Othello and the theme of friendship in the play Essay

Friendship is a special bond betwixt two or more people. This birth is built on the basis of trust, loyalty and honesty. In the touch Othello, Shakespeare demonstrates these qualities through some(prenominal) of his graphic symbols to portray their full-bodied associations. However as the take over progresses these friends turn into foes as many problems occur in their friendships and lead to many tragic events. The negative qualities that tore these friendships apart are distrust, selfishness and green-eyed monster that led many of the characters to their tragedies. In the play Othello, Shakespeare demonstrates that there are many ca holds of the problems that occur in certain friendships.In Shakespeares Othello, many friendships showed a miss of trust which resulted into many tragic events. This negative quality is repeatedly found in the character of Othello. Shakespeare wrote the consanguinity between Othello and Cassio to be that of friendship that consists of loyalty and honesty. The conflict between these two characters arose as Iago plants seeds of enquiry into Othellos mind about Cassios loyalty towards him. Othellos trust in his friend Cassio was alike a thin thread. It was very easy for Iago to succeed in his evil plans, for there was a lack of trust in their friendship. Iago manipulates Othello into believe that his honest wife Desdemona is having an affair with the loyal lieutenant Cassio. Although Iago slip aways no general anatomy of physical evidence, his convincing words are strong enough to allow such intense thoughts to innovate Othellos mind.As Iago states to OthelloIt is impossible you should see this,Were they as prime as goats, as hot as mnkeys,As salt as wolves in pride, and fools as grossAs ignorance made drunk. (3.3.402-405)Iago uses such intense imagery of Desdemona and Cassio sleeping to directher, that it forces Othello to be enraged with such anger at Cassios betrayal. After falling into Iagos trap and believing his dishonest words, Othello saysWithin these three days let me hear thee sayThat Cassios not alive. (3.3.472-473)All the anger and prehensiley of betrayal that Othello feels, due to the mistrust between Othello and Cassio, leads Othello to plan the murder of lieutenant Cassio. The lack of trust between Othello and Cassio is also shown after the fight between Cassio and Roderigo took place. Othellos distrust in Cassio led Othello to believe Iagos words.He also took the fact that Cassio was drunk as a major flaw in him and without delay dismissed him from his position as lieutenant, notgiving Cassio an opportunity to defend himself in full consciousness. Othellos distrust in Cassio is displayed when he believes that lieutenant Cassio would be at fault for a deed, which he did not intentionally commit. Othello announces,I k flat, Iago,Thy honesty and love doth mince this matter,Making it light to Cassio. Cassio, I love theeBut never more be officer of mine. (2.3.225-228)This announceme nt is made while Cassio is still drunk during this time he is not in a suitable state to defend him self. The lack of trust in the relationship of Othello and Cassio leads to tragic and sorrowful events.The Shakespearean play Othello carries many different causes of problems between the characters of the play. Many times end-to-end the play selfishness is displayed as a cause to many of the tragic events that occur, as many of the characters did things for their own benefit. A great amount of selfishness is shown in many of Iagos relationships. His relationship with his wife Emilia would be surface only when Emilia would do something for Iago. Although Emilia is aware of this, she is willing to do any favours for him, even option up Desdemonas handkerchief because Iago asked her too. Iagos selfishness allows him to use his own wife for his evil desires of persuading Othello.I am glad I have found this napkinThis was her first remembrance from the Moor.My wayward husband hath a hu ndred timesWood me to steal it only if she so loves the token,For he conjured her she should ever keep it,That she reserves it forevermore about herTo kiss and talk to. Ill have the work taen outAnd givet Iago what he will do with itHeaven knows, not II nothing but to please his fantasy. (3.3.290-299)To resign his selfish plan further, Iago uses his wife Emilias loyalty to his own advantage. During the time Emilia unploughed the handkerchief in her hands, Iagos speech towards Emilia was very different.A good wench give it me. (3.3.313)Wench is an informal word to describe a young woman. Throughout the play it is showed that Iago believed women areprostitutes and work at night. Iagos use but dislike in women establishes his selfishness. Shakespeare demonstrates Iagos selfish desires to be rank a higher(prenominal) position, through many events. Selfishness was portrayed by the character of Iago with his friend Roderigo as well. Iago advised Roderigo to fling Desdemona some jewel s and money by Iago, to touch Desdemona, his ex-fianc back. Later it is found out that Iago never did present the gifts to Desdemona, but had kept it for himself.Iago even asks Roderigo to instigate a quarrel between Roderigo and Cassio, which would lead to the dismissal of Cassios position, as Cassio was drunk and all blame would fall on him. Iago continued to use Roderigo, as he states, thus do I ever make my fool my purseFor I mine own gaind knowledge should profaneIf I would time expend with such a snipeBut for my sport and profit. (1.3.372-375)Iagos selfishness leads him to use Rodrigo to his benefit and advantage, not caring for the damage and emotional stress it must cost Rodrigo. Iagos selfishness leads this friendship to Rodrigos own tragedy.jealousy is something that can make a person do anything. Shakespeares play Othello establishes how jealousy tore many of the friendships apart. The friendship between Iago and Othello was greatly affected by the jealousy Iago snarl t owards him, because of Othellos high rank and power Othello holds a great reputation in Cyprus. Iago also cherished position and carried a desire to be lieutenant. He befriended Othello so thinking he may get the position, but Othello gave the position to the loyal and capable Cassio, also Othellos friend. Iago believed Othello slept with his wife Emilia, which caused a lot of jealousy and anger within Iago. Iago was jealous that his wife Emilia slept with Othello, so he decided to give Othello the analogous trauma. Rouse him, Make after him, poison his delight,Proclaim him in the streets, Incense her kinsmen,And though he in a fertile climate dwell,Plague him with flies though that his joy be joy,Yet throw such changes of vexation ont,As it may lose some colour. (1.1.69-73)Iagos jealousy caused him to do and plot evil and selfish industrial plant that would lead to many tragic events. Iago disliked Cassio for the same reason he disliked Othello a higher rank. Instead of Iago, Ca ssio was appointed lieutenant by Othello this causedCassio to have a higher position. Iago speaks to Roderigo about Othellos decision and states,the better shall my purpose work on him.Cassios a proper man, Let me see nowTo get his place, and to plumpe up my willIn double knavery -How, how?- Lets see- (1.3.380-384)It is now evident Iago is jealous and wants revenge on both these characters, due to what he feel they have done to him. Iago believes Othello overlooked him and tell apart Cassio as lieutenant, and Cassio took over him and accepted that position.Throughout the play Othello Shakespeare establishes many causes of the problems that occur between many friendships. It is distinctly shown that many of the characters created by Shakespeare in Othello carried a lack of trust among each other. Many of the same characters were observe as selfish characters. These characters would do anything to achieve what they desire and long for, would take advantage of anything that would benefit them. Jealousy was also a trait discovered as a cause of many problems. Jealousy was the chief(prenominal) cause of most of the tragic events that occurred throughout the play of Othello. Shakespeares Othello creates a high understanding of the temperament of human relationships.BibliographyOthello by William Shakespeare