Othello And Hedda Gabler Analysis

Psychological egoism is defined as the idea that deep down, we are always motivated by what we perceive to be in our own self-interest, even in what seems to be acts of altruism. This thesis is extremely prevalent within society today and in two pieces, Othello by William Shakespeare and Hedda Gabler by Henrik Ibsen. Both works of art are driven by those who desire power and freedom and will do anything to overcome their obstacles. Iago, Othello’s cunning and evil ensign can be compared to the despicable and manipulative Hedda Gabler despite the characters being written nearly three centuries apart. Iago, however, would not have been able to begin achieving his goals without Desdemona, a character who also compares to Hedda’s ambitions. Still, …show more content…
It just so happens that both characters work to overcome these complications in similar manners. Iago and Hedda become obsessed with not only freedom, but obtaining power over others which leads the two to manipulate and ultimately lie their way to their demise. In Shakespeare’s work, the whole plot is focused on the idea that Desdemona is cheating with Cassio, which in turn, infuriates Othello. Therefore, it can be said that the actions within this play are driven by Iago’s manipulation and goals. Iago states, “Do it not with poison. Strangle her in her bed, even the bed she hath contaminated” (4.1.197-198). Othello is being told to not poison his wife, but to strangle her. The fact he believes killing his wife is “just” only suggests that he is completely and utterly brainwashed by Iago. Ibsen’s character Hedda and the entire play acquire very similar qualities to Othello. As David Ball, the author of Backwards and Forwards expressed, obstacles must be fought against because this creates action. Hedda’s hunger for power is what leads her to an abundance of obstacles bringing more and more action. When Hedda says, “Yes, I have. I want for once in my life to have power to mould a human destiny”, Mrs. Elvsted asks “Have you not the power?”, leading Hedda to state “I have not—and have never had it” (2.2). This initially shows Hedda as a power thriving individual, but it isn’t until she …show more content…
The events happening in both works are solely from the actions the two make. Although both characters seem to be devoted to gaining power, they appear to be at different levels of commitment. In Ibsen’s play, Hedda states, “I am in your power none the less. Subject to your will and your demands. A slave, a slave then! No, I cannot endure the thought of that! Never!” (4.2). After this moment, Hedda commits suicide, which seems to be the action of giving in. This is the difference between Iago and Hedda. If it were Iago, he would have stayed in the game as long as possible just as he did in Othello. Therefore, this is the reason both plays end much differently. Because Hedda refused to overcome another obstacle, it led her to her death. Contrastingly, Iago does not die, but is wounded and it is inferred he will be severely punished for his actions but he was the “true fighter”. This further proves the point that Iago and Hedda cause all of the action by attempting to manipulate others because once they are defeated, the play