Othello

In the tragedy Othello, Shakespeare creates a mood that challenges the way a person sees his or her self and the world. Shakespeare demonstrates the destructive power of selfish love in every relationship throughout Othello. All the relationships in the play are used to demonstrate the vulnerability of people when involved personally with other people. Each of the relationships in Othello portrays insecurities in each person, except Iago. In fact, all of the relationships with one character, Iago, are focused around him and his devilish plot for the demise of Othello. However, most of the relationships in Othello bring about unintentional frustrations and vulnerabilities. The marriages in Othello are the most important relationships because they bring out the best hopes and attitudes, and the worst fears and emotions in each character. Shakespeare, in designing Othello’s marriage to Desdemona, shows that although one can truly love a person, the need for human control can destroy any relationship causing heartbreak and turmoil and this is the result of selfish love. The main relationship that shows the destructive power of selfish love is Othello and Desdemona’s. The couple’s constant struggle over love, power and control makes them open to destruction of their happiness. Othello seeks complete control over his wife, Desdemona. “curse of marriage. That we can call these creatures ours, And not their appetites! I had rather be a toad And live upon the vapor of a dungeon. Then keep a corner in the thing I love “ Othello is clearly showing that he sees Desdemona’s love, faithfulness and submissions as criteria for his manhood. His feelings demonstrate how vulnerable people can become in putting their self-value in another person. Desdemona also plays the power game. She swears to Cassio “I give thee my warrant, assure thee, I do vow friendship to the last article my lord shall never rest;… I shall watch him tame and talk him out of patience.” These words of Desdemona clearly present Desdemona’s assertion to use sexual power to control Othello’s actions. When Iago’s lies challenge the relationship between Othello and Desdemona, Othello’s “love” is plagued by jealousy, his insecurities surface, and he acts in rash revenge. Othello directly abandons what he assumes to be true love for his wife, promising that “my bloody thoughts with violent pace / Shall ne’er look back, ne’er ebb to humble love, / Till that a capable and wide revenge / Swallow them up” (3.3.457-459). Selfish love about loving someone for your own gain, this is shown through Othello’s love of Desdemona. The result of this selfish love is death of poor Desdemona who Othello loved. Othello quotes I am not valiant neither, But every puny whipster gets my sword: But why should honor outlive honesty' Let it go all. After learning the truth about Desdemona's love and loyalty and realises the destruction of selfish love.