The forces of good are powerfully embodied by Desdemona in the play Othello (1603) written by William Shakespeare, however evil ultimately prevails leading to her death and the tragic downfall of Othello. The virtue of goodness is evident in the characterisation of Desdemona, foregrounding her inherent morality, and strength, but more prominently evinced in her dying proclamation of her wholehearted commitment to Othello. However, the opposing, destructive forces of evil, evident in the character of Iago, finally triumph through his skilful deceit and manipulation. Evil, which seeps into Othello’s heart through Iago, overpowers his love for Desdemona and turns it into a jealous rage causing his transformation from an honourable hero to a disgraced
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For the very first scene, Iago reveals his evil intent in a conversation with Roderigo, professing that “I follow him to serve my turn upon him,” openly demonstrating his corrupt nature. Iago’s words foreshadow his moral dichotomy, as he informs the audience that though his actions may appear honest, his objective is not. Moreover, Iago describes himself as the personification of evil in the line “I am not what I am”. This is a biblical allusion to the phrase “I am that I am” from Exodus which symbolises God, hence when Iago directly counters this statement, he likens himself to the Devil. Iago’s satanic qualities are again visible in his deceitful allegations against Desdemona, with the lines, “…such a handkerchief- I am sure it was your wife’s – did I today see Cassio wipe his beard with,”. The handkerchief is a metonym for Desdemona’s love and fidelity, hence when she loses it; Iago is able to produce false evidence of her adultery to manipulate Othello into a jealous rage. Thus, Iago’s actions conform to the Machiavellian personality, as his evil can be seen through the way he takes advantage of each character, thwarting their inherent …show more content…
At the beginning of the play, Othello’s heroic virtues are acknowledged when the Duke concedes that “Your son-in-law is far more fair than black” inferring that his high calibre compensates for his colour. Racial bigotry was pervasive in Venetian society; nonetheless, Othello was able to gain a high status position, stressing his nobility and honour. However, in compliance with the conventions of the tragic form, Othello experiences a regression into jealousy, as he says, “Arise, black vengeance from thy hollow cell,’, emphasising how he has allied himself with evil. His furious, threatening tone accentuates his appeal to the devil, and his complete surrender to immorality. Othello’s metamorphosis from love to hatred is also physically apparent during his epileptic fit. His seizures are symbolic of his rage and anger that hijack his mind, the lack of authority he has over his body is reminiscent of the loss of control over his emotions. Thus Othello’s character, who was once admired for his good, becomes tainted by the overbearing forces of evil as well.
In conclusion, though there are frequent examples of goodness and virtue with the play Othello, evil is more powerful leading to the eventual demise of the characters. Desdemona’s purity, though it counteracts the vices of Iago’s deceit and Othello’s jealousy, is not enough to
For the very first scene, Iago reveals his evil intent in a conversation with Roderigo, professing that “I follow him to serve my turn upon him,” openly demonstrating his corrupt nature. Iago’s words foreshadow his moral dichotomy, as he informs the audience that though his actions may appear honest, his objective is not. Moreover, Iago describes himself as the personification of evil in the line “I am not what I am”. This is a biblical allusion to the phrase “I am that I am” from Exodus which symbolises God, hence when Iago directly counters this statement, he likens himself to the Devil. Iago’s satanic qualities are again visible in his deceitful allegations against Desdemona, with the lines, “…such a handkerchief- I am sure it was your wife’s – did I today see Cassio wipe his beard with,”. The handkerchief is a metonym for Desdemona’s love and fidelity, hence when she loses it; Iago is able to produce false evidence of her adultery to manipulate Othello into a jealous rage. Thus, Iago’s actions conform to the Machiavellian personality, as his evil can be seen through the way he takes advantage of each character, thwarting their inherent …show more content…
At the beginning of the play, Othello’s heroic virtues are acknowledged when the Duke concedes that “Your son-in-law is far more fair than black” inferring that his high calibre compensates for his colour. Racial bigotry was pervasive in Venetian society; nonetheless, Othello was able to gain a high status position, stressing his nobility and honour. However, in compliance with the conventions of the tragic form, Othello experiences a regression into jealousy, as he says, “Arise, black vengeance from thy hollow cell,’, emphasising how he has allied himself with evil. His furious, threatening tone accentuates his appeal to the devil, and his complete surrender to immorality. Othello’s metamorphosis from love to hatred is also physically apparent during his epileptic fit. His seizures are symbolic of his rage and anger that hijack his mind, the lack of authority he has over his body is reminiscent of the loss of control over his emotions. Thus Othello’s character, who was once admired for his good, becomes tainted by the overbearing forces of evil as well.
In conclusion, though there are frequent examples of goodness and virtue with the play Othello, evil is more powerful leading to the eventual demise of the characters. Desdemona’s purity, though it counteracts the vices of Iago’s deceit and Othello’s jealousy, is not enough to