic plays such are “Macbeth” (1606), “King Lear” (1604–
5), “Antony and Cleopatra” (1606–7) and “Hamlet” (1600). “Othello” is based on the story of
Un Capitano Moro by Cinthio, a Boccaccio disciple first published in 1565, the author has
adapted and built it, in his high and rare artistic style, and remained very popular throughout the
18th and 19th centuries, to survive the times and is still present today. The play is originally first
published in 1622 and it is written in a combination of prose, rhymed poetry, and blank verse.
“Othello” consists of 5 acts and 15 scenes. (Rogers, J. & Lupu, M. (Eds.). (2004). Othello by
William Shakespeare. Retrieved from: guthrietheater.org. Pages 4-7).
The play, “Othello”, is devoted to a Moorish from the North of Africa. He serves under the
administration of Venice, as a noble general in the army. The title character, a Moor, or dark-
skinned man, is a general commanding the forces of Venice. Viewed from a historical point of
view, the event is based on the wars between Venice and Turkey that took place in the late
sixteenth century. Cyprus, where most of the play takes place, was a Venetian post attacked by
the Turks in 1570, in which they invaded next year. In this regard, the play has historical
elements, where only an act is held in Venice, while four other acts are being held in the war
zone, Cyprus. Some of the major themes in this play include love, jealousy, racial prejudice and
manipulation. The characters in the play are Othello, a general of Venetian armies, a black moon,
who is honest and noble. He falls in love with Desdemona, the daughter of Senator Brabantio.
Othello is a victim of his soldier Iago’s manipulation, a soldier that Othello believes very much.
Othello is a tragic figure that ultimately drowns his innocent wife and himself as he learns the
truth. Desdemona is the daughter of the Venetian senator Brabantio. Before the play begins,
Desdemona and Othello got married secretly. Desdemona is presented also as self-possessed and
determined in this aspect. She is equally proficient of ignoring Iago, defending her marriage and
react with dignity to Othello's unprecedented jealousy. Iago - a senior soldier is a very bad man
who destroys the lives of Othello and Desdemona in a very refined way, as he feels jealous,
decided to retaliate against Othello because he had not promoted him in the lieutenant's position.
Michael Cassio - Othello's lieutenant, an inexperienced soldier pulling Iago's bitterness for his
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promotion as a lieutenant and also falls into the Iago's manipulation network. Emilia - Iago's wife
and Desdemona's guardian. A cynical, earthly woman, she is deeply tied to her mistress and
unbelieving to her husband. Roderigo, young and foolish is a jealous defender of Desdemona. He
is from a well - off family, a very rich person who is convinced that if he gives Iago all his of his
money, Iago will help him win Desdemona's hand. Bianca is a courtesan in Cyprus whose
favourite customer is Cassio, she hopes to marry him. Brabantio is Desdemona’s father, a very
important person at the senate of Venice. Brabantio feels betrayed when Othello marries his
daughter in secret. Duke of Venice is the ruler of Venice, who has great respect for Othello as a
public and a military servant. Montano is the governor of Cyprus before Othello. Lodovico is
one of Brabantio’s kinsmen, who act as a messenger from Venice to Cyprus. (Rogers, J. & Lupu,
M. (Eds.). (2004). Othello by William Shakespeare. Retrieved from: guthrietheater.org. Pages
12-13).
William Shakespeare compressed the action in the space of a few days and placed it on the
background of the conflict. And most importantly, is that he also introduced Iago, as the man
with the perfect mind to fit seamlessly into jealousy in the midst of a pure love, involving people
who were actually innocent on the one side and unaware on the other. The play is realized when
Othello, a noble black hero, high General of Venice’s army, appoints Cassio and not Iago as his
chief lieutenant. Iago, who is jealous at Cassio's appointment to the lieutenant's position from
Othello, decides to take revenge on Othello, implicating Othello's wife, Desdemona, as Cassio's
girlfriend, manipulating them in a love affair. As a jealous man, Iago pushes Othello to think that
Desdemona, who was Othello's wife, loves Cassio, his lieutenant. For reaching his evil plan, he
uses his wife Emilia, who is an ignorant and Rodregio a wealthy young man who loved
Desdemona for his wife. Using a handkerchief belonging to Desdemona that had found Emilia,
Iago cheating Cassio putting the handkerchief into his pocket, then convinces Othello that
Desdemona has given Cassio's handkerchief for the sake of love. With an intrigued and refined
mind, Iago with the intention of striking Othello imposing into his thought, that his wife
Desdemona loves Cassio. Othello, jealously, began to think that as a black man was no more
attractive to his wife. Moreover, Iago also asks Othello to intercept in a conversation between
himself and Cassio, who is actually about Cassio's girlfriend Bianca, but that, Othello thinks he
is for his wife Desdemona. So thrilled, by strong feelings of jealousy, he murdered his wife
Desdemona, who was unaware about the plot. Immediately after killing Desdemona, Othello
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finds that his suspicions of her were unreliable, and that the whole plot to make him jealous, was
projected by Iago. Rather than be returned to the Venice republic as a prisoner, he requests for a
moment to speak. (Bevington, D. (2018). William Shakespeare. Retrieved from:
Britannica.com).
Othello comes to understand his terrible error at the end of the play, but that knowledge comes
too late as always in tragedy, so he dies by his own hand in atonement for his mistakes. In the act
of self-destruction, he becomes again and for a final time the defender of Venice showing his
trustworthiness for Venetian republic values. In the end he delivers a speech reminding his
friends and witnesses of war, his great works in the name of the republic of Venice, to whom he
has served with his whole being, with unmatched honour, trust and endurance, then secretly
reveals a weapon (his cane), and slays himself. (Naeem, M. (2010, December 02). Shakespeare
and the idea of tragedy. Retrieved from neoenglish.com).
Othello: I kiss’d thee ere I kill’d thee: no way but this; killing myself, to die upon a kiss.
Falls on the bed, and dies. (Shakespeare, W. (2005). Othello - The Moor of Venice. Minnesota:
EMC/Paradigm Publishing 5.2.211).
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2. Love in “Othello”
This section will be about one of the main themes of the play which is love. It is chronologically
displayed through acts and scenes that generalize the play, focusing to rising and falling points of
love, including details that are no less important and characterizing the play “Othello”, in its
originality, as one of the most famous tragedies, ever written.
a) The Rise of Love
2.1. The Starting Point of Love
The author, in a hasty and indirect manner gives the reader to understand the direction of the play
regarding the key themes, which is love, in one side and jealousy, in the other. Shakespeare make
the reader understand that two people fell in love and married secretly, and this is between the
two main personages Othello and Desdemona, but this he reveals in an indirect literary way. At
the beginning of the play, Iago and Roderigo, are talking about their goals toward Othello, who
had just married the daughter of Senator Brabantio, Desdemona. In aim to point out the rising of
love in “Othello”, it is appropriate to explain the historical context when events occur. The
Republic of Venice is the place where the play develops. Viewed from the historical context, the
republic of Venice at that time was at war defending Cyprus from the Turkish invasion. Othello,
a Moorish, from north of Africa, was known as the nobleman of Venice, because of his courage
in defence of the Venetian Republic. Othello possesses an authority from the Senate of Venice,
who trusted him the leadership of its army. Iago and Roderigo inform Senator Brabantio that his
only daughter, Desdemona, was abducted by Othello, as soon as he finds out that his daughter is
not at home, he becomes very angry. Even though Othello evaluated as a man of high virtues and
a nobleman, yet he was a stranger and a black man for the Venetians. But now with an offensive
language he spoke about Othello, although he admired him before for his bravery, expressing
anger over his daughter who betrayed him and Othello, an evil stranger. Brabantio: O unhappy
girl! With the Moor, say’st thou? Who would be a father! How didst thou know ’twas she? O she
deceives me past thought! What said she to you? Get more tapers: Raise all my kindred. Are they
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married, think you? (Shakespeare, W. (2005). Othello - The Moor of Venice. Minnesota:
EMC/Paradigm Publishing. 1.1.5-13).
Not believing that his daughter could have deceived him, Brabantio declares that Othello may
have manipulated Desdemona, only with magic. Earlier, he did not trust Roderigo after his
daughter Desdemona expressed no interest in him, but now he asks Roderigo to help in
finding Desdemona and arresting Othello, now he changed his attitude toward Roderigo, telling
him that he would reward him, if he finds Desdemona and arrests Othello.
Brabantio: Pray you, lead on. At every house I’ll call; I may command at most. Get weapons,
ho! And raise some special officers of night. On, good Roderigo: I'll deserve your pains.
(Shakespeare, W. (2005). Othello - The Moor of Venice. Minnesota: EMC/Paradigm
Publishing.1.1.14-15).
Desdemona's father, Brabantio, told so to Roderigo, because he desperately wanted to turn his
reputation as a senator of Venice, he felt much underestimated towards people of Venice with his
daughter's act, now married to Othello, the Moor of Venice. The author, let the reader to
understand that Venetian’s family were ready to sacrifice everything for their dignity, especially
the families, who were in a high social level as Brabantio is, in which a secret marriage to a
Moorish, although he is known as noble in the Republic of Venice, was again an underestimation
for the dignity of the Venice. (James, D. D. (1987). William Shakespeare's Othello. Asheville:
Signet Classic Edition. Pages 2-4).
2.2. The Othello's Story at the Senate Chamber
The love is one of the parts where the reader indirectly understands the rising of a courtly and
pure love, viewed from the aspect of the course of the events told. In act 1, scene 3 is obviously
shown the love as healing in times of despair.
In the Senate chamber, Othello should be appeared, who as a noble army general must go to
Cyprus, which is at risk of being invaded by the Turks. Meanwhile, arrives Brabantio as a
senator, he begins to blame Othello that has made Desdemona for himself, using magic and
trickery. There Othello keeps a long speech about it. From the outset, since Senator Brabantio
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considers him the same level as himself, he instinctively wants to take the side of Brabantio, but
since the interest of the Republic of Venice is very much needed, Othello, as the chief leader of
the Republic's Army, then gives the floor to say Othello, who is constantly accused by
Desdemona's father, Brabantio. Othello admits that for the impossibility of marrying on the basis
of customs and traditions has decided and secretly married to Desdemone, but categorically
denies that he has used the trickery or magic to reach the goal. He explains that if Desdemona is
here, she will support his story. Othello explains that as a friend of Brabantio, he often invited
him to his home and wanted to tell about the sensational and wonderful stories of the bitter as
well as glorious battles that Othello had spent during his life as an implacable fighter.
Meanwhile, Desdemona had heard some of his stories and found a suitable time telling him that
he was conquered by the feeling of love for his stories. Moreover, she says to Othello, that if
someone loves me for a wife, probably she would accept only that one, who knows to tell about
his story. (Shmoop Editorial Team. (2008, November 11). Othello Act 1, Scene 3 Summary.
Retrieved from: shmoop.com).
Here it is clearly seen, that it is the most important of the rising point of love, because at that
moment, Othello also felt the feeling of love, affection on one side and the removal of inferiority
in the place where he lived, on the other side.
The Duke is obedient to Othello's arguments, even though he is a Moor and a black man, thus
rejecting Brabantio request about his daughter, aiming to turn her back home, also, by divorcing
her from Othello. Meanwhile, at the Senate Chamber, Desdemona enters. Immediately,
Brabantio, her father, asks Desdemones to confirm that she is deceived by Othello's magic, but in
spite of that, she proves and confirms the Othello's story, that she is married to her free will, like
her mother married her father before. Seeing her daughter so determined in her decision,
Brabantio renounces her and allows the Senate to return to state affairs.
After this important sequence of love between Othello and Desdemona, the Senate supports and
supports Othello, so the Duke decides that Othello should go to protect the island of Cyprus in
order to protect it from the Turkish invasion. Without hesitation, Othello accepts, but asks for
shelter for his wife until he returns from Cyprus. The Duke of Venice supports Othello as a
righteous and nobleman, it is understandable in his words directed to Brabantio that he is in
favour of the couple's love, as he should treat more as a righteous man rather than a black man.
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The Duke of Venice: Noble signior, If virtue no delighted beauty lack, Your son-in-law is far
more fair than black. (Shakespeare, W. (2005). Othello - The Moor of Venice. Minnesota:
EMC/Paradigm Publishing. 1.3.19-21).
The Duke, suggests for Desdemona to stay with her father, but she does not accept this, as her
father Brabantio doesn't agree with it, also Othello does not agree with this idea, either. So,
Desdemona asks to be allowed to go and join Othello. After the Duke accepts, the couple is
allowed for preparation for the journey that will pass together, on the island of Cyprus. Of the
senate room, all attendees went out, except Roderigo and Iago. Roderigo is hopeless to win
Desdemona's heart, but Iago says he should not lose hope as he conceives the plot against the
married couple in his head. (Weller, P. (Ed.). (2001, April 04). Othello Navigators. Retrieved
from shakespeare-navigators.com).
2.3. Love and Honeymoon in “Othello”
The enemy under the leadership of Othello is destroyed, with pride and joy he hails his wife
Desdemona. The author relaxes the reader with the following events and shows that it is time for
the honeymoon - the peak of rising of love in the play “Othello”, between the couple Othello
and Desdemona. In act 2, scene 1, love as a tempting fate and idealism – all are in harmony. As
the Turks were about to approach a very strong storm has struck Cyprus, It is still unclear
whether the Othello ship has been able to survive the storm. Cassio sees a ship coming, thinking
that is Othello's ship, but Iago, Desdemona, and Emilia were on it, not Othello. Once the ship
reached the coast, Cassio greeted everyone, especially Desdemona, somehow this point of love
Iago sees and notes. Then Iago and Desdemona went into a conversation about what women
really are, where Iago arrogantly shows how little praise deserves women. Meanwhile, Othello
arrives, he feels very pleased that his wife arrived well and much earlier than he expected.
Desdemona publicly makes the Love sign while greeting her husband, Othello. In the act 2,
scene 1, is one of the most experienced point of love between Othello and Desdemona, it is very
appears. Desdemona: the heavens forbid But that our loves and comforts should increase, even
as our days do grow! Othello: Amen to that, sweet powers! I cannot speak enough of this
content; It stops me here; it is too much of joy: And this, and this, the greatest discords be
18
Kissing her that e'er our hearts shall make! (Shakespeare, W. (1993). Othello. Retrieved from:
feedbooks.com. 2.1.47.).
While, in act 2, scene 2, the next rising point of love is presented when Othello, delighted twice
for the victory and destruction of Turkish fleets in one side, and for his only Love Desdemona,
he makes public for organizing a party in Cyprus. In act 2, scene 3, is shown the level of rising of
love that the married couple's feels. Othello and Desdemona finally get some alone time, when at
the same time they're interrupted when Cassio puts himself into a brawl intoxicated. Othello
shocked by the noise, went out and learned about the contention, then furious, fires Cassio.
(Smith., J., & Ward, J. (2014, May 31). Othello Summary and Analysis. Retrieved from:
GradeSaver).
The author, intentionally with this event, let fate led the mind of Othello, to put on jealousy in
the middle of the time, when exactly he feels very happy with his darling, Desdemona. With a
retaliatory mind, to put the evil of jealousy in the midst of a pure love, the main contributor to
this interruption of love, is undoubtedly - Iago.
b) The Fall of Love
2.4. The Interruption of Love
During the time of relaxation and love between Othello and Desdemona, Iago intentionally wants
to make Casio to speak about Desdemona, having failed to reach his evil purpose, gives him to
drink and begin to seduce Cassio into a drunken talk about Bianca, Casio's girlfriend. After Iago,
reached the goal to get Cassio into a drunken condition, Iago goes to Roderigo, who provokes
and intimidates Cassio, bringing the situation in a clash between them, who begin fighting one
another, while the governor of Cyprus, Montano, enters aiming to see what happened, so after
seeing Cassio and Roderigo hurting each other, he enters to divide them, but got injured. Othello
asks Iago to explain the situation, after Montano couldn’t speak due to blood loss, and Cassio
didn’t talk, as well. After this event, Othello, who felt furious, fires Cassio out of his position as
lieutenant. Othello punished Cassio in order to serve as an example of punishment for misusing
the task, because he found him drunk. All this was invented by Iago, but neither Othello, nor the
19
others knew about this invention. Othello: know, Iago, Thy honesty making it light to Cassio.
Cassio, I love thee, but never more be officer of mine. (Re-enter Desdemona attended), Look, if
my gentle love be not raised up! I'll make thee an example. (EMC/Paradigm Publishing. 2.3.65-
79). Meanwhile, when Desdemona comes in, she was very confused, seeing the view in the
room, Othello tells her to go inside their bedroom, and began to take care about wounded
Montano, the governor of Cyprus. Desdemona: What’s the matter? Othello: All’s well now,
sweeting; come away to bed. (To Montano) Sir, for your hurts, myself will be your Surgeon. Lead
him off. (To Montano is led off). (Shakespeare, W. (2005). Othello - The Moor of Venice.
Minnesota: EMC/Paradigm Publishing. 2.3.65-79).
In successive acts 3.2 and 3.3, there are deep points of falling of love between Othello and
Desdemona, as far as Iago is concerned, it seems that everything moves in favour of his
conspiracy to destroy this love, using the most terrible and masterful methods with purpose -
ruthless vengeance on the loving couple. Iago cunningly approaches Cassio, in a polite manner
asks him about his condition, Desperate Cassio because of losing his position and reputation, and
complains that it is very sad that Othello fired him off being lieutenant. Iago in a hasty manner to
invent things suggests to Cassio that for him would be better to seek help from Desdemona,
because Othello will not return the word back to her, so he would return in his position as
lieutenant. Since Cassio was ignorant about his purposes, he accepts the idea of Iago. Iago goes
and asks Desdemona for help in the most polite manner, hanging hopes only on her, because she
is the only one, who could help to get back his previous position, as lieutenant. Cassio:
Bounteous madam, whatever shall become of Michael Cassio, He's never anything but your true
servant. Desdemona: I know't; I thank you. You do love my lord: You have known him long; and
be you well assured, He shall in strangeness stand no further off, Than in a polite distance.
(Shakespeare, W. (1993). Othello. Retrieved from: feedbooks.com, 3.3.76).
Meanwhile, Iago goes and tells Othello, that Desdemona and Cassio, were chatting and dragging
together. This was one of the critical points that in Othello's mind begin planting the tree of the
ruin and demolition of love, replacing it with jealousy. Othello, as he feels the complex of
inferiority due to him as a black man, while seeing Desdemona and Cassio, talking in such a
way, begins to doubt that Desdemona is all likely to do sparse treason and adultery. Iago: Ha! I
like not that. Othello: What dost thou say? Iago: Nothing, my lord: or if—I know not what.
20
Othello: Was not that Cassio parted from my wife? Iago: Cassio, my lord! No, sure, I cannot
think it, that he would steal away so guilty-like, seeing you coming. (Shakespeare, W. (1993).
Othello. Retrieved from: feedbooks.com, 3.3.76-77).
2.5. The Ruin of Love
So cruelly, Iago plays with Othello's mind, in Act 4, telling him to imagine his new wife,
Desdemona with Cassio in bed together, as for Cassio is a greedy man for women. Othello
swears before Iago, that he will kill Desdemona and Cassio, if adultery is true. Othello believes
to Iago, because his arguments are consistent what Iago suggests. So, Othello puts Iago, instead
of Cassio, as a lieutenant. At that time, as per Venice's rules the lieutenant served also as
an adviser of the army commander. (Rogers, J. & Lupu, M. (Eds.). (2004). Othello by William
Shakespeare. Retrieved from: guthrietheater.org. Page 17).
Iago, through Othello, returns the whole situation in favour of his project. Reaching for his evil
purposes, against Othello, cunningly he used all the characters masterfully, even sparing neither
Emilia, his wife who was ignorant about her husband's conspiracy. Also, Iago, to realize his
purposes, used and winkle Roderigo's money, who eagerly wants the hand of Desdemona for
himself, so he relied entirely on the Iago's advises, who was a cruel and of course does not help
him at all in this regard. After Othello slowly begins to lose faith in his feelings of love for
Desdemona, which was altogether unaware about the events, manipulated by Iago, always
thinking of adultery, elaborates in his mind, but always in accordance with the conspiracy plan of
Iago. Othello decides to kill Cassio, for this he ordered Iago, who was pleased that he fully
accepts the duty. Othello as Desdemona isn’t aware about Iago’s plot, towards them. They
remained Iago's victims, and were not conscious of the wily plot. (Smith., J., & Ward, J. (2014,
May 31). Othello Summary and Analysis. Retrieved from: GradeSaver).
In the act 4, scene1, although, Othello thinks that Desdemona is unfaithful, he is not to condemn
her too harshly. The handkerchief is one of the major reasons to think so, because he found it
with Cassio, indeed this was fabricated by Iago, who put it in the Cassio’s place while he was
unaware about. But Iago, on the other hand, invent a quick plan and encourages Cassio to talk to
Bianca, who was his girlfriend, on the other side tells Othello to hide at the corner, in order him
21
to hear the conversation of Iago and Cassio. Indeed, until Cassio speaks about Bianca, about how
much she loves her, in his disturbed euphoric state, Othello believes that Cassio is talking of
Desdemona. Iago: Ply Desdemona well, and you are sure on’t. [Speaking lower] Now, if this suit
lay in Bianca’s power, how quickly should you speed! Cassio: Alas, poor caitiff! Othello: Look,
how he laughs already! Iago: I never knew woman love man so. Cassio: Alas, poor rogue! I
think, i’ faith, she loves me. (Shakespeare, W. (2005). Othello - The Moor of Venice. Minnesota:
EMC/Paradigm Publishing. 4.1.137-143).
This point displayed as the most fall of love in Othello, which serves as a last "proof” in which
Othello needs before declaring his wife guilty for adultery.
Othello resolves and orders Iago to kill Cassio, who willingly pleads for being loyal to him. For
Iago, appear dangerous both Desdemona and Cassio because they were the ones who could
reveal Iago's plot against Othello, so he wants them dead. Iago, engages Roderigo to murder of
Cassio. In a dark alley after Roderigo assaulted Cassio, he got injured by Cassio, who was self
defending, at those moments Iago intervenes and wounded Cassio. Then, wounded Cassio lies in
the middle of the dark street, asks for help with a cracked and miserable voice, Othello, who
observes the event entirely, heard wounded Cassio, asking for help, but he did not get helped.
Then, Othello tries by Emilia to admit that Desdemona has an extramarital affair. Emilia does
not accept it as it says simply is not true. Subsequently, Othello goes to Desdemona, while facing
her anxiously declared her as unfaithful woman who did adultery. Unsustainable to this
unexpected gesture of Othello, Desdemona categorically denies, but Othello, as he is hot -
tempered and in a euphoric and in an inner panic state, does not believe her. (Editorial Team.
(2008, November 11). Othello Othello Act 4, Scene 2 Summary. Retrieved from: shmoop.com).
2.6. The Tragic End of Love
The reader in “Othello” finds the utter desolation of love, between Othello and Desdemona,
particularly in act 5, scene 2, which is also the complete ruin of love, achieving the goal and
complete fulfilment of the Iago's plot. Hence, it comes to the murder of Desdemona by Othello,
who accuses her as unfaithful and adultery. Othello slays Desdemona, at that moment enters
Emilia, Iago's wife. Although, dying Desdemona tells Emilia that she has killed herself, in order
22
the Senate, does not blame Othello for the crime, this only because Desdemona had loved
Othello, sincerely and honestly, with a pure love and without any material interest of this world.
Emilia: who hath done this deed? Desdemona: Nobody; I myself. Farewell Commend me to my
kind lord: O, farewell! Then she Dies. (Shakespeare, W. (1993). Othello. Retrieved from:
feedbooks.com, 5.2.173-174).
Othello says to Emilia, that he has killed Desdemona, because he is deeply convinced that she
has committed adultery. Othello: You heard her say herself, it was not I. Emilia: She said so: I
must needs report the truth. Othello: She's, like a liar, gone to burning hell: 'Twas I that killed
her. (Shakespeare, W. (1993). Othello. Retrieved from: feedbooks.com, 5.2.174).
Stunned by all this anger of Othello, Emilia suddenly recalls the case of the handkerchief and
immediately remembers and reveals, that this evil plot was fabricated by her husband, Iago.
After linking the facts and arguments of the events, Othello, immediately learns the truth, that
Desdemona has been very faithful to him, and that she had never committed adultery. Frustrated
Othello, passes to an unpredictable state of distress and become so angry, as he attempts to attack
and strike Iago, but while assaulting to reach him, he fails, moreover, inadvertently stabs Iago's
wife, Emilia, who got injured to death. Emilia asks to stretches together with her honoured lady,
Desdemona, who had just died. Also, Emilia who till these tragic moments was ignorant of her
husband’s plot. Emilia: What did thy song bode, lady? Hark, canst thou hear me? I will play the
swan. And die in music. Singing Willow, willow, willow, — Moor, she was chaste; she loved
thee, cruel Moor;So come my soul to bliss, as I speak true; so speaking as I think, I die, I die.
Then she dies. (Shakespeare, W. (1993). Othello. Retrieved from: feedbooks.com, 5.2.182).
Iago, who is silent from the discovery of his devilish plan, does not answer why he had destroyed
Othello's life. Angry and scorched in every aspect, Othello, who felt completely crumbled when
he learned the truth of this event, kills himself and falls to the place where Desdemona was.
Then, Iago is arrested by Montano, the governor of Cyprus and other military caregivers, like
Lodovico and Grantiano. Lodovico during the arrest says Iago, because of his guilt three
innocent people lying dead. Iago is tortured to death, while the main witness in the court
becomes Roderigo, who lives long enough to tell the facts of Iago's plot. The play is shown as a
tension between the love and harmony that transcend the obstacle of all kinds — the love of the
young Desdemona reaching out to the much older, black Moorish stranger, a determined
23
marriage of true minds overcoming censorious fathers, social conventions, Senate elder
members, and the chaos that confronts us everywhere in the play, from the essentially comic
opening scene to the larger chaos of warfare, of sea storms, and which eventually becomes
piercing, as we stare on the destroy and dead lovers. (Rogers, J. & Lupu, M. (Eds.). (2004).
Othello by William Shakespeare. Retrieved from: guthrietheater.org. Page 32).
Othello did an evil thing, but he also killed himself. Hence, he has prevailed himself as a culprit
and therefore become the martyr and hero of his own story. Shortly before he dies, Othello kisses
Desdemona's dead lips and then die himself, remaining as a true lover till the end of this tragic
love. Othello: I kiss'd thee ere I kill'd thee: no way but this; Killing myself, to die upon a kiss.
(Then falls on the bed, and dies). (Shakespeare, W. (1993). Othello. Retrieved from:
feedbooks.com, 5.2.188).
3. Jealousy in “Othello”
One of the most famous literary tragedies written by William Shakespeare, which as its major
theme has the jealousy and its dangers, is undoubtedly the play, “Othello”. In this section
chronologically, through the acts and scenes depicts the rise, development and the fall of
jealousy, as a phenomenon with unpredictable consequences, including both aspects subjective
and objective of the main characters of the play.
a) The Rise of Jealousy
3.1. Manifestation of Jealousy
In Act 1, two characters of the play, Iago and Roderigo are presented by talking with jealousy
and envy about how Othello married Desdemona. Iago, who was jealous and envious of Othello,
it becomes obvious because Othello had promoted Michael Cassio, but not Iago, in the
lieutenant's position, this is one of the points where openly displayed the jealousy toward
Othello. Iago claimed that Cassio was inexperienced and spoiled compared to him, who was an
old soldier and more experienced.
24
Moreover, the jealousy that was boiling in his heart, though without arguing the idea, he claimed
that Othello has slept with Emilia, Iago's wife. The display of jealousy appears in the
conversation between Iago and Roderigo, a rich and naive man, who loved the hand of
Desdemona, who had secretly married with Othello, a Moorish of Venice Republic. Roderigo
was able to thaw all of his wealth, to finance Iago, aiming the divorce of Desdemona from
Othello, a man with the black skin. I do suspect the lusty Moor, and nothing can or shall content
my soul, Till I am even’d with him, wife for wife. (Shakespeare, W. (1993). Othello. Retrieved
from: feedbooks.com. 2.1.51).
With a masterful mind Iago, began thinking about a revenge jealousy, With the aim of
completely destroying Othello and Desdemona's lives, on the one hand, and to punish and hurt
Casio, on the other hand, as a source of jealousy. In act 1, as a rise point of jealousy toward
Othello, presented when Iago says to Rodrigo that he will claim and will pretend to be loyal to
Othello, a nobleman of Venice, but indeed he will be waiting for the case with the purpose to
destroy it, to the very end, without knowing about his plot.
At the starting point of jealousy, presented by Iago, after Roderigo said to go to Brabantio to
reveal him, that Desdemona was kidnapped Othello, a black skin stranger, with this idea, Iago
represents his inner state of hate, envy and cruelty that blew inside him, as a consequence of
jealousy. This was precisely the reason for the idea to go to Senator Brabantio, to incite hatred
for Othello's act, allegedly kidnapping Desdemona, in fact, it was the opposite, because she is
married according to her desire for the pure love she felt for the hero of the play, Othello, even
though he was a stranger and a black man. Iago, thought of hurting Othello, in all possible ways,
as he was offered the opportunity, he always executed his plans under the shadow, while in the
other side, Othello was utterly unaware about this. With the rising of tumult at Brabantio's house,
with a pretentious and evil mind, intended two things: one is to win Roderigo's loyalty in aim to
extort his money and in the meantime to incite the Senate, against Othello and Desdemona. As
part of the plot, Iago decides to become loyal to Othello all the time in aim to gain his trust. So,
after raising the tumult in the house of Brabantios, on the other hand to show his loyalty and
sincerity, secretly goes at Othello's location to announce that Brabantio has gathered Roderigo
and his people to pursue and arrest Othello, as well. (Shakespeare, W. (2016, July 24). Othello.
Retrieved from: crossref-it.info).
25
3.2. Iago Convinces Roderigo
In Act 2 scene 1 and 2, once Othello and Desdemona crossed the barrier from Brabantio and the
Senate, after the Duke had granted permission to go to Cyprus, and declared their marriage as a
full will of two lovers, with the Senate's permission, Othello goes to Cyprus to lead the Venetian
army against the Turks, and then reaches Desdemona. After the victory over the Turks, with the
help of the storm, Othello felt very happy and as a leader of the army, he ordered to organize a
party for two main reasons, for the sake of victory over the Turks and at the same time for his
legal marriage now and for the time of joy and love with Desdemona. Othello and Desdemona
experience their love with a quiet and relax night, but while Iago. This until Iago, with his
determination to ruin Othello, as part of his secret plan, decided to break even that relaxation
time for the two lovers. Iago designs the introduction of jealousy in Othello's mind. From here
begins the gradual growth and step-by-step approach of his conspiracy towards Othello, who was
constantly unaware of this. He achieves this in a very refined way. (Smith., J., & Ward, J. (2014,
May 31). Othello Summary and Analysis. Retrieved from: GradeSaver).
In act 2, is shown how Iago, setting eyes on Cassio, who was very polite and honest with
Othello, respected Desdemona's with high and sincere conduct. Precisely for this lofty attitude of
loyalty and sincerity towards Othello and Desdemona, he had been promoted as a lieutenant of
the Venetian army. In Cyprus, after the arrival of the ship with Desdemona, they gather all over
the island, where they were waiting for the hero, Othello, with an army to return as a victory over
the Turks, as with the help of the storm had expelled the Ottomans. Meanwhile, Iago draws
Rodrigo's attention to present off his evil mind, how Cassio pretends the love for Desdemona,
even though this was fictitious. Roderigo argues and says that Cassio was merely polite by taking
Desdemona's hand and not for any other purpose, but Iago convinced him that Cassio intended
her love. Roderigo, who had feelings for Desdemona, fell into the Iago's trap very quickly and
persuaded to start a quarrel with Cassio, exactly when Othello and Desdemona were
experiencing a relaxing night and love between each other, on the island of Cyprus. Iago, also
used Roderigo convincing him easily, that Othello and Desdemona's love will not last long,
because he will introduce jealousy among them, and poison their love. (Bloom, H. (Ed.). (1992).
Intro. Iago. Chelsea: Chelsea House Publishers. Page 10-11).
26
3.3. The Quarrel between Cassio and Roderigo
In the act 2, Scene 3, after Othello orders Cassio, to guard over the party, Iago will put him in
trouble in aim to disgrace him. Since Iago achieve to convince Roderigo of his plan, he went
toward Cassio and sent him among some drunkards, while Cassio began to drink he left the place
and went out to assure his friends that he was not drunk, then Iago begin to harass Montano, the
governor of Cyprus, telling that Cassio may be drunk, and he is afraid that something bad might
happen. Meanwhile, Roderigo comes to the service of the Iago's plan, who points him in the
direction where Cassio is. Then, is shown the scene where Cassio is chasing and threatening to
beat Roderigo, who had provoked him. Montano hurried and comes across to prevent the
entanglement between Cassio and Roderigo, but remained wounded by Cassio. After Iago
reaches the intent of the plot, orders Roderigo to leave. Othello arrives with the armed escorts to
find out what really happened. Montano insists that he is in a lot of pain to talk and insists that
Iago tell the story. At first Iago claims to be ready to incriminate Cassio, pointing out that he is
following Roderigo, whom Iago did not refer to by name, when the war between Cassio and
Montano began and suggesting that the unknown man should have done something to offend
Cassio. Othello falls into the Iago's trap by stating that he can show that Iago alleviates the story
from sincere sympathy about Cassio. Othello dismisses Cassio from his service. (Editorial Team.
(2008, November 11). Othello Othello Act 2, Scene 3 Summary. Retrieved from: shmoop.com).
3.4. Iago Convinces Cassio to talk with Desdemona
Iago and Cassio remain behind, while Cassio complains about the permanent damage to his
reputation for a quarrel, the cause of which cannot be remembered. Iago, always prepared to
invent events suggests Cassio's to talk with Desdemona because she commands Otello's
goodwill. Iago indicates that Desdemona's kindness will encourage him to help Cassion and that
she will persuade Othello to give Cassio his title again. In act 2, scene 3, when Cassio leaves,
Iago jokes about the so-called deception and irony, involving Cassio for an action that would
help him to reach his plot of introducing the jealousy between Othello and Desdemona, in the
same time to ruin Cassio, either. He repeatedly thought about what Cassio told of Desdemona's
generosity and Othello's dedication to him, which served as a stimulus for the development of
27
jealousy in even greater proportions. However, while Iago's soliloquy shows that even though he
does bad things, indeed, does seem to be doing well. Now that Cassio will go and spend time
with Desdemona, complaining and explaining about the event, Iago will easily persuade Othello
that Desdemona has a connection with Cassio, thus turning Desdemona's virtue into "pitch". On
the other hand, Roderigo is angry because as per Iago's plan, firstly he was beaten, he should stay
out of Venice and also Iago had taken all of his money. Also, according to Iago, he must be
patient and work under the shadow to realize the plan. In his soliloquy, Iago reveals the next step
of the conspiracy by convincing Emilia to talk to Desdemona about Cassio. (Shakespeare, W.
(2005). Othello - The Moor of Venice. Minnesota: EMC/Paradigm Publishing. 2.3.76-85).
Iago, masterly, plans and works so that the events came to the benefit of Iago's plot, always with
the intention of introducing the jealousy and ruining the love between Othello and Desdemona,
but also to destroy Cassio. He was very determined for his evil plot.
3.5. Introducing the Jealousy into Othello’s Mind
In act 3, scene 1, the author presents, Cassio, trying to win Othello's pleasure, sends the
musicians, but Othello removes them. Iago persuades Emilia to talk to Desdemona aiming to
meet Cassio. So, Iago tells him that he can talk freely with Desdemona, because while Cassio is
talking to Desdemona, Iago will take Othello aside. While in the act 3, scene 2, Iago, Othello and
a gentleman walking together, it is clearly presented to the readers that Othello has won the trust
of Iago, after giving him some papers, he decides, together with Iago, to take a look at the
fortification of the city and the island, in general. Meanwhile, Emilia arranges the meeting
between Cassio and Desdemona. Cassio begs and pray Desdemona with the intention of Othello,
to return him at the lieutenant's position. Desdemona sincerely promises to Cassio that she will
do anything she can help him about the case. When Othello and Iago arrive, Cassio tells
Desdemona that he feels very concerned about his own presence and leaves the scene. After
Othello enters and asks Desdemona if Cassio was the one who left the room, while being jealous
under the shadow of the Iago's conspiracy, Iago masterly says to Othello that Cassio would not
leave as a culprit because of Othello! Desdemona, who is unaware of the Iago's plan, asks
Othello to forgive Cassio and bring him back to the lieutenant's position, but takes a negligible
28
response from Othello when he tells her that he wants to be left alone. Desdemona, at those
moments criticizes Othello for that reluctance to her. Then, Othello says he will consider his
case. (Editorial Team. (2008, November 11). Othello Act 3, Summary. Retrieved from:
shmoop.com).
Iago finds a very opportune occasion for the introduction of his plan into life, aiming Othello
thinks that Desdemona is making adultery. This is shown as the beginning of the Iago's plot to
introduce the jealousy into Othello's life, where he achieves the purpose of waking up the
feelings of silent anger, in the mind of Othello. Iago: O, beware, my lord, of jealousy! It is the
green-eyed monster which doth mock, the meat it feeds on. Othello: O misery! (Shakespeare, W.
(2005). Othello - The Moor of Venice. Minnesota: EMC/Paradigm Publishing. 3.1.103)
Moreover, Othello asks if Iago thinks whether Cassio is sincere as he appears, while Iago is
reluctant to answer, but with this kind of demeanour, Iago shows much about the answer. Then
to plant jealousy in Othello's heart, Iago suggests Othello telling looking after Desdemona,
particularly when she is alone with Cassio. Also, Iago reminds Othello that she has deceived her
father, and a woman who cheats her father is much easier to deceive her husband, as well. Iago:
She did deceive her father, marrying you; Othello: And so she did. (Shakespeare, W. (2005).
Othello - The Moor of Venice. Minnesota: EMC/Paradigm Publishing. 3.3.103-105).
Based on the above-mentioned dialogue between Iago and Othello, the author, argues that Iago
has won the Othello's trust and now he plays within the Othello's mind, now easily by
introducing the feeling of jealousy into his heart and mind, which compared to the cunning brain
of Iago, Othello is very sincere and narrow to understand the true project of the introduced
jealousy into his mind, masterfully by Iago. Since Iago, had sworn to ruin the Othello's life, he is
as cruel as well unmerciful, because he knows that the consequences could be unpredictable for
the lives of the noble of Venice. Iago is Othello's adviser, so he uses all the opportunities to
realize his plot to advance himself and to destroy Othello and Casio, by suggesting to Othello,
that Cassio and Desdemona are having a love affair, so he drives Othello to murder. Othello: Set
on thy wife to observe.55 Leave me, Iago. Iago: [Going] My lord, I take my leave. (Shakespeare,
W. (2005). Othello - The Moor of Venice. Minnesota: EMC/Paradigm Publishing.3.3.107).
29
3.6. Handkerchief
Undoubtedly, the handkerchief is the most important symbol in the play. In Act 3, Scene 4, it is
obvious that the whole events developed according to the Iago's plan. Iago's plot for introducing
the jealousy between the married couple, Othello and Desdemona, rises and progresses in
unpredictable doses with regard to the extravagant dimensions of later occurrences.
Desdemona talks to a clown and asks him to go at Cassio's location to give him a message, that
she has fulfilled her promise to him, and talked with Othello. As she remains alone with Emilia,
she asks if she has seen the handkerchief that Othello had given to her during the marriage. Also,
Desdemona's is concerned and reminded Emilia, that if Othello would be a jealous one, he would
have right to doubt in Desdemona if she will not find the handkerchief. Then, Othello enters,
while secretly hears Desdemona, telling Emilla, she will not let Othello tranquil, until Othello
admits to returns Cassio at the lieutenant position. Othello begins to doubt and into him raises the
jealousy. He remembers that Iago had advised to care for Desdemona and also keep her away
from Cassio. Once Othello enters inside, he asks for Desdemona hand, amazingly, he finds a
Desdemona's hand wet, due to exudation, doubts rises much more inside Othello's feelings.
Indeed, she was upset about the loss of the handkerchief, Othello, while he stares her hand,
thinking she was with Cassio, and that his claims of Desdemona's adultery started to grow more
inside him. However, Othello though with much doubt, had not yet been angry with Desdemona.
Immediately after Othello enters in the room, she with naivety requires Othello to return Cassio
at the lieutenant's position. Othello begins seriously to believe in his jealousy. During the
conversation, Othello asks for the handkerchief, but it is lost and Desdemona did not find, yet.
(Editorial Team. (2008, November 11). Othello Act 3, Scene 4 Summary. Retrieved from:
shmoop.com).
Then, Othello tells the story of the handkerchief, since it had been given by Othello's father to his
mother as a love gift that symbolizes love and loyalty. Hence, Othello had also given Desdemona
for the same purposes. The handkerchief had a great significance for Othello and his love for
Desdemona. Desdemona is troubled by this story. Then Othello still asks about the handkerchief
if she has lost it, but Desdemona says she has not lost it, but had fallen somewhere and was not
finding it. Desdemona: It is not lost; but what an if it were? Othello: How! Desdemona: I say, it
30
is not lost. (Shakespeare, W. (2005). Othello - The Moor of Venice. Minnesota: EMC/Paradigm
Publishing. 3.4.121-125).
The Handkerchief becomes the reason in which Othello aggressively arguing that Cassio will not
get help, while Desdemona is revealing this side of Othello, she thinks he may be worried about
the works of Venice or Cyprus. She was completely unaware of Iago's cruel plot, which had not
yet reached the final target of the plot, to develop it even more deeply.
Iago repeatedly plays with Othello's mind, forcing him to imagine Desdemona and Cassio how
they love each other. In act 4, scene 1, even though before Iago, Othello swears that Desdemona
may be unfaithful, he decides not to punish her harshly, because he still feels love for
Desdemona, and has no full arguments, while the handkerchief issue has raised great doubts.
Aiming to enrage Othello, with regard to Desdemona's adultery, Iago, ostensible as a loyal to
Othello and kindly talking, tells Othello, that he could prove the facts about how much Cassio
loves Desdemona. Othello seemed to be in an inner panic and was eager to hear the facts alleged
by Iago. Iago brings into play the event, so that Othello is going to hear a conversation between
Iago and Cassio. With a low voice, Iago asks Cassio talking about Bianca, who was Cassio's
girlfriend, while Othello, who was hiding in a corner, was listening to the conversation. While
Cassio was speaking with lust about Bianca, Othello, who was on the other side of the room, was
thinking that he is talking about Desdemona. In the meantime, Bianca enters and gives him a
handkerchief, telling him that probably he is in love with another woman. Bianka: What did you
mean by that same handkerchief you gave me even now? There; give it your hobby horse.
Cassio: How now, my sweet Bianca! Othello: By heaven, that should be my handkerchief!
(Shakespeare, W. (2005). Othello - The Moor of Venice. Minnesota: EMC/Paradigm Publishing.
4.1.137-145).
Hearing and seeing his handkerchief, Othello becomes enraged and with the euphoria and
jealousy boiling inside him, he decides to retaliate against Desdemona, completely convinced
that she is unfaithful to him. He lays the fault to Desdemona and decides to murder her for
adultery, at the same time orders Iago to kill Cassio, he admits with pleasure the Othello's order,
satisfied with the achievement of his purpose and making Othello believes in him, even more.
(James, D. D. (1987). William Shakespeare's Othello. Asheville: Signet Classic Edition. Page 3).
31
Lodovico, who came for the visit, Othello and Desdemona welcomes him, but at a moment when
Desdemona cites Cassio, Othello, enraged by the negative feelings gained by the handkerchief
gets angry and hits her in front of everyone, Desdemona goes out hastily and desperately.
Lodovico is shocked by this change at Othello, and there is no idea how a nobleman likes
Othello can do so, with irresponsibility and cruelty. Iago remains the master of introducing
Othello's perceptions into his mind. He advises Othello to observe Cassio, how he slanders and
gossips Othello, always with the intention of inciting Othello's jealousy, which might have an
unpredictable consequence of violence. Othello: Dost thou hear, Iago? I will be found most
cunning in my patience; But—dost thou hear?—most bloody. (Shakespeare, W. (2005). Othello -
The Moor of Venice. Minnesota: EMC/Paradigm Publishing. 4.1.141).
3.7. Change of Othello's Character
Othello, who was abducted by dark thoughts, goes to Emilia and wants her to prove that
Desdemona has done adultery with Cassio, she replies that this is not true, and that Desdemona is
very loyal to him, but in contrary her insistence in this, makes Othello even more jealous and
determined. Ina act 4, scene 2, further, Emilia talks to Desdemona about this change in the
character of Othello, talking that it may happen that someone has poisoned his mind, not
thinking that this Heart breaker may be Iago. Then he asks Emilia to go to Desdemona. Othello
truly loved for Desdemona, at the same time for the fear of losing her, and from the dark
thoughts that Iago had introduced into his mind planting harshly the jealousy in his heart. Othello
is being convinced that Desdemona is having an affair with Cassio, that she is doing adultery.
(Smith., J., & Ward, J. (2014, May 31). Othello Act 4 scene 2 Summary and Analysis. Retrieved
from: GradeSaver).
On the other hand, distressed Desdemona did not know the reason for the change of Othello, and
while talking with Emilia, they thought maybe he was worried about Venice's affairs, also her
dad, Brabantio, Senator of Venice, also thinks that maybe he is threatening and putting pressure
on Othello, aiming to divorce Desdemona. But this is not true, so, Desdemona goes to Othello
and asks him whether she was doing something wrong, but with fury, Othello offends her saying
that she is a whore and immoral. She refuses to admit this kind of thinking about her, saying that
32
the only man throughout her life is Othello. Othello: What, not a whore? Desdemona: Not, as I
shall be saved. Othello: Is’it possible? Desdemona: O, heaven forgive us! (Shakespeare, W.
(2005). Othello - The Moor of Venice. Minnesota: EMC/Paradigm Publishing. 4.2.155-159).
Ironically, Emilia along with Desdemona goes to ask and get Iago's opinion about changing the
character of Othello, but clever and cunning Iago, pretends to be wondered for this side of
Othello, saying that he has no idea about it. Pure and sincere Desdemona, with her naivety asks
Iago to help her and to stave off Othello, from his misconception. She cannot understand and
find why Othello holds this stern attitude toward her, since she cannot even imagine betraying
Othello, behind his back. Iago, calms her down by saying that he certainly worries about state
jobs, at the same time, Iago promises that it will become fine, very soon! Iago: all things shall be
well. (Shakespeare, W. (2005). Othello - The Moor of Venice. Minnesota: EMC/Paradigm
Publishing. 4.2.161-165).
Afterwards enters Roderigo, who accuses Iago of extorting all of his money and that he has done
nothing to win the heart of Desdemona. Iago, who is afraid to be revealed for his conspiracy,
asks Roderigo to kill Cassio because it would be easier to win Desdemona's love but after
Cassio's death. Iago was thinking to murder Roderigo, because he might be a constant risk who
could reveal the Iago's conspiracy to introduce jealousy, between Othello and Desdemona.
(Bloom, H. (Ed.). (1992). Intro. Iago. Chelsea: Chelsea House Publishers. Page 10).
3.8. Desdemona's Calmness and Wisdom
In Act 4, scene 3, while Desdemona was staying with Emilia, Othello enters and in his anger tells
Desdemona to go to bed and leave Emilia. Emilia felt regrets about Desdemona, though she still
loves Othello. Desdemona felt instinctively hopeless, knowing she is going to die and
desperately begins to sing the song of willow. The song is a story about a willow, as willows
have usually been a symbol of disappointed love. Desdemona stops singing when she thinks she
hears a knock at the door, but Emilia tells her it's just the wind. When she finished singing the
song of willow, she touched her eyes, which were itching, thinking that she will be crying very
soon, but Emilia told that this says it doesn't mean anything. She has decided to agree to the fate,
whatever is going to be her destiny. Desdemona says to Emilia, that for nothing she would not
33
betray her husband, while feeling compassion for her, Emilia remains astonished by
Desdemona's wisdom. Desdemona had changed drastically, so was not rebellious as before, she
was the one who strongly claimed about her rights, from her own father, Brabantio. The author,
depicts her as a soft - hearted, and obviously she did not protect herself from unfounded
allegations of Othello. This change remains as strange as it is unknown. She decided to be
martyred by surrendering herself to the fate, completely. Desdemona's life is unfair to her, but
she remains stingy and is the martyr of the show, the tragic heroine, who ends up sacrificing to
satisfy her own destiny. (Editorial Team. (2008, November 11). Othello Act 4, Scene 3
Summary. Retrieved from: shmoop.com).
Precisely, for this calmness and wisdom of Desdemona, Othello became even more sceptical, as
well he was watering the tree of jealousy in his heart to Desdemona. Othello, though a good man,
he could not imagine Desdemona betraying him with Cassio, doing adultery, moreover she even
didn't try to defend herself. He lost control over his own mind and could not reflect as it really
should. Indeed, Iago, with his tricks and deceptions, has planted the jealousy in his mind, in all
possible forms, leaving no space to think differently from what he was thinking now. Desdemona
in conversation with Emilia says that she cannot imagine that there are women that they can
betray their husbands, but Emilia replies that this more depends on men, who do not pay
attention to women or for more they are using and changing them, whenever they want.
Desdemona sincerely says she hopes she can use the other people's bad behaviour, as a guide to
what should not be done, where, according to her, such a behaviour and work there should be no
justifications. (Smith., J., & Ward, J. (2014, May 31). Othello Act 4 Scene 3 Summary and
Analysis. Retrieved from: GradeSaver).
3.9. Assassination of Cassio
Since Iago was ordered by Othello to murder Cassio, in act 5, scene 1, after planning the
assassination of Cassio, they met that night in a dark street, where Roderigo attacks Cassio
behind his back, which in self-defence Cassio injures Roderigo, as well as remains injured Iago
wants for them to be both dead, so his plan not to be disclosed. While Roderigo is injured, he
leaves but encounters Iago, who stabs and slay him down. After killing Roderigo, he goes to
34
suffocate Cassio, but in the meantime he beholds Bianca, so he leaves the spot. Thinking that
Iago has done his job successfully by killing Cassio, Othello is now in a euphoric state of his sick
jealousy, he lost his mind, as he goes away to kill, his beloved Desdemona. (Editorial Team.
(2008, November 11). Othello Act 5, Scene 1 Summary. Retrieved from: shmoop.com).
Gratiano and Lodovico, arrive at the scene and suddenly hear Cassio asking for help in the dark.
Fearing that this can be a trick or a trap, they are reluctant to approach, giving Iago time to enter
with a light, so he was leaving the impression of an innocent man. He accuses Bianca of the
crime against Cassio. They take Cassio from the spot by giving the right help, while on the other
side they learn that Roderigo has died. Then enters Emilia and after meeting with Iago, he started
to explain to her about the events of this night, by lying and distorting everything, also
manipulating with his wife, Emilia, who totally trusts the version of Iago. Then, he requires
Emilia to go and announces Othello and Desdemona for all these unexpected and surprising
events. While remaining alone, with a soliloquy reveals his profound thoughts about developing
his plot. Iago: This is the night, that either makes me or fordoes me quite. (Shakespeare, W.
(2005). Othello - The Moor of Venice. Minnesota: EMC/Paradigm Publishing. 5.1.181-187).
The author let the reader understand of Iago’s saying aside in the play, under one's breath that he
will win or he will lose. Iago's character breaks down the harmony, creates disturbances, and
essentially deconstructs and reverses the positivism of the other characters, when he raises the
evolution of the events, but in the meanwhile is still able to turn situations into hell and chaos, all
from his wickedness. (Rogers, J. & Lupu, M. (Eds.). (2004). Othello by William Shakespeare.
Retrieved from: guthrietheater.org. Page 19).
3.10. The Death of Desdemona
In the act 5, scene 2, the author presents the highest or most intense point in the development of
the plot on jealousy, because Iago eagerly expects the result of his masterful and evil work.
Othello enters Desdemona's room while she is sleeping, though she is beautiful and innocent,
Othello is blinded by jealousy towards Desdemona, now he is determined to murder her. He
justifies this with the images, metaphors and ideas of his jealous mind and heart to the most
35
intense point, although his anger softens, Othello still lacks the real perception to her. When
Desdemona wakes up, he tells her to repent of every sin she has done, before dying, due to
adultery. She believes there is nothing she can do, to stop him from killing her, while she
continues to assert her innocence, persistently. Othello says that he has found the handkerchief in
Cassio's room, though Desdemona insists it should not be true and begin to beg Othello not to
kill her, but he starts to suffocate her by using the pillow. Meanwhile, Emilia knocks, curious
about what is happening, after she heard the screams of Desdemona. Othello allows it, but tries
to hide Desdemona, thinking that she is already dead. Emilia brings the news of Roderigo's death
and Cassio's injury. (Fogiel, M. (Ed.). (2000). Othello Act 5, Scene 2 Summary. Retrieved from:
enotes.com).
Meanwhile, Emilia reveals that Desdemona was in the agony of death. Desdemona declares she
has not betrayed Othello and is innocent, but when Emilia asks who killed her, she refuses to tell
the truth and says that she had killed herself. Desdemona: Nobody; I myself. Farewell! Commend
me to my kind lord: O, farewell! (EMC/Paradigm Publishing. 5.2.195). Desdemona, even at the
last moments of her life, pretending that she killed herself, she says so to Emilia for the sake of
love she felt to Othello, fearing that the senate would denounce Othello for her death.
Desdemona finally dies asking Emilia to give Othello her love by giving farewell. She is
martyred because of the introduced jealousy in Othello, masterfully by Iago, the husband of
Emilia, who was unaware throughout the play. Emily was naive and ignorant of her cunning
husband. Enraged Othello tells Emilia that Desdemona is used to lie. Othello: She’s, like a liar,
gone to burning hell, ’Twas I that kill’d her. (Shakespeare, W. (2005). Othello - The Moor of
Venice. Minnesota: EMC/Paradigm Publishing. 5.2.197).
b. The Fall of Jealousy
3.11. Othello Reveals the Truth
Othello, who had lost control with mixed feelings about murdering, admits that he has killed
Desdemona and says Emilia because she deserved death, for this she could ask her husband,
honest Iago, who can tell all about Desdemona, Emilia uncommonly says "My husband?"
36
(Shakespeare, W. (2005). Othello - The Moor of Venice. Minnesota: EMC/Paradigm Publishing.
5.2.197).
After, Emilia accuses and starts screaming for the murder of Desdemona, the soldier together
with Iago enters the room. Iago, as long as he tries to calm his wife, she asks if Iago told Othello
that Desdemona had done Adultery, but he says he only suggested it. Meanwhile, Grantiano
reports that Desdemona's father had experienced a heart attack and had also died. In the end, the
whole story comes to light, when Otello tells Emilia that he had seen the handkerchief in the
hands of Cassio, revealing the Iago's plot, Emilia tells him that by Iago's order, she had stolen the
handkerchief from Desdemona, and she had given it Iago, who used this as a fake evidence to
introduce the jealousy into Othello's heart and mind. In the act 5, scene 2, the author presents the
falling point of introduced Jealousy into Othello’s heart by Iago, when with this small fact, the
handkerchief, Othello is relieved of the jealousy and understands everything, because Iago's
conspiracy had been completely revealed. Othello, angry, tries to strike and suffocate Iago, but
he leaves and avoids it, accidentally adding the tragedy, Othello instead of Iago stab Emilia.
Dying Emilia begins to fall next to Desdemona and tells Othello that he is wrongdoer because
Desdemona was so pure and she loved Othello with all her heart. Once Othello is freed from the
falseness and untruth of jealousy, understanding that Desdemona was innocent, says that for this
event he has to go to hell. Meanwhile, Emilia dies. (Fogiel, M. (Ed.). (2000). Othello Act 5,
Scene 2 Summary. Retrieved from: enotes.com).
3.12. Othello Kills Himself
So, entering Lodovico and Cassio's wounded, they had captured Iago, who Othello calls the
devil. Othello apologizes to Cassio for his bad behavior towards him as he asks Iago why he
chose to destroy his life, but Iago did not want to talk. Othello finally learns from Cassio, that
Desdemona was innocent and everything that happened was part of Iago's evil and devastating
plan. Roderigo, had survived and was a living as a witness to testify to all the Iago's crimes, he
had spent a lot of time to find out who wanted him dead. Lodovico tells Othello that he has to
return to Venice for his sentence and announces that he will be replaced by Cassio. Idyllic and
broken, but on the other hand relieved of introduced jealousy, Othello wants to give a speech
37
from his heart, a sincere talk, saying that Desdemona was his only love and that all his life had
dedicated to the Republic of Venice, that is why he had been known as the nobleman of Venice.
Othello, with a broken heart and a desperately pulls a hidden knife and stab himself to death,
after falling he kisses Desdemona's lips, and dies. The author, by presenting the hero of the play,
Othello, who had been released from the raged jealousy, he felt sorrow due to murder the
innocent Desdemona, and, on the other hand, as the man of honour, he could not return to
Venice, so he decided to take his own life. Othello: I kiss’d thee ere I kill’d thee: no way but this;
Killing myself, to die upon a kiss. Falls on the bed, and dies. (Shakespeare, W. (2005). Othello -
The Moor of Venice. Minnesota: EMC/Paradigm Publishing. 5.2.205- 211).
The falling action of Iago’s plot, aiming to induce jealousy of catastrophic proportions, continues
throughout act 5, both scenes. At first, Roderigo and Iago fail in their attempt to murder Cassio.
Roderigo and Cassio are both wounded, and Iago kills Roderigo, to cover up for his role in the
attack. In act 5, scene 2, in front of everyone, Emilia accuses her husband of bringing on the
murder of Desdemona, after she learned about the handkerchief issue, mentioned by Othello.
Othello is a man who believes everyone, a trusting man, which for him, the people are what they
seem, and thus, Iago, appears to be honest and loyal, Othello believed in him. Believing him, he
raised the intensity of jealousy, introduced by Iago into Othello’s mind, so he's thinking about
Desdemona without any substantiation, that she has had an affair with his lieutenant, Cassio.
Othello believed in "angelic" Iago, while in fact he was Devil Iago. Ironically, the falling point of
introduced jealousy and disclosure of Iago's plot had been completed only after his beloved wife
had to be murdered by him. (Bloom, H. (Ed.). (1966). William Shakespeare's Othello, Bloom's
Notes. Chelsea: Chelsea House. Page 26).
38
4. Conclusion
The play “Othello” is one of the most famous tragedies ever written by William Shakespeare, it
is a pure tragic story, which includes most of the life aspects, with the major topics such as love
and jealousy. In fact, “Othello” is about many other topics that are still current, such as sincerity
and infidelity, naivety and aversion, trust and deception, inferiority and nobility, servility and
ignorance. The play “Othello”, as one of the tragedies with painful consequences, is
distinguished because it is shown for a love that has arisen as a result of sincerity with two main
characters, Othello and Desdemona, in which they fall victim of Iago's machinations, a third
character, with dark intent whose aim is to destroy their love and life.
The main personage Othello is a mixed character of strength and weakness, faith and mistrust.
His disgrace is that he is incapable of distinguishing the truth from the lie, in which he with
naivety believes in the manipulation of Iago, who with unprecedented cruelty introduces the
feeling of jealousy into Othello's mind. While Iago uses his reputation for honesty and loyalty as
a sham to manipulate Othello, he is always honest with himself-to his goals of revenge and self-
advancement and to his motivations of jealousy throughout the web of lies he spins. The
conclusion of the play Othello has devastating consequences for many characters in the drama,
as well as for Othello himself and Desdemona, who fall victim of Iago's plot and Othello's
jealousy, in which she was completely pure and innocent. (Bloom, H. (Ed.). (1966). William
Shakespeare's Othell, Bloom's Notes. Chelsea: Chelsea House. Page 26).
Obviously, throughout the play, Iago, creates different insinuation of the scenes serving the
benefit of his plot, he does this masterfully because of the fact that Othello, though a nobleman,
felt underestimated in many respects, as he was black and a Moorish. His revenge had the source
that Othello did not rank him as a lieutenant, in his place he promoted Cassio, who according to
Iago, he was inexperienced. Using all the psychological skills in gaming of the human mind, he
successfully reached to introduce the jealousy into Othello’s heart. Jealousy, on the other hand,
intrigues so much Othello, who with unsubstantiated and worrying suspicions fearing he might
lose Desdemona, is mired to the point in an aim to get rid of all these feelings of jealousy,
because his mental and spiritual condition became unbearable, even though she is innocent,
39
Othello kills her. To strengthen the decision for the murder of Desdemona, in the execution of
his devastating conspiracy, Iago cunningly says Othello, that he still did not know about the
behaviour of the Venetian women, after they marry, alluding to adultery. Othello's decline
clearly shows the secret and evil power that jealousy can bring to a naive and ignorant
individual, because of his inner sincerity and his external blindness. Ironically, Iago was very
trustworthy to the noble Othello, to see the truth before destroying and slaying Desdemona and
take his own life. Therefore, Othello as a tragedy is unique because it is completed the murder of
two major characters falling victim to a third character, Iago, who with his masterful
machinations had introduced the enraged jealousy throughout the play. (Shakespeare, W. (2016,
July 24). Othello. Retrieved from: crossref-it.info).
Desdemona is the virtuous daughter of Brabantio, a Venetian senator. She marries Othello, who
strangles her, believing her guilty of adultery with Cassio. While Desdemona is often thought of
as a passive child-bride with little personality, she does exhibit her own will. By marrying
Othello, who is outside the circle of acceptable suitors, without her father's permission,
Desdemona flouts parental authority and social convention. Ironically, this independence, which
indicates the strength of her love for Othello, becomes her undoing. lago uses Desdemona's
deception of her father, who also dies, to cause Othello to doubt his wife's virtue and honesty and
to kill her. (Bloom, H. (Ed.). (1966). William Shakespeare's Othell, Bloom's Notes. Chelsea:
Chelsea House. Page 26).
The play depicts many characters that are positive and innocent as Cassio, but because of
deliberate misconceptions, the tragedy displays that innocent people may also suffer from the
evil of the human mind. The author chooses Emilia to reveal the whole story, by using the main
symbol of the play which is handkerchief. As Desdemona, she is a victim of the Iago's plot. After
murdering Desdemona, Othello, afflicted and enraged requires from Emilia to ask Iago, for the
handkerchief. This is the most intense point of Iago's disclosure. Immediately, Emilia destined to
die, reveals the conspiracy of jealousy by saying My Husband! (Shakespeare, W. (1993).
Othello. Retrieved from: feedbooks.com 5.2.175).
This was the point when Othello, as a man of honour and sincerity, finds out and understands his
actions toward Desdemona and the others like Cassio and Emilia, but it was too late, so he
decided to slay himself for two reasons: in despairing of Desdemona and embarrassed in front of
40
the Republic of Venice. On the one hand, for deep despair of Desdemona's assassination, and on
the other hand, for the burden that he felt to the Republic of Venice. Othello: Why, any thing: An
honourable murderer, if you will; for nought I did in hate, but all in honour. (Shakespeare, W.
(2005). Othello - The Moor of Venice. Minnesota: EMC/Paradigm Publishing. 5.2.197-207).
The play “Othello” of William Shakespeare, gives us the clue that excessive jealousy can
destroy even the best and the purest love between the couples, moreover, this might turn into a
tragedy with unforeseeable consequences for human lives.
41
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4. James, D. D. (1987). William Shakespeare's Othello. Asheville: Signet Classic Edition.
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guthrietheater.org.
7. Bloom, H. (Ed.). (1992). Intro. Iago. Chelsea: Chelsea House Publishers.
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13. Editorial Team. (2008, November 11). Othello Act 4, Scene 2 Summary. Retrieved from:
shmoop.com.
14. Shakespeare, W. (2016, July 24). Othello. Retrieved from: crossref-it.info.
15. Fogiel, M. (Ed.). (2000). Othello Act 5, Scene 2 Summary. Retrieved from: enotes.com.