Othello By William Shakespeare (1564 – 1616) Essay, Research Paper

Shakespeare’s Othello epitomizes the playwright’s

masterful ability to weave his characters’ intricate motives and acts into

one smooth plot. Of at I his villains, Iago seems to be the most complete

and sadistic, with no greater motive than wounded pride for his wickedness.

Indeed, the drama might well be named “Iago,” since he is the character

most prominent throughout.

But the character most discussed by critics

continues to be Othello. Is he an honorable, tragic hero who is ennobled

by the unsuspecting confidence he places in his advisor, Iago? Or is he

nothing more than a vulnerable, murderous and tragic fool? Othello himself

recognizes this extraordinary paradox when, at the end of the play, he

describes himself as “an honourable murderer”; as “one that loved not wisely

but too well.”

In contrast, we experience the authentic

bond of love between two faithful women. And ultimately, love triumphs

- even if only in death over pride, envy, hate and evil.