Othello Acts 3-5

After this reading assignment, I am impressed by the complex characters that Shakespeare is able to depict and contrast. It is amazing how he is able to manipulate the image of Desdemona according to Othello by using Iago's tales while simultaneously keeping Desdemona a pure character. He keeps her so pure, that is it easier for the plot to further itself. Even when Desdemona is about to die and Othello's rage has steadily increased to dangerous levels, she still remains faithful to her husband and to the principle of loyalty in marriage. Shakespeare also makes Iago a very smart and intriguing character in the way Iago plots out the turn of events. He does not just create ficitious stories that he tells Othello, but he actually plays a role as Othello's close friend. He doesn't just openly turn against Cassio, but attempts to defend Cassio's false actions. In doing this, he makes himself an even more upstanding and believable source in the eyes of Othello. The characteristic that helps Iago with his plan the most is his ability to get people to trust him. He convinces Roderigo throughout the story to trust and believe him while eventually leading him to his death. He convinces Othello so full heartedly that Othello believes Iago over his own wife or others around him. This type of villian is especially malicious when it is compared to the angelic Desdemona, who even in death, tries to defend her lover by saying she committed suicide. Othello's madness almost seems to be Shakespeare's way of combining the two contrasting characteristics of good and bad into one confused character in the middle. Shakespeare has created a piece of literature that covers the good, the bad, and everything in between.