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Essay / Research Paper Abstract
A 3 page paper which examines the protagonist's ability to determine between appearances and reality as differently presented in William Shakespeare's Othello and Sophocles' Oedipus the King. Bibliography lists 2 sources.
Page Count:
3 pages (~225 words per page)
File: TG15_TGothotk.doc
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Unformatted sample text from the term paper:
of Venice and the "ultimate sinner," King Oedipus of Thebes in Sophocles Oedipus the King. Both men were leaders who were responsible for the welfare of the masses, and
yet they had great difficulties with recognizing the differences between appearances and reality. In the case of Othello, he was essentially looking for trouble where there is none.
Despite his military successes, remains the perennial outcast in Venetian society, even after his marriage to senator Brabantios daughter, Desdemona. Her love was not enough to provide Othello with
the security and acceptance he yearned for. This perhaps explains why he was so willing to believe Iago when he suggested that Desdemona may be having an affair with
Michael Cassio, Othellos second in command. Using a handkerchief, Othellos first gift to his beloved, Iago effectively altered Othellos perception of reality. Iago calculatedly informed Othello that he
has seen this handkerchief: "Such a handkerchief / (I am sure it was your wifes) did I today / See Cassio wipe his beard with" (III.iii.489-491). If Desdemona were
to frivolously give the handkerchief to another man, this could only mean that she took neither their marriage vows nor her husband seriously. Never considering there might be a
logical explanation, Othello seemed bent on confirming that he will never be more than a misfit in Venice. Desdemonas protestations of innocence left Othello unmoved. It is only
after he strangled Desdemona that Iagos wife, Emilia, revealed the real story behind the missing handkerchief. Only in this moment does Othello cease jumping to conclusions. Suddenly,
it all makes sense, but it is too late for both Desdemona and Othello. He cannot live with himself for what he has done, lamenting, "Here is my journeys
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