Morality and Destiny in Othello Essay -- Othello essays

Morality and Destiny in Othello They ar questions as old as civilization itself. Does man have contain over his own destiny? Is man ultimately held accountable for his actions by a higher power? Within the plays of William Shakespeare can be put such fundamental questions and difference of opinions of humanity, as well as situations, attitudes, and problems that continue to have got strong universal meaning to this day. During his lifetime, morality was at the forefront of societys concerns. spectacular men such as Newton, Copernicus, Bacon, and Locke were leading great advances in apprehension and reason, and these new ways of thinking, combined with the need for order and religious stableness provided the perfect foundation for the development of the morality-based style of writing which is especially transparent in his powerful tragedies. ..........Shakespeares tragic heroes and villains have flaws which are synonymous with Christian sins. Greed, lust, envy, and jealou sy are consistently among the issues that arise with these characters. The idea that improper dealings with such evil emotions must surely lead to a monstrous fate is consistently demonstrated. Sylvan Barnet notes that after creating this world of certain consequences the beginning adds a special twist to his tragedy for it insists that the good are rewarded and the adult are punished (227). In William Shakespeares classic tragedy, Othello, the playwright emphasizes the belief in mans inability to control his own destiny because of the actions of rivals, the emotional conflict at heart himself, and the moral instruction of the universe. ..........From the onset of this tragic play, conflict begins to brew in the soul of the title characters ensign, Iago. ... ...use of the actions of rivals, the emotional conflict within himself, and the moral guidance of the universe. Introduction I......Iago plants the seeds of hate. .......A..... Iago plots against Othello. ......B......Ot hers are affected by Iagos web of revenge. ......C......Coincidence and opportunities for deceit arise. II.....Emotional conflict brews within the minds of the characters. ......A......Othello struggles with trust and honor. ......B......Iago is a product of his own insecurities. ......C......Roderigo, Emelia, and Cassio fight their emotions. III....In a triumph of morality, Gods justice prevails. .......A.....Desdemona dies an innocent death, and Othello commits suicide. .......B......Cassios honor is reinstated. .......C. ....Iago declares his silence and realizes his punishment. Conclusion