Example paragraphs

Example 1

Throughout the play Desdemona always talks about her husband with respect and absolute loyalty. Not once does she falter, even when she knows she is dying because of him. She forgives him. “Nobody: I myself, Farewell: Commend me to my kind Lord: oh farewell!” (5.2.124-5) the adjective ‘kind’ is generous and reflects her love right to the end and even though there is no doubt that it was Othello who killed her she doesn’t blame him. She alone can see the whole truth behind his eyes, and in her final moments she could have been the only person who really knew what had happened. She is allowed because even if he truly hated her to the core, Othello would always know that she belongs in heaven. This is another reason why he doesn’t pray when it is his turn because he feels he doesn’t deserve to be in her presence even in heaven, even though she has forgiven him. Desdemona forgives him because she understands why he had to do it. She knows and loves him, she knows how he thinks and she knows that ultimately he is a soldier this was the only way he could think to deal with the situation, it was wrong but he could see no other solution. She understands that it is because he loves her so much, he can’t think of her being with anyone else, can’t stand the thought of anyone else touching her. Her attitude only emphasises how painfully pure Desdemona really and truly is, make this death at Othello’s hands the only one that ever mattered in his whole career of death. This affects our sense of redemption as we are reminded that he has killed many times before, however the pure remorse and even hatred of himself towards the end rekindles our faith in the tragic hero that he is not wholly bad.

Example 2

…Iago gives no detail of what he would do with the handkerchief, as he knows Emilia is close friends with Desdemona. He knows that if he told Emilia what he would do with the handkerchief, Emilia would tell Desdemona, and Iago would be exposed. The language in the conversation between Iago and Emilia is used in a number of ways. Emilia’s reference to the handkerchief as “a thing” relates to her reluctance to betray her friend, possibly by trying to make the item sound important, and of no value to Desdemona, though Iago knows that the handkerchief is like an important bond between Othello and Desdemona, as it was a gift from Othello to his wife. The terms “foolish wife” and “good wench” Iago uses to address his wife emphasises his ability to manipulate people around him. It is arguable that these terms also relate to a running theme in the play, that women are mere objects for sex, and that they are also disposable. The two contrasting adjectives “foolish” and “good” could also emphasise Iago’s decision to keep his wife at arm’s length, which could also be applicable to the way he refuses to tell Emilia about the things he is doing  - he does not like people getting involved in his business. This act that Iago commits infuriates Othello, and this brings forth strong urges and desires to kills Cassio and Desdemona. Othello claims he will “tear her (Desdemona) all apart”.

In this sense, it is possible for the audience to sympathise with Othello. Othello, as well as most of the other characters, are oblivious to the things Iago is doing. Othello allows Iago’s lies to influence his way of thinking. It is not entirely his fault, he has not behaved like this on purpose.