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Describe a main conflict in a text you have studied and analyse how the
conflict helped the author present important ideas.
Arthur Miller once said that, Tragedy, then, is the consequence of mans
total compulsion to evaluate himself justly. In Othello written by William
Shakespeare, a main conflict is the external conflict between the tragic
protagonist, Othello and his wife Desdemona. Othellos conflicting
emotions and thoughts with Desdemona present the ideas of jealousy,
reputation, deception and isolation.
The deaths of both Desdemona and Othello symbolize the isolation that
the Moor has placed himself in. Ironically, he has always been seen as an
outsider, however in Act 5, he purposely places himself in isolation. After
Desdemona tries to reinstate Cassio, Othello strikes Desdemona and
feeling helpless, she says, I will not stay to offend you. Society can
isolate those due to racial differences, however it is when people isolate
themselves that is the most dangerous. Like Othello, they will shut
themselves from the world, attempting to solve their problems on their
own, yet failing because without proper communication, problems cannot
magically disappear. In addition, the way in which Desdemona was
murdered is also symbolic. A pillow smothered her on her bed, which
covered her wedding sheets. This suggests she has literally been
suffocated by the demands of a woman in marriage in the Elizabethan
era. Her death in his hands becomes a universal symbol and warning to
the audience of what happens in a relationship when it is clouded by
mistrust, unrealistic expectations and reliance on other peoples opinions.
One will ultimately smother the other. Later in the play, Desdemona still
forgives Othello for even murdering her, demonstrating her maintenance
of her compassionate and loving nature. Regardless of Othellos irrational
behaviour she still loves him unconditionally. When Emilia asks, who
hath done this deed?, Desdemona replies, Nobody: I myself. Farewell.
Thus, helping us, the audience forgives Othello of his tragic act (pathos).
As Desdemona detaches herself from Othello in order to protect him, it
shows the break in their relationship that isolation has affected. In
Othellos catharsis at the end, Shakespeare, O cursed, cursed slave!
Whip me, from the possessions of the heavenly sight! Blow me about the
winds! Roast me in sulphur!...O Desdemona, Desdemona dead! O! O! O!
then, I will kill thee, and love thee after. Othello in his own will has tried
to solve his problem, he regrets murdering her, and however the stage of
Desdemonas death must be obtained in order for Othello to see his true
nature, for the stage of purification. He then kills himself as the final
stage of cleansing, finally restoring order back to the Venetian city as he
eliminates himself as the outsider forever. It is through the conflict of
isolation between the lovers that Othello finally learns that isolation can
have extreme consequences and people need to be open minded and
accepting.
Ben Jonson a playwright wrote, a man not just for an age, but for all
time. Shakespeares vast impact on literature and his continued
influence on ideas help the audience understand not only the Elizabethan
era but also human behaviour in a deeper way. As binary opposites, the
conflict between Othello and Desdemona show the audience on the
importance of reputation and how it impacts and individuals self esteem,
the power of jealousy, the deceptive nature of people and the tragedy in
isolating oneself. Othello is a story where one loved not wisely but too
well and threw a pearl away richer than all his tribe.
9/16/2010 9:41:00 PM
9/16/2010 9:41:00 PM