Differences And Similarities Between Robin Williams And Othello

On occasion, people can relate to the figures found in literature. Though the characters are different, readers can connect fictional occurrences with real life experience. For example, Robin Williams was an American comedian who had a multitude of roles in film, television, and voice acting. His abundance of performances won him several awards, but throughout his career, Robin Williams could not escape his dependence on drugs and alcohol to keep him going. Robin Williams’ life is similar to Shakespeare’s Othello, because like the play’s titular character, Williams lost loved ones and suffered mentally as a result of a fatal flaw: his drug and alcohol abuse. Though they are similar in standing, Othello and Robin Williams had very different

When he suffered from panic attacks and the stress of “the growing pressures of his film career,” Williams would self medicate using cocaine (Gale). This behavior was a staple of Hollywood, and he continued to perform undeterred(compound sentence). Nevertheless, he had a moment of realization when his friend, John Belushi, died the night after doing cocaine with Williams. The tragedy implanted a fear of death in him. With his wife being pregnant, Williams knew he “couldn't be a father and live that sort of life," and quit his use of drugs and alcohol (UXL). He deeply cared for his family, and wanted to be with his wife when their first baby was born. Unfortunately, with his newfound sobriety, Williams and his wife realized they were no longer meant for eachother, and they divorced(compound sentence). Despite his commitment to being sober, he still could not keep his family. This series of events heavily impacted his

He spent his childhood in slavery. After his freedom, he faced several “disastrous chances” (Shakespeare 1.3.135). He witnessed death, war, and discrimination. His tragic background formed him into the man he is at the beginning of the play. It is also the reason his wife, Desdemona, fell in love with him. Othello is characterized as honest, brave, honorable, and deeply trusted by members of the state. Early in the play, he exhibits all these traits-Desdemona praises him, the dukes choose him to be a general in war, and he is known for his good reputation. Nonetheless, like most Shakespearian characters, Othello has a fatal flaw-he is gullible. Iago, Othello’s loyal ensign and avid hater, uses this flaw to manipulate him and cause his downfall. He centers his plan around Othello's “free and open nature” (Shakespeare 1.3.390). Iago plants the idea in Othello’s head that his wife is cheating on him with his friend. He believes the lies that Iago crafts to turn him against Desdemona. Instead of asking her directly, Othello keeps in touch with Iago and continuously feeds into jealousy that is “begot upon itself, born on itself” (Shakespeare 3.4.165). He does not have concrete proof of the claim, but he is obsessed with the idea of it being true. He cannot stop thinking about the adultery, and is so consumed by his wrath that he tarnished his reputation and relationship with others. As a result of Othello “[loving] not