Othello by William Shakespeare

Discussion 1--Othello by William Shakespeare: Acts 1-3...D2- Act 4-5

In the play Othello by William Shakespeare, there is a distinct difference in the language of the characters in the play. One of the characters, Iago uses very blatant and degrading language that exposes his evil and very dubious nature. For example, in one instance he uses racist comments towards Othello and refers to him using very offensive phrases meant to degrade him. On the flipside, Othello talks to him in a very eloquent and respectful manner, a good example being when he talks to the Council and the Duke concerning him and Desdemona. Shakespeare makes this distinction in the language they use in order to highlight the differences between the characters. Othello is depicted as an all round and respectable man while Iago is a manipulative person.

One of the major motifs in the play is jealousy, which destroys Othello. Iago notices Othello’s insecurity and tendency to overreact, but even he did not imagine that Othello would fall as deep into jealousy as he did. Othello’s jealousy forces him to fixate his mind on one idea, which is that Desdemona has betrayed him with Cassio and no explanation or explanation can convince him otherwise. Iago also reveals his jealousy for Cassio when he gets the job of Lieutenant which he feels that he should have been awarded to him. Emilia is also jealous of Desdemona because of both her innocence and her marriage to Othello. This is further compounded by her relatively lesser social status as well as her job which she does not like. It is because of this jealousy that she aids Iago’s plot by stealing her handkerchief and concealing the truth about its whereabouts till the very end when it is already too late. The play demonstrates how jealousy can be powerful and take control of the lives of people and their action.

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