Othello

“At its heart, Othello is a play about relationships between two couples.” How are these relationships portrayed, and their involvement with each other?

In William Shakespeare’s Othello. Othello is the main character. Many Venetians know and call him “the Moor”, he is a strong character and is very proud. He has power as being an honourable solider and a worthy leader.

Othello does have a very trusting nature which does not go well for him as one of the relationships in the book is between Othello and Iago which is based on trust and power.

Othello seems to put all his trust and faith into Iago his ensign during war and marriage with Desdemona as people refer to Iago as an “honest man” which he even says himself.

“As I am an honest man”

(Act 2 scene 3)

Although it seems Othello and Iago are friends, Iago acts as a green eyed monster as he was after Othello’s job.

Iago manipulates people very well, he is cunning, untrustworthy as he takes advantage of Othellos trust.

“And whats he then that says I play the villain,

when this advice is free I give, and honest”

(Act 2 scene 3)

Iago shows his true feelings early on in the book.

“I hate the Moor”.

(Act 1 scene 3)

It says in the book “Iago” means two faced. Even though Othello holds Iago to be his close friend and advisor, Iago has other plans as shown when speaking to Roderigo.

“O sir, content you I follow him to serve my turn upon him”

(Act 1 scene 1)

This shows Iago feels betrayed as he considers more qualified to serve as a lieutenant.

The second relationship in the book seems to be between Othello and Desdemona.

Desdemona represents a good nature of pure and innocence. The book suggests that it is an innocent love. Desdemona is not very old and inexperienced in the ways of the world.

Desdemona is swept off her feet by Othello telling her his war stories.

“She loved me for the dangers I had passed. And I love her that she did pity them”.

(Act 1 scene 3)

Although in the book it shows that even though they are in-love, there is no communication and no understanding. They speak so fondly of each other but yet they do not hardly know what the other is like as they are newly wed’s.

Desdemona id described by other characters as:

“She is divine, the grace of heaven”

(Act 2 scene 1)

The involvement with each other happens in the book, with Iago manipulating Othello against Desdemona.