Comparing Othello And F. Scott Fitzgerald's The Great G

Shakespeare's play Othello and F. Scott Fitzgerald’s novel The Great Gatsby use potent symbols to highlight their central themes and character dynamics. In The Great Gatsby, the green light at the end of Daisy Buchanan’s dock symbolizes Jay Gatsby’s aspirations and dreams with Daisy. Meanwhile, the handkerchief in Othello, which was given to Desdemona by Othello, signifies love, trust, and the power of jealousy, which becomes manipulated to drive the tragic events in the narrative. Although these two major symbols are quite similar, the green light and handkerchief serve as symbols of unattainable desires and goals represented through the character's problems in their relationships or dreams. Therefore, these elements serve as central symbols

As Nick observes, “Gatsby believed in the green light, the orgastic future that year by year recedes before us”(Fitzgerald 138) which draws attention to the green light as a representation of desire, hope, and the pursuit of an uncertain future. It highlights how persistent Gatsby is in believing that a better future is possible, even in the face of challenges that prevent him from realizing his ideal. The concept that such goals are frequently just out of reach, regardless of the amount of work put in, is highlighted by this viewpoint, which mirrors the larger issue of the American Dream and its obstacles. Similarly, the handkerchief represents Othello's love and affection for Desdemona, stating “There’s magic in the web of it”(Shakespeare 3.4.75). The handkerchief's significance and sentimental value build the tragedy of its loss and misunderstanding. Its manipulation by Iago becomes more painful since the “magic” discussed emphasizes the symbolic and profound emotional weight of the handkerchief. Othello’s unfulfilled yearning for assurance and control over his life and marriage is symbolized by the handkerchief, which Iago