Othello Character Analysis Essay

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In Shakespeare’s play, Othello, Shakespeare provides insight into the personalities and traits of the characters. In Act I of the play, several aspects of personalities are revealed about the characters of Othello, Iago and Roderigo.
There are several aspects revealed about the character Othello within Act I of the play. Othello is presented as calm under pressure. “Keep up your bright swords, for the dew will rust them. Good signior, you shall move command with years than with your weapons.” (I.ii.76-79) Othello remains calm and authoritative even when swords are drawn against him. He says the above line without anger, but with a voice of certainty. Shakespeare wants the reader to sympathize with the character of Othello, and thus …show more content…

The character of Iago within Othello is depicted as the antagonist. Iago is resentful towards Othello. “Despise me if I do not. Three great ones of the city, in personal suit to make me lieutenant.” (I.i.8-10) Iago dislikes Othello because he is succeeding in life, while Iago believes he is worth more than just being a right-hand man. Shakespeare wants the reader to feel anger towards the character of Iago, by depicting the racism of society within him. “Even now, now, very now, an old black ram is tupping your white ewe.” (I.i.97-98) Iago uses vulgar, racist language in a demeaning manner, which allows Shakespeare to evoke anger within the reader. Iago’s resentful behaviour returns as he wants to evoke the same anger Brabantio. It is seen how Iago uses animal imagery in his racist diatribe against Othello, which is grounded in the idea that black men (and women) are inhumane. Iago is devious and untrustworthy. As he states, “But I will wear my heart upon my sleeve for daws to peck at. I am not what I am.” (I.i.70-71) He follows Othello not out of “love” or “duty,” but because he feels he can exploit and dupe his master, thereby revenging himself upon the man. The day in which he reveals his inward emotions will never exist, connecting back to Shakespeare's depiction of a resentful individual, as Iago wants to hide his anger until he strikes. Shakespeare uses …show more content…

Shakespeare uses the first act to depict Roderigo as naive and gullible. “Tush! Never tell me. I take it much unkindly, that thou, Iago, who hast had my purse as if the strings were thine, shouldst know of this.” (I.ii.1-3) Roderigo naively gives his money to Iago in exchange for vague but unfulfilled promises of amorous success in courting Desdemona. He does not see Iago’s intentions and does not understand that he is being used for his funds. Iago fills Roderigo with empty promises, and he follows, in hopes he may gain success. Roderigo is tunnel-visioned as his only motive is two gain the love of Desdemona. “If she be in her chamber or your house, let loose on me the justice of the state for thus deluding you.” (I.i.153-155) Roderigo’s only goal is marry Desdemona, and as a result, he is tunnel-visioned and is gullible to anything Iago tells him. “It cannot be. // It is merely a lust of the blood and a permission of the will. Come, be a man. Drown thyself? Drown cats and blind puppies! I have professed me thy friend, and I confess me knit to thy deserving with cables of perdurable toughness.” (I.ii.376-381) Roderigo seems to believe that Iago is sincere and heartfelt towards helping him win Desdemona, but little does he know that Iago only needs the funds and man to aid his own

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