Othello, By William Shakespeare - 1605 Words

Tragically, this pure, innocent love obsession more often than not, develops into a bitter and resentful obsession that will spite one or both parties. This is clear in Shakespeare’s Othello. Desdemona’s and Othello’s harmonious marriage is warped by the Machiavellian villain Iago, who is insanely jealous and obsessed himself. Othello finds true contentment in Desdemona; she truly comprises his ‘other half’, as a spousal clichà © states. She provides serenity in the life of a soldier who has known war since the age of seven. Unfortunately, this serenity and this union is what Iago seeks to undo. Expert in his understanding, he seizes upon lines previously spoken: â€Å"Look to her, Moor, if thou hast eyes to see:/ She has deceived her father, and†¦show more content†¦Due to this, the audience watching Othello, The Moor of Venice in the 17th Century would have seen Brabantio’s words as an act of warning, foreshadowing Othello’ s later actions. Iago holds true to his promise that he will â€Å"pour pestilence into [Othello’s] ear† (2.3.341). Shakespeare’s use of the word â€Å"pestilence† suggests something more than just whispering words of adulterous tales. â€Å"Pestilence† suggests an overwhelming disease that will affect an entire community. As one person would catch the flu, this epidemic would develop and spread rapidly, causing the nation to experience such plague. As the pestilence begins to course through Othello, it weakens him by undermining his trust in Desdemona. Despite receiving no concrete evidence, Othello is convinced of his cuckoldry3: â€Å"Damn her, lewd minx! O, damn her, damn her† (3.4.475). He is obsessed with jealousy. The exclamation here highlights one of Othello’s major flaws: his anger. Othello acts upon his anger and therefore carries out tasks that he later regrets: â€Å"he smothers her†. Iago has struck at Othello’s core by revealing to him the alleged betrayal of Desdemona, of whom Othello feels is integral to his being. Iago forces Othello into a position where he has no armour to protect himself, and no foundation to support himself. Once the seed of doubt begins to sprout within him, Othello can no longer trust his â€Å"gentle† Desdemona, creating this resentment filled obsession over her alleged