An Essay from Othello

An Essay from Othello

  • Submitted By: kobeb
  • Date Submitted: 07/27/2011 7:44 PM
  • Category: English
  • Words: 1183
  • Page: 5
  • Views: 552

Othello Essay

Othello is a play that can still relate to modern society. The themes explored in Othello are similar to problems many people deal with today. Othello is a highly respected general in the service of Venice. Iago is Othello's ambitious friend and he is ranked under him, hoping to get promoted to lieutenant. However, he promotes Michael Cassio to the position of lieutenant and Iago is deadly jealous. Iago then begins an evil and cruel crusade against trying to destroy Othello. Othello is still relevant in modern society because of all the important themes that this play refers to, including: racism, sexism, trust, relationships between men and women, reputation, honor as well as manipulation and jealousy can be related to people in today’s society. A lot of people in today’s society get jealous of people above them or with more wealth. Is Othello still applicable in modern society? The answer to this question is yes, Othello is still relevant in modern society. Most people in today’s society get jealous of people in power or who have more wealth then them, just like that Iago gets jealous of Othello’s power and wealth.

An important theme that stays constant in Othello is the theme of Racism. In modern society, we can still see signs of racism now. In the beginning of the play, Othello is modest, caring, confident, and thoughtful. He is treated however as an outsider by other characters. In Act 1 Scene 1, Othello is referred to as the ‘moor.’ “Even now, now, very now, an old black ram is tupping your white ewe.” When Iago informs Brabantio of Othello and Desdemona’s relationship he uses sexual imagery to enforce the idea that Othello is black unlike Desdemona. “Haply, for I am black.” (Act 3 Scene 3) Othello is starting to believe everything Iago is saying and thinking about how everything thats going on because he’s black. He’s giving into doubt and slowly its turning him insane. As a black man living in a white man’s world, he...

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