Death and Gender in Othello Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words

Death and Gender in Othello - Research Paper ExampleDesdemona dies, because of lies and jealousy, as well as racial and gender discrimination. Iago misrepresents many people, so that he can advance his own interests and to take revenge against Cassio and Othello. Othello promotes Cassio instead of Iago, which angers the latter who thinks he is more(prenominal) deserving than Cassio. Iago, with revenge in mind, manipulates peoples vulnerabilities or weaknesses, making him perhaps Shakespeares consummate villain (Foster 2). Iago is perversive enough to not even have any motivation of hating and cleanuping Othello. Foster believes that not macrocosm promoted is only the tipping point of Iagos hatred for Iago. Foster argues It is Othellos candor, openness, and spontaneous, generous love that Iago finds offensive (2). Suggesting that Othello only seduced his wife indicates Iagos corrupted soul. Iago treats people as victims or tools, and in many ways, he is the classical Renaissance atheist, who is invention and beyond morality, as he finds it rewarding to darken that which is pure (Foster 2). He knows that his actions can endanger him too, notwithstanding he trusts in his wits to save him (Foster 2). Iago thinks that his main purpose in life is to be the evil to peoples goodness. And Othello, with his racial and cultural difference, is the perfect target for the dark-spirited Iago. Iago specifically lies about Othello, Cassio, and Desdemona, because he has a corrupted genius with hatred and bitterness in his heart. Iago initially misrepresents Othello to Brabantio, a Venetian senator and Desdemonas father. Iago uses racism to encourage Brabantio to kill Othello. He tells Desdemonas father that Othello seduced her daughter, as if it is impossible for a white woman to love a Moor. Iago gives Brabantio a tough racist image Even now, now, very now, an old black ram/Is topping your white ewe... (Shakespeare symbolise 1, Scene 1). Iago uses pathos to evoke an emotional response from Brabantio. Iago also connives with Roderigo, who wants to steal Desdemona from Othello. Iago, however, is a double scout and he warns Othello of Brabantios forthcoming allegations and actions. This warning, nevertheless, is Iagos way of reinforcing Othellos trust in him, so that he can further detriment the latter. Iago also lies to Roderigo that he is loyal to him. Roderigo only wants Desdemona and since he knows that Iago hates Othello, he has an ally. Roderigo also sends gifts to Desdemona to woo her, but Iago keeps these gifts for himself. Iago appears to be helping Roderigo to win Desdemonas heart, but he only lures him into his web of lies. In this web, the main goal is to kill all those who have mistreated him- Othello and Cassio. Since Othello loves Desdemona, she must also suffer too. Iago also misrepresents Cassio to Othello. Iago even uses his wife, Emily, to use Desdemonas hankie as the visual proof of her infidelity. Desdemona accidentally dro ps her handkerchief that Othello gave to her. Emilia picks it up, and Iago uses that to engender doubt in Othellos mind. When Othello asks Iago for tell apart that Desdemona is no longer faithful to him, Iago says that he slept in Cassios room and heard Cassio mention redolence words about Desdemona. He says that he had seen Cassio using Desdemonas handkerchief too. Rage consumes Othello, who vows to kill Cassio. He