Othello †Justice and Passion Essay - 1872 Words

Othello is, without a doubt, one of Shakespeare’s most tragic heroes. He fills every sense of the word, beginning as a character nearly without flaws but evolving into a misled, pitiful disgrace whose sense of justice has been warped by the darkness of Iago. Even the flaws he is stricken with are those that may seem praise-worthy in some. Throughout the entirety of the play Othello has one supreme goal, subconscious or otherwise, in mind: As a general and as a man, he desires to rule militarily, socially, and romantically, with justice and without passion. This ‘passion’ refers to the calmness and balanced judgment required of such a figure as Othello. When we first meet Othello in person, he is immediately stricken as our hero. He loves†¦show more content†¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦ Upon this hint I spake. She loved me for the dangers I had passed, And I loved her that she did pity them. This only is the witchcraft I have used. Here comes the lady. Let her witness it. (I.iii.166-170) What Othello says here positions the base for which Shakespeare is set to mold the audience’s emotions. Othello not only defends his relationship with Desdemona, but he defends himself, his honor. He even sets Desdemona on equal footing with him, inviting Desdemona to speak for herself against her father. This act shows the trust that Othello shares with Desdemona, the depth of their relationship. But why set up such deep and powerful emotions so early on in the play? It is because we are made to avert our eyes, scream protests in our minds, feel hatred for Iago, as Othello slowly disintegrates out of this perfect persona we are presented with. Othello follows a very backward development as a character. He begins as the most perfect we will ever see him, slowly degrading into being just as jealous and ignorant as Roderigo. Even without Iago’s dark tendrils worming their way through his mind, the cracks in Othello’s immaculate armor begin to show. As Cassio loses his temper and strikes out against Montano, Othello’s passion and anger rise, demanding to know who began the fight. My blood begins my safer guides to rule, And passion, having my best judgment collied, Assays to lead the way. Zounds, if I stir Or do but lift this arm, theShow MoreRelatedDifference of Othellos Behaviour in Act One and Act Two981 Words   |  4 PagesEnglish Literature - Othello How is Othello’s behaviour in Act Two different from his behaviour in Act One? How do you account for this change? What consequences do you think it will have? In Act One, Othello appeared to be in control of his emotions. When Brabantio confronts Othello, accusing him of stealing and raping his daughter Desdemona by means of witchcraft, Othello is calm and tells his men to stop the fighting. 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