Infidelity in Othello Essays -- Othello essays

Infidelity in Othello Two important scenes in Othello are the enticement scene (3.3) and the willow tree scene (4.3). Although the topic of discussion in both scenes is infidelity, the two scenes wrinkle more than they compare. First, the setting is unlike in the two scenes. Most of the come-on scene takes place outdoors, in a garden. The atmosphere is open exclusively the conversation stifling. In this scene, Iago tricks Othello into believing Desdemona is cheating on him with Michael Cassio. In the Temptation scene, Iago conjures up images of infidelity in the mind of Othello. Upon seeing Cassio leave the status of Desdemona, Iago looks on the scene with disdain. Unsuspecting Othello asks Iago what is wrong. Iago speaks of Cassios leaving as stealing away so guilty-like, /Seeing you coming (3.3.43-44). In this way, Iago plants his first seed of discord. Next, Desdemona beseeches Othello to reinstate Cassio. choleric at her persistence, he asks for some time alone. In t his time alone, he scolds himself for his frustration. Yet Iago invades this time so he may sow more seeds of jealousy. Othello knows Iago to be honest, so when Iago seems disturbed at the relationship between Cassio and Desdemona, Othello becomes alert. Moreover, Iago continues by reminding Othello of Desdemonas deception of her father (3.3.233-235). At this point Othello begins to doubt the fidelity of his wife. Iago notes Othellos depart saying, I see this hath a little dashed your spirits (3.3.244). He says, I do not think but Desdemonas honest(3.3.258). tho two lines later he professes, And yet, nature erring from itself-- (3.3.260). Then Othello begins a soliloquy expressing, This fellows Iago of exceeding honesty (... ...ons. The main topic of discussion is the analogous in both scenes. Yet the characters approach the question in different ways. Furthermore, each scene has a masculine character and a distaff character. Finally, the differences in passivity and aggressive ness vary from character to character. Works Cited and Consulted Bevington, David, ed. William Shakespeare four-spot Tragedies. New York Bantam Books, 1980. Ferguson, Francis. Two Worldviews Echo Each Other. Readings on The Tragedies. Ed. Clarice Pitt, Angela. Women in Shakespeares Tragedies. Readings on The Tragedies. Ed. Clarice Swisher. San Diego Greenhaven Press, 1996. Reprint from Shakespeares Women. N.p. n.p., 1981. Shakespeare, William. Othello. In The Electric Shakespeare. Princeton University. 1996. http//www.eiu.edu/multilit/studyabroad/othello/othello_all.html No line nos.