Othello 17

In Act I and Act II of William Shakespeare’s novel Othello, the main character, Othello is seen as proud, naïve and in control. Othello’s proud demeanour is mainly because of his career. Othello holds a high rank in the Venetian military forces. Therefore, he has a lot of pride in his victories and other successes. Othello’s sense of pride is shown when he says, “I fetch my life and being from men of royal siege, and my demerits may speak unbonneted to as proud to a fortune as this I have reach’d.”(I, ii, 21-24) In this quote, one can see the pride Othello feels about the position itself, and the reputation he earns from society. Othello also receives respect from the royal authorities. The Duke and the Senate are seen seeking Othello for his strong ability to fight. Secondly in Acts I and II, Othello is seen as a naïve man. He has a too trusting nature and therefore, believes any man with a trusting appearance. Unfortunately, his too trusting behaviour is used as an advantage to the heinous villain, Iago. Othello’s gullibility is seen in Iago’s first soliloquy when he says, “The Moor is of a free and open nature, that thinks men honest that but seem to be so, and will as tenderly be led by the nose as asses are.” (I, iii, 390-393) This quote not only shows Othello’s too faithful attitude, but also Iago scheming to take advantage of it. This proves that even though trust is important, being too trusting can lead to downfall. Lastly, Othello is characterized as being in control of everything. This was not only because of his high position, but also due to the respect he has gathered by people. He tend to be seen having the last word and being obeyed by men at the lower rank. Othello’s “in charge” behaviour was seen during the scene where Brabantio was going to kill Othello due to his elopement with Desdemona. Othello says, “Hold your hands… were it my cue to fight, I should have known it without a prompter.” (I, ii, 81-84) In this quote one can really sense the...