Conflict in Othello Essay

Othello Practice Essay

Conflict has the power to change and alter relationships leading to tragic consequences. Shakespeare illustrated this in his play Othello. Through the manipulation of the Villain, Iago, and the protagonist, Othello, the relationships between main characters of the play starts to change. Conflict caused by jealousy, deception and vengeance leads to catastrophic events that alter the relationships of characters.

From the onset of the play, Iago expresses his jealousy of Cassios promotion to lieutenant through deceit by placing thoughts of Desdemonas infidelity into Othellos mind. Iago manipulates Othellos state of mind by planting seeds of doubt of Desdemona having an affair with Cassio. Iago deceives Othello by insinuating Look to your wife. Observe her well with Cassio allowing Othellos mind to run wild with his thoughts. Iago deceives Othello by arousing his suspicion of Desdemonas fidelity. Furthermore, Iago continues to undermine Othello by pretend to be Othellos comrade and friend to gain his trust which leads to events falling into place as Iago plans through deception. The use of irony is expressed when Othello sees him as honest, honest Iago. The deception portrayed by Iago starts to change relationships with characters.

Jealousy is a powerful emotion that can change relationships between people. Iago acknowledge that jealousy is very influential and uses this cunning strategy to further heighten Othellos doubts. He describes jealousy as the green-eyes monster which doth mock the meat it feeds on. As resentment starts to provoke when Othello is doubtful of Desdemona, the relationship between them starts to change. Desdemona notices his difference in character as she says my lord is not my lord. Othellos jealousy heightens with unease as days go on.

Similarly, vengeance in Othello increases the conflict of characters. In the opening scenes of Othello, Iago is bitter about the rise of Cassios office to lieutenant as he thinks he deserves the place. He expresses this by saying I know my price; I am worth no worse a place. Iago uses this as his motive for getting revenge on Cassio and Othello. He says Whether he kill Cassio, or Cassio him, or each do kill each other, every way makes my gain shows high modality as his certainty to exact revenge is shown through his speeches. This adds to the conflict between characters which alters the relationships.

In conclusion, through the difference themes and motifs, it can be seen that conflict has the power to alter relationships. The Shakespearean play Othello created a world of deceit, jealousy and the need for revenge. It leads to a tragic destruction of relationships between characters.