Saturday, January 4, 2020
Illusory Infidelity in Othello - 1297 Words
Love throughout history has been considered an enigma with an emphasis on emotions such as compassion and appreciation; nevertheless as with most beneficial substances it is subject to fundamental flaws. Modern society is abundant in gossip, scandal, and misconception, all factors that ruin a legitimate relationship. William Shakespeareââ¬â¢s, Othello is a typical and most perfect tragedy that depicts a prevailing relationship midst blood, violence and revenge. The protagonist, Othello undergoes a transformation from a happy man to a disturbed beast as suspicion of his wifeââ¬â¢s faithfulness to lieutenant Cassio intensifies. False rumors intentionally sprouted by good, trusty friend Iago bring about catastrophe as Othello jumps to conclusion andâ⬠¦show more contentâ⬠¦A man of the military Othello values his reputation, it being of great meaning to him. Moreover he worries about the damage that a whore will cause to his status. H. S. Toshack supports the fact that as the theme develops Othello feels that his reputation is under threat from Desdemonaââ¬â¢s infidelity (Toshack H. S.). Othelloââ¬â¢s fear and loss of his honor is foreshadowed by Cassioââ¬â¢s reaction to the loss of his title. Harry Levin states that to Othello a reputation has implication of immortality, while all other options have a bestial connection; therefore Othello must act as a beast to keep his reputation (immortality) (Levin Harry). Moreover he submits to a psychological battle as he realizes what is at stake, while accusations and jealousy engulf his mind. The green-eyed monster is a beast of nature that one cannot avoid. Iago introduces the beast in his warning to Othello as suspicion of Cassio receiving his daily dose of love from Desdemona grows, ââ¬Å"O, beware, my lord, of jealousy; / It is the green-eyed monster which doth mock / The meat it feeds on (III, iii, 167-169).â⬠The disappearance of an important handke rchief sparks Othelloââ¬â¢s jealousy, as it is of sentimental value, it being a wedding gift to
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
No comments:
Post a Comment
Note: Only a member of this blog may post a comment.