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Shakespeare's Othello Iago's View of Sexual Desire Essay
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Shakespeare's Othello
Iago's view of sexual desire contrasted with Othello's
In the play Othello, William Shakespeare is showing the conflict of sexual desire between a man and woman. This is taking place, when Othello (a military commander) marries a woman named Desdemona. However, her father (Roderigo) is upset about this relationship. The reason why, is because he has heard some negative rumors about Othello from Iago (his aide). Iago, was supposed to be promoted to lieutenant, but was passed over by Othello for an inexperienced soldier. This creates a conflict between the two with Othello, by telling Roderigo a number of stories about their relationship. Once this occurs, is when Roderigo will do anything to kill Othello. ("Plot Overview," 2011)
Then, there was news that the Turks have invaded Cyprus and Othello was order to the region (by his superiors). Iago returned to his unit and began to use the sexual desire that Othello has for his wife against him. The way that this was accomplished was through letting Othello believe that Desdemona was having an affair with Cassio. He is a decorated soldier that made others in his unit jealous based on: his leadership ability, career advancement and the respect that Othello has for him. To exploit this, Iago decided to convince Othello that Cassio was sleeping with her behind his back. At which point, Iago hides Desdemona's belongings in Cassio's room as proof of an affair. ("Plot Overview," 2011)
To extract revenge of Othello, Roderigo wounds Cassio. While Othello, confronts his wife about the affair (with him not believing her denials of the relationship). The reason why, is because Cassio has been named the new military commander of Cyprus. However, if Roderigo killed Cassio, Othello will be forced to stay in Cyprus. This is when he can eventually finish off Othello. The problem was that after the attempted assassination, the plot was quickly discovered. This is when Roderigo died after he attempts to murder Cassio. The reason why, is because Cassio orders his…
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Bibliography
Plot Overview. (2011). Spark Notes. Retrieved from: http://www.sparknotes.com/shakespeare/othello/summary.html
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