Othello - Character Analysis
Othello - Character AnalysisIn the play Othello, the character of Othello has certain traits which make him seem naive and unsophisticated compared to many other
people. This is why Iago, to get his just rewards uses him as a
scapegoat. Iago told Roderigo, " O,sir, content you. I follow him
[Othello] to serve my turn upon him "(I, i lines 38-9). Iago is
saying, he only follows Othello to a point, and upon reaching it he
will not follow him any longer. Iago has opened my eyes to see the
real meaning of deceit. No matter what, Iago will try to take
advantage of Othello any time and he will be easily lead to believe
the lies of Iago.
The Moor, as many Venetians call him, is of strong character.
He is very proud and in control of every move throughout the play.
The control is not only of power but of the sense of his being who he
is, a great warrior. In Act I, Othello has a scuffle with Brabantio,
who has come to kill him, but before anything could happen Othello
said, "Hold your hands, both of you of my inclining and the rest.
Were it my cue to fight, I should have known it without a prompter"
(I, ii, lines 80-3). The power shown here is quite astounding.
The nature of Othello's character is of a dark man. A
dark man, not only because he is black, but also because his whole
person is very mysterious. He is mysterious in that he believes there
is magic brewing everywhere. With this dark side he is also very
outgoing, and not very bright. He isn't observant and the schemes of
Iago work well on him. Though he doesn't reflect too much on his
past, except occasional ventures of wars fought, he does let his
emotions run his life.
For all the dangers and encounters he has been involved in, this
man is still naive of the corruptness of other individuals. Othello
has a trusting nature in which he gives it all. He put all his trust
in Iago during times of war and during Othello's marriage to
Desdemona. This wasn't very bright of Othello, even if he wasn't
trusting or more corrupt he still wouldn't realize Iago was lying.
Everyone considered Iago as honest, and would be out of character for
Othello to believe any different. For example, Othello had told the
Duke, "So please your grace, my ancient; A man he is of honesty
and trust. To his conveyance I assign my wife, With what else
needful your good grace shall think, To be sent after me" (I, iii,
lines 284-8).
The control over any situation is one Othello's strong
characteristics. Through the whole first act you can...
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