Analysis: The ironic thing about Iago’s advice to Othello … Othello ends in tragedy because the male characters do not actually exhibit personal power. Othello A Moor (an African), a general in the defense forces of the city state of Venice. But he denies using any magic to win her love, and says that Desdemona will support his story. Instead, they must seek artificial power from an outside source, such as a woman or an object. His successful profession brings him high status in Venice, but his foreign origins and color separate him from those with whom he lives and works. Although he is a successful military commander, Othello is a Moor from Cyprus. On the one hand, we can read the Duke's assertion that Othello is virtuous and "fair" as a compliment. The subject of Othello is "Love and Death", while the theme suggests "The Incompatibility of Military Heroism & Love". The events take place in various areas from huge open exteriors that describe Othello’s heroism, to cramped and small interiors where the character can’t breathe, both figuratively and […] Othello Quotes on Jealousy. At the beginning of the play, he seems calm, controlled, and eloquent. Remember: This is just a sample from a fellow student. 2 Answers. "Othello" consisted of three major characters including: Othello, Desdemona, and Iago, each of which play. Although everyone, including Othello, believes that Iago is a loyal and devoted friend, Iago understands the strategic advantage that false friendship gives him. The Duke, though, who needs Othello's military leadership, is not so swayed by prejudice. Many critics read Othello as an extended war allegory: it is possible to see Iago's machinations as the strategic planning of a general, individual victories as minor battles, and the three resulting deaths the casualties of psychological combat. Othello Quotes Showing 1-30 of 222 “O, beware, my lord, of jealousy; It is the green-ey'd monster, which doth mock The meat it feeds on.” ― William Shakespeare, Othello. 2: Iago’s reputation played a key role in the play. Themes are the fundamental and often universal ideas explored in a literary work. Othello describes his illustrious career with dignity in Act I Scene 3 (see lines 82–90 and 129–46). Valiant Othello - Act 1 Scene 3. tells the reader Duke respects O. Quotes to show Othello believes he is ignorant to society he is still aware that his decisive and strict military upbringing renders him ignorant to society’s ways and the company of women. Here, the Duke defends Othello against Brabantio's accusations that Othello used "magic" on Desdemona. 1 decade ago. Kenneth Branagh as Iago . This page lists 50 Shakespeare quotes about war. It also offers clues to Iago's true personality that manifests in his sadistic behavior. Cassio’s changing reputation has a big part in the outcome of the play as well. Do-er Main Character Approach. Sadly, the two seem to be synonymous in these men’s eyes. Quote: “O, beware, my lord of jealousy; / It is the green-ey’d monster which doth mock / The meat it feeds on.” (Act III, Scene 3). Othello's military setting not only factors into Iago's motivation and Othello's gullibility, it provides the means for Iago to carry out his machinations and the environment that smoothes his way. He is different from those around him, due to his origins and his life history, but he shares their religion, values, and patriotism to Venice. Discussing Othello's rank in the Venetian military, Rymer argues: The character of that state [i.e., Venice] is to employ strangers in their wars, but shall a poet thence fancy that they will set a negro to be their general, or trust a Moor to defend them against the Turk? Othello is one of the many well-known plays by William Shakespeare, a grand scale play that evolves from a military romance to a sorrowful and claustrophobic tragedy. On the contrary, Shakespeare has displayed Othello as a good black man who was driven to do horrible things by a white man. Othello is a military hero, well-respected by the Senate, and well-loved by his new wife. I am finishing a thesis paper. Due to his racial affiliation and alienation, Othello cannot be accepted by refined and rational society.