Bradley describes this by saying that "Othello's nature is all of one piece... Love, if he loves, must be to him the heaven where either he must leave or bear no life. If such a passion as jealousy seizes him, it will swell into a well-night incontrollable flood" (Bradley 188). This shows how Othello goes to the extremes, especially relating to his emotions. Bradley also says that "He is quite free from introspection, and is not given to reflection. Emotion excites his imagination, but it confuses and dulls his intellect" (Bradley 188). This shows that like Hamlet, Othello is not able to consider the source of his emotions. This occurs as a natural part of Othello's character, while for Hamlet it is specifically linked to the particular situation and the particular emotion. However, the end result is the same with both characters unable to consider their emotions and rationalize them. The end result for both characters is that they become driven by their emotions. This occurs for Othello as he becomes easily convinced that Desdemona is unfaithful. It is important to note that this belief is based on very little real evidence. It is also important to note that even though Othello asks for evidence before he believes it completely, there is a part of him that believes it immediately. Otherwise, it would have been likely that he just would have ignored Iago initially or asked Desdemona. Instead, Othello goes along with Iago and allows himself to be convinced. Then, with only a small amount of evidence, Othello accepts that Desdemona is unfaithful. The extreme nature of his reaction is seen where he says to Desdemona, "I took you for...
You, mistress, that have the office opposite to Saint Peter, and keep the gate of hell!" (IV, ii). This shows he is has become completely consumed by his jealousy, with this emotion ruling him completely. The jealousy has also made Othello incapable of rational thought, since is he considered the evidence rationally he would see that there is no real proof that Desdemona has been unfaithful. Like Hamlet though, Othello is not able to think rationally or consider his emotions, instead allowing them to define him completely. It is this that leads to his tragic downfall.
Othello has used military service to prove he is not a savage to white leaders, but his reliance upon the counsel of military officers and his over-valuing of military decision-making and life makes him descend into savagery. This is true even before Iago has begun to try to manipulate his mind. After marrying Desdemona, Othello's first thoughts are of war: "The tyrant custom, most grave senators,/Hath made the flinty
Hamlet's attitude towards the other female characters in the play, such as Ophelia is shaped by the distrust of women that is engendered by the mother's actions. Many critics have noted the strange and extreme attitude that Hamlet has towards women in general. As one critic notes, ...there is a distinctive pattern in Hamlet's language and behaviour whenever he is thinking about or dealing with Ophelia and Gertrude in fact, Hamlet's
In the context of Othello, this is not such a reassuring notion because Othello and Iago represent the worst that man can be. The reality of this fact allows us to look upon Othello is disgust and with caution. These two men are known by their first names worldwide not because they are nice but because they are the farthest from it. They are human and they are evil
It is also perfect because it permits Iago to draw Emilia into his schemes, whereby he can punish her for being unfaithful without dealing with whether or not his beliefs are true. 6. In what ways does "reputation" become an element of the conflict with each of the four major characters? For Othello, reputation becomes an element of conflict because he is proud and has a certain reputation to uphold, which
Othello Of the alleged chief tragedies penned by Shakespeare, Othello has led to a certain degree of embarrassment. This 'domestic tragedy' lacks the dynastic and political consequences that characterize Macbeth, Hamlet, and Lear. The protagonist, Othello, behaves like a blockhead. Readers are led into doubting his claims to greatness right from the start. The Bard of Avon is famous for his interest in identity issues. Antagonists may cruelly impose themselves on
John Draper holds a different perspective regarding Iago, which aligns him very closely with Othello in terns of honor. He contends that "a careful survey of the plot as it unfolds shows Iago as an opportunist who cleverly grasps occasion" (Draper 726). He believes that Iago and Othello are similar in that they are both noble soldiers. He goes on to defend Iago, noting that he is "less culpable than
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