Justice In Othello Analysis

Othello’s search for justice ultimately brought upon the destruction to not only himself but to those around him. Led by “honest Iago” to believe Desdemona has cuckolded him, he lets himself be the judge and jury of her alleged infidelity, and finally executes her with his bare hands . It is truly ironic when Othello says that it is “My life upon her faith!” (1.3.335) , when in fact it is her life upon his faith . In a sense, its romantic , even poetic how much trust he places on her faithfulness to him, yet there is a underlying hint of desperation of overwhelming importance for her to be chaste for him to function . Desdemona is of noble linage and has gone out of her social sphere to marry him , and he is aware of this. There is a hint of

Fortune has brought his enemies within his grasp and Prospero seizes the opportunity for justice. He conjures the tempest causing turmoil on the ship .There was a temporary inversion of powers , the Boatswain rejected the social authority order and commands the King and Noblemen, as if of higher status. This change of power foreshadows trouble and upheaval , a time where social rank does not exist. “Hence! What care these roarers for the name of the king? To cabin! Silence! Trouble us not.”(I.I.16-18) . In the Elizabethan era, the people were very much dependent on their monarch to rule over them and to maintain order. The monarchs were considered a representative of God on earth, and being a very devoted Christian society , the thought that the monarchs being overpowered would cause chaos and disorder. The shipwreck also have links to the disruption natural order or for Prospero ,the beginning of the reestablishment of his rightful throne . The tempest would seem as a bad omen to the people then, however , none of the ships passengers were physically harmed when they marooned on Prospero’s island. It seems as though Prospero uses magic to intimidate , but at his core, he is compassionate. Zimbardo points out that he uses music, the very symbol of order, in creating his effect , he manipulates other characters to

The innocent Desdemona is murdered , Cassio is stripped of his rank as lieutenant, Roderigo is killed and Othello also perishes in the end. Iago feels wronged by Othello when Cassio was chosen as lieutanent instead for Cassio has no real experience on the battlefield “That never set a squadron in the field, Nor the division of a battle knows" . He also resents the fact that his years of service are of no use because “preferment goes by letter and affection". To him , it is unjust , as he sincerely believes that he would be the better man for the job. So , to claim justice for himself, he sets out on a quest to plot revenge against the moor and Cassio. He decides the fate each character is to receive and does it without an ounce of shame or remorse. His manipulative lies and hints drive Othello mad , “Trifles light as air Are to the jealous confirmations strong as proofs of holy writ: this may do something. The Moor already changes with my poison: Dangerous conceits are in the natures poisons, Which at the first are scarce found to distaste but with a little act upon blood burn like the mines of sulphur". He is clearly adept at controlling human emotions to serve his own purposes,and he almost succeeds in his revenge if it wasn’t for his wife Emilia who after connecting the dots and wanted to clear her framed mistress name , accused Iago of his lies. In the end order might have been