The Downfall Of Othello By William Shakespeare - 2963 Words

Megan Embry Mrs. Taylor AP Literature – 4th 9 March 2015 The Downfall of Othello Philippians 2:4 says, â€Å"Do no merely look out for your own personal interests, but also for the interests of others† (New American Standard Bible). God warns His people to turn from their selfish ways and be more concerned with the well being of others instead of only being concerned with one’s self. However, selfishness has been a sin that the human race has struggled with since the beginning of time. Shakespeare shows this age-old struggle with many characters in Othello. Racism is a way of life that can be used negatively to tear people down. Although race is not something that can be controlled, or managed throughout history it has been a characteristic used to harshly label people and used to make others feel inferior because of the color of their skin. Racism is used prevalently in Othello. Some characters in Othello driven by their selfish, sinful nature employ different types of racist language in an effort to degrade the main character and appear superior while others remain confident in themselves and refrain from racist behavior. Within Othello, there are five specific uses of the word â€Å"black.† Not all of the denotations are negative but when used in this novel, there are almost always used in a negative way as a racist label or racist comment. Doris Adler explains these five different denotations and their racist uses in this novel (248). The first type of racial language inShow MoreRelatedEssay The Tragedy of Othello1292 Words   |  6 PagesWilliam Shakespeare masterfully crafted Othello, the Moor of Venice as an Aristotelian tragedy play. The main protagonist of the play, Othello, is the perfect example of a tragic hero. Shakespeare was influenced by Aristotle’s concept of a tragic hero and used Aristotle’s principles to create Othello. William Shakespeare attempted to create an Aristotelian tragedy play with a tragic hero and succeeded in Othello, the Moor of Venice by weaving in pity and fear into each line and action. The powerRead MoreDramatic Irony Used for Characterization in Othello by Shakespeare713 Words   |  3 PagesCaine,] Batman; The Dark Knight). William Shakespeare uses a variety of literary devices throughout his works, but his use of dramatic irony specifically puts his readers at the edge of their seats. Being full of jealousy and betrayal, the plot of Othello is guided by this playwright’s usage of dramatic irony. Through the use of dramatic irony and characterization Shakespeare creates Iago, the most sinister character in all of literature. William Shakespeare, being born on April 23, 1563Read MoreTheme Of Monstrous Jealousy In William Shakespeares Othello1271 Words   |  6 PagesWilliam Shakespeare’s â€Å"Othello†, illustrates four of themes in the play. 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In fact, Aristotle prescribes the three most important points to any tragedy to be hamartia, a tragic flaw in the tragic hero’s character that brings about his downfall, catharsis, a purgation of the audience’s emotions and anagnorisis, the character’s revelation of some fact not previously realized. In William Shakespeare’s play, Othello, Othello is an excellent example of an Aristotelian tragic hero. He was a characterRead MoreMirror of Good and Evil in Shakespeares Othello696 Words   |  3 PagesIn William Shakespeare’s Othello, the tragic hero, Othello, and the antagonist, Iago, are portrayed in very differing ways. Despi te this fact, Iago represents the glaring faults and imperfections that Othello has, which ultimately leads to his downfall. Shakespeare very effectively uses Iago as a device to reveal Othello’s hamartias. The jealousy, mistreatment of women and racial insecurities are all flaws that Othello exhibits which are reflected in Iago’s character as well. As Othello’s flaws transpireRead MoreBlind Persistence Essay724 Words   |  3 PagesThe play Othello by William Shakespeare is a portrayal of jealousy and deception. The two characters Cassio and Roderigo play a vital role throughout the play in portraying Shakespeare’s theme of how ignorance, whether it be words of advice from others or just indications, can lead to one’s downfall. Cassio and Roderigo both play an essential role in showing how being persistent—ignoring everything that could be signs of warning—to attain what we want is not always the correct approach. The first