Comparing Macbeth and Othello

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Comparing Macbeth and Othello

A masterful playwright and poet named William Shakespeare in the Seventeenth century wrote both the tragedies Macbeth and Othello. In William Shakespeare’s Macbeth, the idea of one character becoming both victim and villain is introduced. Macbeth falls prey to others’ deception, and is supplanted with greed and hate when three witches trick him. When told that he is going to be King of Scotland, Macbeth does whatever he can to insure his property. In Macbeth’s quest for power, he gains a flaw that ends in a deteriorated relationship with Lady Macbeth, and his eventual defeat. Shakespeare’s tragedy Othello, written in 1604, is based on a tale that circulated in books at that time. Othello is one of Shakespeare’s most romantic heroes. Othello is solemn, self-controlled, and steeled by the experience of countless perils and hardships. Iago is very angry with Othello for not making him second in command. Therefore, he is dedicated to revenge. He nearly accomplishes his plan because of his power and uncanny ability to fabricate the truth. This untruthfulness leads to the death of his one and only love, Desdemona, as well as, bringing about his own demise. The similarities between these two men go far beyond coincidence; however, there are many points in the two men that are undisputedly different.

Macbeth is a brave man and once he puts his mind to gaining control of the throne, no one can stand in his way. However, like many seemingly confident men, Macbeth has someone pulling his strings, controlling his every move and decision. He is responsible for putting power into Lady Macbeth’s hands and letting her influence him. Macbeth allows himself to be manipulated into killing Dunca...

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... Succeeds in unknown fate (II, I, 190-194).

As noble and strong as Othello is, he is inexperienced in the affairs of the heart. This one flaw allows Iago to stir up jealousy and rage inside of him, which leads to his own untimely demise.

Othello and Macbeth were great in their own respects, yet flawed as well. While no man is perfect, for a person to commit the same acts as these two men would leave him scarred for life and longing for death’s sweet release. While both men were in the wrong, they immediately felt the pain and anguish of remorse, wanting nothing more than to take back what they had done. It is said that time heals all wounds, and that one can be forgiven for all their transgressions. Macbeth and Othello realized this as well; however, they could not forgive themselves for their indiscretions and both men came to know death by their own hands.

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