Introduction
William Shakespeare’s Othello is one of the most renowned plays in the world. It is a tragedy that has captivated audiences since its initial debut in the early 1600s. The story explores the themes of envy, treachery, love, and mortality. It is the story of a powerful general whose life is torn apart by the schemes of a malicious Iago. This essay will explore the diverging characteristics of the protagonists in Othello and how they compare and contrast.
Characters
The first area of comparison between Othello and Iago is their characters. Othello is a noble and respected man, a powerful general beloved by the people of Venice (Shakespeare, 2015). He is a man of strong moral character, and his love for Desdemona is sincere and pure.
On the other hand, Iago is a villainous manipulator who is driven by envy and hatred. He is a malicious schemer who will do anything to achieve his goals. He will lie, cheat, and manipulate to get what he wants. Iago’s manipulation destroys Othello’s reputation and marriage, while Othello’s naive trust in Iago leads to his ultimate downfall.
The play also contains comparisons between Desdemona and Emilia. Desdemona is the innocent and loyal wife of Othello, while Emilia is the wife of Iago, who is willing to betray her husband to save Desdemona (Shakespeare, 2015). Both characters are devoted to their husbands, but Desdemona’s loyalty is never questioned, while Emilia’s loyalty is ultimately tested.
This comparison highlights the importance of trust and loyalty in relationships. It also emphasizes the consequences of betrayal, as Emilia’s actions ultimately lead to the death of both Desdemona and Iago. Ultimately, the play shows that loyalty and trust are essential for any meaningful relationship to survive.
Motivations
The second area of comparison between Othello and Iago is their motivations. Othello is driven by love and a desire to protect those he loves. He is willing to sacrifice for Desdemona, and his loyalty and devotion are unwavering (Shakespeare, 2015).
On the contrary, Iago’s motivations are much more straightforward and comprehensible. He is motivated by envy, a yearning for success, and a craving for control. He wants to prove to Othello that he is intellectually superior and worthy of promotion. He also wants to take revenge on Othello for the perceived slight against him when Othello chooses Cassio as his lieutenant.
Consequences of Character’s Actions
The third area of comparison between Othello and Iago is the results of their actions. In Othello, it is demonstrated how the choices and actions of each character can lead to adverse outcomes. The decision to trust Iago by Othello resulted in disastrous effects. Iago’s malicious plotting and manipulation of those around him cause chaos and tragedy, while Othello’s gullibility and blind trust in Iago’s lies lead to his undoing. Desdemona’s choice to stand by Othello despite his cruel behavior towards her leads to her death, while Emilia’s choice to reveal the truth leads to her death (Shakespeare, 2015).
The play illustrates how choices and actions can have significant, long-lasting impacts and how the consequences of decisions can be heartbreaking. Additionally, the play reveals how decisions can bring about atonement, as Othello’s acknowledgment of his guilt and regret results in his demise and the mending of his relationship with Desdemona.
Characters’ Influence
The fourth area of comparison between Othello and Iago is how they influence the other characters in the play. Othello’s influence is mainly positive, as he is a beloved leader who inspires loyalty and respect (Shakespeare, 2015). Iago’s influence, however, is mainly negative. He is a master manipulator who uses lies and deceit to manipulate and control the other characters. He can use his cunning and guile to manipulate the other characters to do what he wants. He manipulates Roderigo into helping him with his plans and deceives Othello into thinking Desdemona is not loyal (Shakespeare, 2015). He also persuades the other characters to accept his falsehoods. His influence and manipulation are so powerful that they lead to the downfall of Othello and Desdemona.
Race
The fourth area of comparison to consider is the race of the characters. Othello is a Moor, a black man living in a predominantly white society. He is treated as an outsider and is constantly subjected to prejudice and discrimination.
Iago describes Othello as “an extravagant and wheeling stranger/Of here and everywhere,” emphasizing his otherness (Shakespeare, 2015, p. 4). This starkly contrasts with the white characters in the play, who are accepted and respected members of society. The contrast between Othello’s racial background and Desdemona’s is made even more striking by the fact that their marriage is seen as socially unacceptable during this period in time. This highlights the prejudice and discrimination that Othello faces because of his race.
Conclusion
To summarize, William Shakespeare’s Othello is a tragedy exploring envy, treachery, love, mortality, and race. The characters of Othello and Iago are contrasting and complex figures who demonstrate the power of love and hatred. Their motivations, actions, and influences on the other characters in the play are vastly different. While Othello’s actions ultimately lead to tragedy, Iago’s actions result in a hollow victory. It is these differences that make Othello an enduring classic.
Reference
Shakespeare, W. (2015). Othello. Penguin Press.