Othello By William Shakespeare (1564 – 1616) Essay, Research Paper
Shakespeare’s Othello epitomizes the playwright’s
masterful ability to weave his characters’ intricate motives and acts into
one smooth plot. Of at I his villains, Iago seems to be the most complete
and sadistic, with no greater motive than wounded pride for his wickedness.
Indeed, the drama might well be named “Iago,” since he is the character
most prominent throughout.
But the character most discussed by critics
continues to be Othello. Is he an honorable, tragic hero who is ennobled
by the unsuspecting confidence he places in his advisor, Iago? Or is he
nothing more than a vulnerable, murderous and tragic fool? Othello himself
recognizes this extraordinary paradox when, at the end of the play, he
describes himself as “an honourable murderer”; as “one that loved not wisely
but too well.”
In contrast, we experience the authentic
bond of love between two faithful women. And ultimately, love triumphs
— even if only in death over pride, envy, hate and evil.