The Universal Themes: Othello
William Shakespeare's works gained immortality due to the fact that the central themes in most of his plays encompass fundamental human emotions. Lust, jealousy, ambition, greed, betrayal, and revenge are universal themes that were evident in Shakespeare's time, that are evident in our time, and that will be evident in the future. It is thought by many that "The great significance of Shakespeare is that despite the many differences between his age and ours, some trivial and some of far-reaching importance, he provides in his plays the life patterns which are continuous in the history of mankind" (Hardin, Craig). In the tragic play Othello, the universal themes of jealousy, deceit, and anger are quite evident. "Jealousy...always converts human nature into chaos, and liberates the beast in man" (Scott 465). Jealousy is perhaps one of the most prevalent themes in all of literature. Jealousy, in literature and in the real world, causes mental blindness in a myriad of different situations. In the play Othello, this is also the case; the envy of one causes passion and emotions to take over the mind. Jealousy is perhaps the key cause of Iago's revenge against his superior officer, Othello. Ia
It has been said that the conflict between Othello and Iago can be thought of as a representation of the "eternal conflict-both internal and external- between the forces of Love and Hate, of Good and Evil, and the realization that the conflict cannot be resolved as part of the tragedy of human life" (Gupta 88). Sen Gupta, S. C. Aspects of Shakespearean Tragedy. Calcutta, India: Oxford University Along with jealousy, another element that leads to the downfall of Othello is the dishonesty and deceit of his trusted ensign, Iago. Yet ironically, throughout the play, Iago is referred to as such things as the "honest" and "bold" Iago. Iago is, perhaps, the most villainous character ever created by Shakespeare. Iago is a very fraudulent, dishonest, and selfish character. He lies to and manipulates others to get what it is that he truly wants, revenge. His inner-hostility toward Othello causes him to be able to do anything and everything to cause the "Moor" harm. Throughout history, such hatred and deceitfulness as severe as that of Iago's, has caused people to commit horrendous and foolhardy actions and has caused the downfall of many.
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Approximate Word count = 819
Approximate Pages = 3 (250 words per page double spaced)
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