Power And Authority In Shakespeare's Othello

The way to determine power and authority is equivalent to the money and position he or she possess. Shakespeare utilizes the Marxist Theory, which is whoever owns the means of production of power should be the person to operate the entire business. Throughout Othello, William Shakespeare consistently demonstrates the Marxist Theory to accentuate the corruptness of following the principle as it is utilized to benefit one’s desires. This is represented through the control of power, the treatment between the different classes, and the quality of life determined by either material failure. Power is what is longed for by everyone, but once someone has this authority, he or she will do all they can to not let it be diminished. The underclass longs

The people elect senators so the person, who receives the power, will work to better the city and its citizens. Brabantio puts down cruel and unjust rulings as he discriminates Rodrigo, “Thou art a villain”, and Iago asks him to reconsider since “[He is] a senator” (Shakespeare I.i.128-129). Desdemona’s father refuses to consider Roderigo and Iago as the senator is higher ranked. Brabantio only listens when their issue concerned about himself. The elites are centered solely on their own wellbeing and does not want to be bothered with affairs that does not affect them. At the same time, Brabantio's position was not enough when the Duke overruled his opinion in favor for the more influential Moor. The Duke was in favor of Brabantio as he considered “the bloody book of the law”, but he reconsidered upon learning that the perpetrator was the honorable Othello (Shakespeare I.iii.16). He throws the custom aside and allows the Moor to take Desdemona. Traditionally, the father sends the give to an family so the family can join, but Desdemona married Othello without any notice. The judges overlooks the law because Othello is more valuable as leader of Cyprus than Brabantio as senator. Virginia Vaughan, Research Professor at Clark University proves “the pecking order in Othello is clear” and “all [ranks] ostensibly serve out of loyalty to the state and for the status their military position

Desdemona utilizes her position as Othello’s wife to persuade the Moor to bring Cassio back on good standards as she promises, “For thy solicitor shall rather die than give thy cause away” (Shakespeare III.ii.2-30). Pure Desdemona uses her power to assist a distressed friend even though she could have left Cassio on his own, and Othello would forever remain in power with herself by his side. Shakespeare diverges from the marxist theory to reveal that others abuse kindness as Iago twists Desdemona's compassionate intentions to manipulate Othello to perceive “Cassio… soliciting his wife” (Shakespeare II.iii.363-364). Ignorantly, the Moor’s wife sets Othello on to the road of his demise. This manipulation is the reason why the powerful cannot demonstrate generosity as those of lower ranking would wield it to bring themselves to authority. The Marxist theory illustrates how the corrupt infatuation of power leads to the rejection of handing out kindness because as Harrison, Stanford professor, states, “Love is fortuitous, you cannot rely on it, it is not stable, it is treacherously shifty. Therefore it’s obviously better… to be feared rather than loved, since fear is a constant emotion, which will remain true to itself no matter how much circumstances may