End As Othello Orders Cassio example essay topic

Laurence Sterne stated a fact when he wrote, "No body, but he who has felt it, can conceive what a plaguing thing it is to have a man's mind torn by two projects of equal strength, both obstinately pulling in a contrary direction at the same time". Often a character's conflict is the major theme of a novel. This character's decisions influence the outcome of the plot of the novel. In Shakespeare's play Othello, the character Othello is torn between the love he has for his wife, Desdemona, and the idea of her being intimate with one of his close friends and lieutenant.

Othello has disregarded Iago in filling the position of the army lieutenant, instead giving the promotion to Cassio. Iago continues his position as Othello's bearer all the while allowing a grudge against both Othello and Cassio to develop and vows to have revenge upon both of them. Iago knows that Desdemona's father disproves of her relationship with Othello and initiates his revenge by rousing Brabantio to relay the news of the elopement. When Brabantio demands to see Othello, Iago takes his cue to leave because he does not want Othello to know he had any part of the instance. Iago must stay Othello's good sign in order to be successful in his plans. Iago implements the major part of his scheme when Othello finally arrives in Cyprus and he asks Roderigo if he noticed how fondly Cassio and Desdemona acted towards one another.

Roderigo refuses to believe anything of the such but Iago refutes his reply and points out that it is, "Lechery... prologue to the history of lust". Iago convinces his friend into believing that Desdemona is bored with Othello and more inclined to desire a younger man to satisfy her desires. Roderigo is then brought into the scam because he desires Desdemona's hand in marriage and will aid Iago in ruining Othello and Cassio. Iago inquires if Cassio knew Desdemona before her marriage. Othello says that he did and actually was the mediator in their courtship.

Iago seems to be even more perturbed; giving an impression that he knows something and does not feel inclined to tell Othello. He then tentatively tells Othello that he suspects that Cassio and Desdemona are having an affair. He assures Othello that he only divulges this information out of the respect and great love he has for Othello. Iago then tells Othello there is no reason for Desdemona to love an older man when a young, handsome one like Cassio is around.

Iago reminds him that she deceived her father and was capable of doing the same to her new husband. Othello really knows very little about his beautiful, young wife. He only knows that he loves her helplessly, intensely, and passionately. The idea that Desdemona would do such a thing fills him with fear.

At this point, Othello is faced with a major conflict of either believing in his wife's love or giving into the influence of his "loyal" friend. Jealousy gets the best of Othello and he allows himself to believe that Desdemona was unfaithful to him. Iago gets what he wants in the end as Othello orders Cassio to be killed. Othello also causes his own ruin by giving into his doubts and ultimately kills his wife by smothering her and stabs himself. Othello's major flaw was jealousy and he was put in a position where he had to choose between to things in his life he thought he knew well. Unfortunately, Othello allowed Iago to influence his decision when he was really betraying his so called friend.