Plot Analysis: Othello

Plot Analysis: Othello

  • Submitted By: Brotoe
  • Date Submitted: 02/25/2009 5:09 PM
  • Category: English
  • Words: 693
  • Page: 3
  • Views: 421

In Othello the Iago is not justified in his resentment towards the world. The actions that he undertakes are not justified, as many other characters in the play manage to overcome that same resentment. Cassio was demoted in a wrongful manner yet he managed to overcome his displeasure and try to sort out the matter in a rational and logical way. Desdemona is wrongfully accused of cheating on Othello, yet she chooses not to try and dwell on revenge for the person who caused this to happen. At the start of the play Brabantio has reason to be resentful when Othello marries Desdemona behind his back. Although Brabantio is extremely angry, he manages to somewhat overcome his anguish and does not wish to inflict revenge on Othello. Iago's selfish motives are what cause him to wish revenge on so many people throughout the play. Many other characters had to go through similar circumstances that cause them extensive grief, yet only Iago chooses to direct his misfortunes in the form of revenge.

When Cassio is tricked into becoming drunk and lured into a fight with Roderigo, Othello takes away his position. Instead of becoming angry and wishing revenge on Othello, he tries to solve the problem in a rational way. Cassio admits that it was his wrongdoing when he says “ I have well approved it sir.-I Drunk” (Act 2, Scene 3, Line 331). Cassio wants Iago's help in getting back on Othello's good side. Cassio has sure reason to be resentful of his place, yet unlike Iago he does not convert his frustrations to acts of anger and revenge. Instead Cassio decides to ask Desdemona for help in getting reacquainted with Othello. This is shown when he states, “I think it freely; and betimes in the morning I will beseech the virtuous Desdemona to undertake for me” (Act 2 Scene 3 Lines 349-351). After this occurred, Iago and Cassio were in very similar situations, in being that both men were denied the positions they wanted from Othello. By observing the ways in each of these men...

Similar Essays