Clash of Virtues in Othello Essay - 2292 Words

Clash of Virtues in Othello Perhaps it is just human nature, but people have a way of going to absolute extremes. Whether exhibiting severity in the way one loves, or the way one is loyal, or the way one strives for ambitions, people, in general, have a tendency to take their emotions or actions all the way. Its an exhibition of passion. Being an expert on the human condition, no one knows or can illustrate this better than Shakespeare. Particularly in his tragedies, Shakespeare very precisely defines aspects of the human condition. He additionally exhibits the polarity of those conditions, and the consequences when they interact with their opposites. Shakespeares beautiful tragedy Othello is a particularly good example of†¦show more content†¦But Iago goes into an in-depth explanation of how he plans to feign loyalty to Othello to accomplish his own ends (which are never specifically identified). He also disparages those who are honest and true to their masters and superiors. The fact that the play op ens like this sets a negative tone for the rest of the action to follow. The viewer immediately is confronted with a face of evil. That face is the one to take the audience by the hand and lead it through the horrible action of the play. Evil becomes the framework for the play right off the bat. Opening the play this way also taints the audiences view of Othello. Though he does so soon enough, at this point Iago has not yet discredited himself. The audience, in this early point in the play, has no reason to refute what he has to say about Othello. This provides for the audience to form preconceived notions about Othello, and puts him in the context of evil. Shakespeare could have put this scene after the audience meets Othello, making Iago a secondary character, thus making his evil a secondary influence rather than the driving force. But by leading off the work with notions of hatred and betrayal towards Othello, Shakespeare puts Iago, and forces of evil, in the drivers seat for the action of the play, and diminishes the value of Othellos honor and innocence. Iagos control (as opposed to title character Othello) suggests that what he representsShow MoreRelated Traditions and Values of Western Culture Essay1696 Words   |  7 Pagescountry. People enter our country with their own heritage which can not be taken away but they must be willing to learn the culture of the new country where they live. Rose says that This painful but generative mix of language and story can result in clash and dislocation in our communities, but it also gives rise to new speech, new stories, and once we appreciate the richness of it, new invitations to literacy(107). The literature of the past helps to explain our history. These works expand on theRead MoreHomosexuality in Victorian and Elizabethan Literature.6608 Words   |  27 Pageslike the Victorian era, had its own view of homosexuality. Iago, a man with the tongue of a serpent, is believed to be homosexual, and because of his homosexuality, he brings to fruition the tragic deaths of the the main charact ers in Shakespeares Othello. These depictions of homosexuality and gay men are not far from what really happens to them in todays society, and are also not far off from the arguments that are used in opposition of their lives and lifestyles.There is the argument of NurtureRead MoreGp Essay Mainpoints24643 Words   |  99 Pagesstarlet, that she wishes to be a â€Å"role model† for girls. Nude photos scandal. Parents whose children are ardent fans of the High School Musical franchise dismayed and condemn her BUT Hardly her intention human and fallible †¢ Celebrities, by virtue of the other privileges they enjoy, should bear greater social responsibility as equal exchange †¢ Media just as culpable (for seeking attention-grabbing story to ensure wider readership) for deliberately sensationalizing these negative behaviours