Othello Essays Examples

1. Iago gives a couple of different reasons for hating Othello. First, he claims to be angry that Othello chose Cassio to be his lieutenant instead of choosing him. Then, he states that he believes Othello slept with his wife, Emilia, and he wants to get revenge. Iago gives the reader a couple of reasons for his hatred; however, it seems that Iago is looking for any reason to hate Othello. The true reason for his hatred could be that Othello is an outsider who has gained much value to their society. Perhaps it’s even racially motivated. Othello is a leader that the government trusts, and it is possible that, especially after being passed over for lieutenant, Iago resents him for his position because he is an outsider. Another possible reason could be that Iago has unrequited love for Othello. Perhaps Iago goes through so much trouble to bring trouble to Othello because he is acting out against his own feelings for him. After all, he does seem unhealthily obsessed with Othello and it is not as if Othello’s death will result in his being made the new trusted military leader.
2. As an outsider in Venice, Othello may be paranoid. Although he has a position of authority, he is possibly insecure because not everyone accepts him and because he is important to the government. Power often brings more trouble than it’s worth as it creates unknown enemies that leads to constant paranoia. Othello may feel that as an outsider and as a leader, he has enemies that would do anything to take his place. He does not shy away from his status as an outsider, and it appears that this key difference makes him vulnerable to influence.

Reference

Shakespeare, William. The Tragedy of Othello: The Moor of Venice. Ed. Tucker Brooke and Lawrence Mason. New Haven: Yale UP, 1947. Print.