Othello Essay

Dictionaries define the phenomenon, known as human nature, to be “the general psychological characteristics, feelings, and behavioural traits of humankind, regarded as shared by all humans”. Are certain traits truly shared by all humans? Do humans have a natural disposition to trust each other or are they taught to do so? Are people born filled with jealousy or do they develop this trait? Do humans naturally strive for merit or is it just something they learn to crave? William Shakespeare’s Othello is an intriguing story, ripe with engaging and well-developed characters. The main themes of the story are of great relevance even in the modern world. Many lessons can be learned from this story. Messages about misplaced trust and the importance of taking caution are clearly addressed. Evident also is the theme of jealousy as a motivation to act cruelly and heartlessly. It is also inferred that a reputation should not be prioritized since it does not always define people for who they truly are. The prevalent themes all deal with the nature and essence of being human.

People should be cautious in whom they place their trust. Sometimes, those who may seem the closest to are the ones who can cause the most damage. In Othello, Iago is a very strong character and a highly skilled deceiver. He knows exactly which words to use and when to use them. “O beware, my lord, of jealousy: / It is the green-eyed monster which doth mock / The meat it feeds on.” [III.iii.167-169]. After losing his position as lieutenant, Iago tells Cassio to spend time with Desdemona so she can help convince Othello to give his lieutenancy back. “Our general’s wife is now the general…Confess yourself freely to her, importune her help to put you in your place again.”...

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Othello has many meaningful themes included in the story that show human behaviour has not changed to this day. One theme is the lesson learned about trust and the consequences of its misplacement. The dastardly actions of people when they become filled with jealousy and hate are clearly evident. Finally, seeking glory should not be prioritized since it is nothing more than a title—not a definition of the individual. Even though Othello was written in the seventeenth century, the reader will notice the events that take place in the story are still evident in the modern world. Society has greatly evolved throughout the years and yet much human behaviour remains unchanged. People still purposely hurt one another. It is an unfortunate issue that will never be solved. Whether this is learned behaviour or innate to the human race, is still yet to be proven.