Theme Of Obsession In Shakespeare's Othello

Obsession is not love, yet there is a fine line between the two that many stumble across in an attempt to keep their love from changing for the worse. In Shakespeare's timeless and controversial play, Othello, Othello himself is not an exception from the cruel misunderstandings that are derived from the inability to stay in control of unforeseen circumstances. Othello was raised through tragedy and feels comfort in her presence. In the beginning, Othello is seen as the noble general of the Venetian army who can remain level-headed in times of potential catastrophe. When Brabantio calls for his men to collect Othello after discovering he has been having a secret affair with his daughter, Desdemona, Othello is approached by Brabantio’s men with their swords drawn, he calmly asks them to “Keep up your bright swords for the dew will rust them” (1.2.61). Despite his life being threatened, he does not panic for he knows how to control the situation. However, the vengeful Iago plants a poisonous seed …show more content…
Othello, blinded by his jealousy, has followed Iago's instructions to strangle Desdemona in the same bed she reputedly shared a dalliance in with Cassio. Before coming face to face with Desdemona, he justifies that her will be death as a service to the greater good, that if he does not follow through with this monstrous plan, she’ll go on to harm more men “yet she must die else she’ll betray more men” (5.2.06). Othello does not enable Desdemona the time she begs for to prove her innocence, which puts Othello back in his position of power. His pride will not allow her to change his mind for he does not wish to be proven wrong. Othello, in the throes of passion, “puts out the light of her heart” (5.2.08). Only after Desdemona’s death does Othello discover the truth behind Iago’s dastardly