Psychology of Othello
Marie Lombardi
English 102
Professor Buettner
March 1st, 2012
Othello: Victim of Circumstances
Shakespeare's characters often face complexities, battling duality within their character. This inner turmoil is usually brought on by a tragic inner flaw, which eventually causes their downfall. In Shakespeare's Othello, we observe a smart military general change into an almost unrecognizable jealous monster, capable of destroying his true love for the sake of his ego. What would cause someone to become so successful at his or her job yet to be so wrapped up in emotion and not think logically? Psychologists suggest that there are two types of intelligence that factor into personality, ...
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to his cognitive intelligence. Othello is an outsider within Venetian society. This is established before he is even introduced in the play as he is referred to through derogatory names such as "thick-lips" and " an old black ram." This racism is prevalent, not only in his enemies, but in the father of his bride. The reaction Brabantio has to his daughter's marriage is one of outrage, disappointment, and denial. This response is because of whom she's married to not because of the marriage itself. Although Othello is a high-ranking military figure, and Brabantio likes Othello outside of his relationship with his daughter, it is the color of his skin that keeps him ostracized within the community. His role in society is that of a general and leader. Even those who enjoy Othello's company only ask of his exploits and do not form real relationships with him. This isolation, can inevitably lead to stunted emotional development. While Othello excels professionally, he has no real ...
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(Act I, Scene 2, Line 82). The Duke of Venice also recognizes this characteristic of Othello's, evident in the fact that he is highly sought to enlist his services. While Othello is victorious in the war against the Turks, the real conflict arises when matters of the heart plague Othello. Although he has shown he is a man of knowledge on the battlefield, his lack of emotional maturity causes him to be too trusting and to exhibit extreme highs and lows within his emotions.
When Othello arrives on Cyprus and is reunited with Desdemona, he is overcome with joy, stating, "If I were to die now, this would be my happiest moment for I am afraid my soul is so completely contented that no ...
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"Psychology of Othello." Essayworld.com. December 8, 2012. Accessed November 28, 2024. http://www.essayworld.com/essays/Psychology-of-Othello/102147.
"Psychology of Othello." Essayworld.com. December 8, 2012. Accessed November 28, 2024. http://www.essayworld.com/essays/Psychology-of-Othello/102147.
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