(Working) Theme Statement for Lit#1-If there is an obsession or a great amount of greed for money, power or love, then as a result there is a risk of losing personal values, a sense of self, and possibly life.

When the fantasies and desires of a person turn into an obsession or an excess of greed of whatever it is he wants, usually it will drive a person to do extreme and unrational things hat he wouldn't normally do. This greed often causes him to lose his sense of morals, his sense of self or possibly even his life. In Shakespeare's play, The Tragedy of Othello, the Moor of Venice, Othello loses control of his rational and sensible thinking as he is tormented by taunting lies from Iago of his loved one cheating on him. Also, Iago's obsession for power and control cause him to lie and trick Othello into questioning his wife's love. If Othello weren't obsessed with his love for Desdemona his mind would not unravel so easily. If Iago weren't so obsessed with power and control than he wouldn't have to result to lies and deception. Both of these characters have been driven t

o act in unrational ways because of their obsessions.

Even though Iago is completely aware of his manipulations and his deceptions to Othello which has made Othello feel so harshly towards Desdemona he turns around and comforts her like a good friend would and innocently acts as if he has no idea what is going on. Emelia: "he called he "whore". A begger in his drink could not have laid such terms upon his callet." Iago: "Why did he do so?" Desdemona: "I do not know. I am sure I am non such" Iago: "Do not weep. Do not weep! Alas the day! (4, 2, 141-145) Even though it is obvious that Desdemona is hurt by what is going on, Iago continues to sneakily deceive her as well as Othello. Other people's feelings and lives are of no consequence to Iago as he strives for power and control over Othello. Iago has lost his sense of morals though all his lies and possibly even lost who he really is in the process.

(4, 1, 265-268) Othello is so upset he actually strikes Desdemona in front of Cypress Government officials.

In the beginning of the play Othello is considered a noble, reasonable man who can stay calm and keep his head in difficult situations. At one point in the play, Brabantio, as well as a number of other guards confront Othello, armed and ready to attack on charges that Othello has tricked Brabantio's daughter into marrying him. Othello is known to be a worthy opponent on the battlefield but instead of making a physical confrontation with Brabantio and his men, Othello goes freely to calmly talk about and debate over the charges set against him. Othello has proven his level headedness on the battle

Some common words found in the essay are:
Venice Othello, Othello Nay, Desdemona Othello's, Statement Lit#1-If, Othello Iago, Desdemona Iago, Sweet Desdemona, Desdemona Cassio, Othello Othello, Cypress Government, sense self, love desdemona, power control, beginning play, personal values, personal values sense, lies iago, iago's obsession, cheating iago's, sense morals, self possibly, values sense self, loss personal values, iago's obsession power, sense self possibly,
Approximate Word count = 1098
Approximate Pages = 4 (250 words per page double spaced)