Othello: A Villainous Tragedy

A detailed Summary of Othello: A Villainous Tragedy

Throughout all of literary history there have been two basic types of characters the

protagonist, or hero, and the antagonist, or villain. Perhaps the greatest villain of all time is most

greatly expressed in Shakespeare's tragedy Othello. The villain, Iago, would hold a place in any

dictionary, next to the word villain better than any antagonist in the history of all written or

spoken word, rivaled only by Satan himself. He expresses evil, deceit, and wickedness in the

purest of forms. These are the qualities that make Iago the total antithesis of heroism.

From the very beginning of the play it is clear that Iago is an evil figure. He clearly states

in the first scene his undying hatred for the hero, Othello. At first glance such hatred seems

unfounded. The only explanation that he gives in the beginning to the rather rubish character

Roderigo, is that he wants revenge for being passed over for a promotion to lieutenant by his

commander, Othello. We later find that he has an underlying, ridiculously unfounded jealousy

that Othello has slept with his wife, Emilia. Those are only superficial reasonings for his hate,

though. The real characteristics that make up his depravity and keep his machination of reven

Up until the end of the play, it seems that Poetic justice will not be brought about for the

right. She begins to instill justice when she enters Desdemona's room after Othello has

play that he exerts makes the entire play, the title notwithstanding, his own. Another principle

his wife's infidelities. Emilia then calls for a crowd to be gathered in the bedchamber where she

played out. The total breakdown of civic order that occurs at Cyprus, but was impossible in

and the audience is aware of his terrible machination. This brings about an astounding swiftness

evil Iago. Poetic justice, in this case comes from and unlikely source, Iago's own wife, Emilia.

men. He is so deluded that he actually believes that he is being merciful by allowing her a last

an item as petty as a handkerchief could drive a man to madness? Iago's observation of the

Approximate Word count = 1683
Approximate Pages = 7 (250 words per page double spaced)

Category: English

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