ipl-logo

Isolation In Othello Research Paper

651 Words3 Pages

Many individuals today might argue that interactions with friends and family are the key to a healthy life. It is evident that should one become isolated from these interactions or from outside information, unfortunate occurrences are sure to follow. This is not a new idea, either. Many great writers have warned the populace about the dangers of an isolated lifestyle, one of the most noteable being William Shakespeare. In his work Othello, Shakespeare’s frequent isolation of his characters combined with their misfortune as a direct result is a clear warning to the reader about the dangers of living an isolated life. Shakespeare develops his warning against isolation throughout the plot of Othello. He accomplishes this using two distinct devices: literal and metaphorical isolation. The first type observed is metaphorical when Iago is chosen to testify about Cassio’s drunken brawl to Othello. Iago spins the story to make …show more content…

In acts four and five of the play, Isolation is what allows for two of the characters to be murdered, as well as one to be injured. Desdemona’s death was a product of her isolation from Emilia, as Othello “bade [Desdemona] to dismiss [her]” before going to bed (4.3.14) . Without Emilia as a witness, Othello is free to succumb to jealousy and kill Desdemona. In addition to her death, Roderigo is killed secretly by Iago who also wounds Cassio. Iago is able to attack both men because he “[fashioned Cassio’s going thence from Bianca’s] to fall between twelve and one [so that Roderigo] may take him at [his] pleasure” (4.2.268-270). Iago’s skillful isolation of Desdemona, Cassio, and Roderigo allow for misfortune to befall all three of them, in a deadly manner for most. The bodily harm that ensues further reinforces the fact that the theme of isolation serves as a warning to Shakespeare’s

Show More
Related
833 Words | 4 Pages

As readers can see, isolation does not only make a man lonely, but also brings about the effects of loneliness and isolation upon those around him. Frankenstein’s toils have led him to become a recluse and as a result of this, those he was once close with he has now lost true connection with. But, Frankenstein’s isolation was brought on independently and was of his own doing. The isolation his creation will soon come to be acquainted with, however, was the fault of his

Read More
1254 Words | 6 Pages

Throughout the world people are put to the test through isolation. On one hand some people learn how to cope with the darkness of solitude and on the other hand it puts the world in a whole new perspective for others both in and out of solitude. Isolation is a state of being where you are set apart from anything that has to do with society. While one is in this state for along period of time you start to lack intellectually compared to the people in society who are exposed to everything. Three texts that support and go along with this subject of isolation are Frankenstein by Mary Shelley, Consolation of Philosophy by Boethius, and Metamorphosis by Franz Kafka.

Read More
3090 Words | 13 Pages

Any community is incredibly alluring when one is taunted by the idea of pure loneliness, no matter how damaging or dangerous a community can be for that specific individual; it’s particularly difficult to find the right company when it hides its true nature behind a mask. Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein demonstrates the abhorrent effects isolation has on an individual’s relationship with their own as well as others’ humanity, yet Shelley argues that not all company is shown to be the remedy to the varieties of isolation experienced, as some only exacerbate the deterioration of character and lead to the downfall of many. The eponymous character is raised in a privileged household that does not regulate his hubris or his isolating habits, causing

Read More
141 Words | 1 Pages

Shakespeare obviously wanted to give the audience an understanding of “otherness” so that they could understand Othello’s outsider position in European society. In her paper, Alyssa McGrath expands on this topic by explaining, “Regardless

Read More
1361 Words | 6 Pages

This further proves that isolation in an appropriate environment leads to improvements in clarity and focus. Moreover, isolation is an integral part of the short story ‘The Dune’ by Stephen King. The main character Beecher has spent a large majority of his life alone but also isolated with the knowledge of the names in the dune. This loneliness leads him to reveal that; “The truth, counsellor, is that I was afraid. I felt – I still feel” (King), which conveys his inner thoughts and demons.

Read More
1359 Words | 6 Pages

Othello: A Close Reading This is an analysis of the lines 260-279 of the third scene of the third act of Shakespeare’s Othello. In an attempt to fulfill the incessant need for comfortable dichotomies, societies tend to be divided into two groups: the ‘in-crowd’ and the ‘others’. These strict dualities, constructed upon the inherent need for adversaries, are often as arbitrary as they are false and based on nothing but fear.

Read More
620 Words | 3 Pages

The Deadly Truth of Isolation Being isolated in this heavily populated world is a horrific thing. It is even more terrifying when it is not by choice. Being rejected and excluded from interaction with other humans can tamper with someone’s mind. Isolation can be catastrophic not only to the person who is isolated, but also to those that are around the isolated. In 1916, Lord Alfred Tennyson brought the effects of isolation to light through his poem “The Lady of Shalott.”

Read More
1438 Words | 6 Pages

Through this, we can see the dangers of being disconnected from others and its adverse effects on one's well-being. Both works show how being isolated from society can lead to monstrous behavior and undesirable transformations in the characters. Isolation is a feeling that people get whenever they are alone or cut off. It makes you, in a way, go crazy. After all, people are made to be together.

Read More
923 Words | 4 Pages

The following passage is significant to the play ‘Othello’ in retrospect to the plot progression, as it reiterates themes and introduces important facets to the plot development. Through Iago’s cunning manipulation and Shakespeare’s crafting of language, this passage is constructed as a pivotal point of the play, marking the transition of Othello’s personality and revealing his deepest insecurities that eventually lead to his downfall and tragic ending. Iago wields a lot of power over all the characters throughout the play, but in this passage in particular he is presented at his most powerful. The passage is riddled with subtle suggestions and insinuations by Iago to raise Othello’s suspicions of his wife’s fidelity, opening with the admonition to “beware, my lord, of jealousy!

Read More
488 Words | 2 Pages

When it comes to the dangers of isolation, look to the people closest to you. Whether it be your best friends, family, business associates or whatnot. Then think about everything you do know. In the play Othello, it’s the people you are closest to that you actually don’t know even when you think you do.

Read More
750 Words | 3 Pages

In the play Othello, William Shakespeare creates an elaborate tragedy with various in depth characters, enhancing the story with powerful characterization. Iago, the main antagonist of Othello, exemplifies Shakespeare’s use of characterization to create in depth and complex characters. Using his manipulative nature, intellectual mind, egotistical attitude, and dishonesty, Iago controls the other characters in order to achieve his goal, leading Othello to succumb to an overwhelming jealousy causing his downfall. In order for Iago to gain control of the characters in the play, he manipulates Othello, Roderigo, Cassio, and more to believe false information and turn on one another.

Read More
944 Words | 4 Pages

Using the character of Roderigo, Iago manipulates him into doing everything he wants. At the beginning of the tragedy, Iago and Roderigo are talking poorly about Othello. Roderigo, who is in love with Desdemona, is upset due to hearing that Othello and Desdemona have recently married. Iago, who just found out Othello did not give him

Read More
931 Words | 4 Pages

The common aim of playwrights of any time or location is to capture and hold the attention of their audience; this is what Shakespeare has clearly done. The tragedy of Othello, the Moor of Venice, is one of Shakespeare 's most renowned plays. Through construction of intriguing characters, exploration of universal themes, use of comic relief and a well-written script featuring a compelling plot, Shakespeare ensured the tragedy of Othello would hold the interest of the audience; despite being over four centuries old. It possesses so many conditions that can be accentuated to hit nerves with both a Shakespearean and modern audience. The entire plot of Othello is very much like the attitudes and methods of our modern day society.

Read More
431 Words | 2 Pages

The play of Othello is a tragedy that exposes the characters in several ways, causing conflict and envy, eventually leading to a tragic end. To achieve this tragic end, Iago uses manipulation in order to change the views of, and bring out multiple personalities in the characters. One's perception of a situation is directly proportional to the demeanor of a person. When a person changes the way that they look at a situation, the entire way that they present themself; their attitude, behavior, and traits that they exude, change.

Read More
982 Words | 4 Pages

Iago’s powerfully disruptive insinuations torment Othello to fall precipitously into his intricate trap, believing in the prospect of Cassio and Desdemona’s fictitious affair. Through the use of linguistic techniques such as elliptical speech, subservient vocative choices and a hesitant tone, Iago is able to construct artful innuendoes to deceive and manipulate Othello. Supplementary to linguistic techniques, dramatic techniques such as dramatic irony reinforces Iago’s role as a two-faced villain, who is making a pretence of being Othello’s loyal ensign. Eventually, Iago’s villainy nature sows a seed of doubt in Othello that germinates into the murder of Desdemona. Through the characterisation of Iago as a notorious villain, Shakespeare is able to hold Iago’s actions accountable for the play’s tragic downfall, establishing a sense of powerlessness amongst the

Read More

More about Isolation In Othello Research Paper

Related Topics

Open Document