Essay on Character Analysis of Roderigo in Othello

In Shakespeare’s play, Othello, several incidents occur that portray the purpose of Roderigo’s character. If one event is isolated from the rest, the thematic desire is lost. It is only when the events are looked at as a whole that the actual theme is obtained. Roderigo is a minor character who carries out a vital role in the play. Although Roderigo has very few lines, he plays a crucial role on a thematic level. The play begins with a conversation between Roderigo and Iago. The opening lines are significant in that they set the tone and initiate the plot. Roderigo’s thematic purpose is portrayed through Iago’s manipulation in the lines, â€Å"Tush, never tell me! I take it much unkindly/ That thou, Iago, who hast had my purse/ As if the†¦show more content†¦Later on in the play, Iago lies to Roderigo when he tells him that Othello will be taking Desdemona with him to Mauritania. He suggests that if Roderigo ever wants to see Desdemona again he has to make sure that Othello extends his stay in Cyprus. To do so, he suggests that Cassio must be killed, â€Å"Why, by making him uncapable of Othello’s place—/ knocking out his brains.†(4.2.226-227). If Othello goes to Mauritania, Cassio will be assigned Othello’s place. By killing Cassio, Iago gets his revenge and Roderigo would have a chance to win over Desdemona. Roderigo’s character is used to portray the theme of manipulation. He is persuaded into doing Iago’s ill deeds. Iago is only after one thing, to be appointed lieutenant, and he will do whatever is necessary to reach his goal. The theme of jealousy is portrayed through various characters within the play. Iago increases Roderigo’s jealousy of Othello. By reflecting on the jealousy he bears within himself, Iago brings out the jealousy in others. Roderigo sees Othello as an opponent, which he has to compete against in order to win Desdemona’s heart. He expresses his emotions towards Othello when he states, â€Å"What a full fortune does the thick-lips owe,/ If he can carry it thus!†(1.1.67-68). Roderigo says that Othello only got Desdemona out of luck and he will not be able to carry it off. It is because of this jealousy that Roderigo continues to seek Iago’s assistance. Iago tendsShow MoreRelatedTheme Of Jealousy In Othello979 Words   |  4 Pagesof this is in Othello by William Shakespeare, it is shown Iago is infuriated with that fact that Othello is in the upper class while he is stuck in the lower class. A Marxist analysis is shown here because Iago does everything in his power to convince the other characters he should have a higher position. Jealousy comes a long way it started before shakespeares time and is still here today. The thought of being jealous can be dreadful and can hurt those all around you. In Othello jealousy is presentRead MoreSedgwick s Homosocial Continuum Of William Shakespeare s Othello849 Words   |  4 PagesShakespeare’s Othello Where does it end? Where did it begin? On a continuum, it is impossible to distinguish. Eve Sedgwick coined the idea of the â€Å"Homosocial continuum.† Her argument involves gender, class, and hierarchical relationships. In William Shakespeare’s, Othello, many character pairings can be analyzed in relation to Sedgwick’s theories. The relationships that most interestingly relate to the homosocial continuum are Desdemona and Emilia, Iago and Roderigo, and Iago and Othello. FirstRead MoreA Formalist Analysis Of Williams Othello880 Words   |  4 PagesA Formalist Analysis of Williams Shakespeare s Othello, reveals a central theme of friendship and loyalty that veils the truth of envy and betrayal. The main antagonist of the play, Iago, appears to have the trust and friendship of every character,as the are unaware of his grim intentions. Iago is described as kind, good, wise and compassionate, as well as loyal and trustworthy. He masks his evil and is able to display innocence as pure as an angel, resulting in easy manipulation. To our main characterRead MoreThe Impact Of Blindness And Deception In Othello1360 Words   |  6 PagesNot All Can Truly Be Seen: An Analysis of the Impact of Blindness and Deception in Othello As much as humans want to believe and trust others, hesitation occurs due (to) a certain act called deception. All humans have the ability to be deceptive, although some more than others, there are too many who become a victim as a consequence of metaphorical blindness. In the play Othello by William Shakespeare, blindness to the truth results from the antagonist’s acts of deception derived from desire andRead More Good and Bad in Othello Essay1555 Words   |  7 PagesGood and Bad in Othello  Ã‚        Ã‚  Ã‚   A huge battle between good and evil is waged the William Shakespeare’s drama Othello. In this essay let us study the many facets of these two dimensions as presented through the words and actions of the characters.    Can the protagonist, who has committed a double killing in the last scene, be saved? In William Shakespeare: The Tragedies, Paul A. Jorgensen discusses the theology of the final scene:    It is better not to look too anxiously intoRead More Character Analysis of Othello Essay1653 Words   |  7 PagesCharacter Analysis of Othello â€Å"Othello† is a tragedy and Othello is a tragic hero. Othello is a general in the service of Venice. He is good, courageous, brave and trustworthy. However he has some weaknesses such as insecurity; he is too open, naà ¯ve, and gullible, Iago plays on his weaknesses which brings about his downfall and he kills himself. This causes the suffering of innocent people like Desdemona, Emilia, Cassio and Roderigo. The audience also feel pity forRead MoreOthello, by William Shakespeare Essay1090 Words   |  5 PagesIn Shakespeare’s Othello, Iago is portrayed as a cruel puppet master, using his high order critical analysis and manipulative skills to exact on those he believe wronged him; as he weaves a web of deceit to ensnare the play’s protagonist (and namesake of the play) Othello. Various movie adaptations have portrayed the characters in different ways, often resulting in a fusion of the context of the age, artistic license and Shakespeare’s character. One such fusion is Stuart Burge’s 1965 filmic portrayalRead MoreWilliam Shakespeare s Othello, And Othello Essay1589 Words   |  7 Pagesable to find these undertones and pieces of symbolism in the plays of Everyman, by Peter van Diest, and Othello, by William Shakespeare, the easiest to explain. If you were like me in high school, this essay might be able to help hone your ability to see these sym bolisms easier. This analysis will go over the strong religion behind the play of Everyman, and the idea of â€Å"the Other† in the play Othello. The play of Everyman starts out with a messenger, and he demands everyone to settle down so they canRead MoreIagos Manipulation Essay1121 Words   |  5 PagesShakespeare’s The Tragedy of Othello, Iago demonstrates a mastery of manipulation over people who had previously trusted and confided in him. His sudden turn from Othello’s loyal ensign to rage-filled villain seems indicative of a man who can no longer accept his position in life. Iago’s plotting of Othello’s demise starts as idle talk of a disgruntled 28 year-old career military man passed over for promotion. Iago believes that such a promotion may never come after Othello rejects his candidacy andRead MoreThe Relationship Between Love And Hate In Othello Essay1656 Words   |  7 PagesRelationship Between Love and Hate in Othello A.C. Bradley describes Othello as by far the most romantic figure among Shakespeares heroes(Shakespearean Tragedy, 1). This is an unusual description of a man who murders his own wife. However, Othellos feelings of hate for Desdemona started as an overwhelming love for her when their relationship began. This transformation from love to hate also inflicted the characters Iago and Roderigo and like Othello their hatred resulted in the murder of