Major Themes of Othello
Major Themes of Othello
Guilherme Lopes
Florida Atlantic University
Major Themes of Othello
The Tragedy of Othello, the Moor of Venice is a story of a Venetian, Othello and the happenings which surround the collapse of his relationship and marriage with his true love, Desdemona brought on by the purposeful, malice-laced maneuverings of Iago. Othello, written by William Shakespeare, contains several recurring themes throughout. Two major themes are revenge and jealousy, both of which can be seen from the opening of the play to the close. Throughout Othello, Iago, Desdemona, and Othello demonstrates shades of these themes, often spurred on by intense hate or zealous love. Othello’s rapid fall from grace is intensified by the actions and reactions of the characters as they experience jealousy and revenge by friends and loved ones.
Theme I: Revenge
There are several instances in Othello in which revenge is the main motivator for conflict, such as when Brabantio desires revenge for his daughter’s death, and he insists that the Duke imprison Othello to pay for his crimes. The major revenge triangle, however, is between Othello, Desdemona, and Iago. Sadly, the need for revenge and the ensuing actions could have been avoided had their jealousies been tamed.
The plot designed by Iago against Othello stems from a need for revenge for being wronged as he is passed over for the lieutenant position. Iago is angry and distraught, and can only think of hurting Othello, thereby avenging himself. Later, Iago is guilty is devising an elaborate revenge plot against Othello by tricking him with a false sense of jealousy. This ultimately destroys the relationship between Othello and Desdemona. He doesn’t stop there; instead, Iago plans to recruit Emilia, his wife, to help him with his revenge plot, although she has no idea of his intentions.
Examples of betrayal are demonstrated through the play, as can be seen from this comment by Othello,
Guilherme Lopes
Florida Atlantic University
Major Themes of Othello
The Tragedy of Othello, the Moor of Venice is a story of a Venetian, Othello and the happenings which surround the collapse of his relationship and marriage with his true love, Desdemona brought on by the purposeful, malice-laced maneuverings of Iago. Othello, written by William Shakespeare, contains several recurring themes throughout. Two major themes are revenge and jealousy, both of which can be seen from the opening of the play to the close. Throughout Othello, Iago, Desdemona, and Othello demonstrates shades of these themes, often spurred on by intense hate or zealous love. Othello’s rapid fall from grace is intensified by the actions and reactions of the characters as they experience jealousy and revenge by friends and loved ones.
Theme I: Revenge
There are several instances in Othello in which revenge is the main motivator for conflict, such as when Brabantio desires revenge for his daughter’s death, and he insists that the Duke imprison Othello to pay for his crimes. The major revenge triangle, however, is between Othello, Desdemona, and Iago. Sadly, the need for revenge and the ensuing actions could have been avoided had their jealousies been tamed.
The plot designed by Iago against Othello stems from a need for revenge for being wronged as he is passed over for the lieutenant position. Iago is angry and distraught, and can only think of hurting Othello, thereby avenging himself. Later, Iago is guilty is devising an elaborate revenge plot against Othello by tricking him with a false sense of jealousy. This ultimately destroys the relationship between Othello and Desdemona. He doesn’t stop there; instead, Iago plans to recruit Emilia, his wife, to help him with his revenge plot, although she has no idea of his intentions.
Examples of betrayal are demonstrated through the play, as can be seen from this comment by Othello,