Othello+Essay+Nyrik

Nyrik Austin Final In “Othello” by William Shakespeare, there are many themes that appear. Love, betrayal, and death are all themes that come to you naturally. If you engage in deeper thought you can come across something you may have not noticed so easily. The characters of Othello are weak because of their loyalty. From Desdemona’s choice to be with Othello to Emilia’s cooperation with Imago’s plan, loyalty makes them weak. From the beginning of the story I perceived Brabantio to be the strongest character. With his high rank and wealth I thought Brabantio would be a force to be reckoned with. The story starts with deception. Brabantio says, “Look to her, Moor, if thou hast eyes to see. She has deceived her father, and may thee” (Act 1 Scene 3 Line 333). This basically means that in time Desdemona will betray Othello as Brabantio feels she has betrayed him. Brabantio feels betrayed solely on status. Desdemona’s status and prospect gives her a lot of people to choose from to marry. Brabantio is our first weak character in the story. His loyalty and trust with Desdemona has showed he is a weak character. With Desdemona betraying him, he shows the Duke how even with all his power he is weak. Because he feels sad and because he feels betrayed he is weak. Brabantio says, “These sentences to sugar or to gall, Being strong on both sides, are equivocal. But words are words. I never yet did hear that the bruised heart was pierced through the ear” (Act 1 Scene 3 Line 248). This is Brabantio revealing that even hearing Othello’s story emotionally hurts him. Brabantio is weak and if you pay attention he was weak before the story starts. He mentions that he has had a bruised heart meaning that something was troubling him before. My predetermined thoughts of Brabantio were wrong. Brabantio is weak and always was. “Nay, it is true, or else I am Turk. You rise to play, and go to bed to work. You shall not write my praise” (Act 2 Scene 1 Line 127). Iago is stating that women are worthless and Emilia barely defends herself. This shows how Emilia is weak. Her loyalty to her husband is normal. Though it is the norm to listen to your husband Emilia should be showed respect. Iago’s comments are rude and Emilia does not adequately defend herself. Her loyalty to her disrespectful husband makes her weak. Though Emilia is weak the only way she can become strong is if she is disloyal. As the story unfolds and nears it’s end, Emilia becomes a strong character. Emilia says, “Disprove this villain, if thou be’st a man. He says thou told’st him that his wife was false. I know thou didst not. Thou’rt not such a villain. Speak, for my heart is full” (Act 5 Scene 2 Line 208). Emilia has finally spoke. She has summed up the courage to go against Iago’s will. Her loyalty to her husband has finally broken, making her be the missing piece to the Othello puzzle. “The heavens forbid. But that our loves and comforts should increase even as our days do grow!”(Act 2 Scene 1 Line 210). This shows how Desdemona is also a weak character. Though she is in love, all of her loyalty lies with Othello. Desdemona role in the story is to serve Othello. Without Othello she is helpless. Desdemona is a needy character. This is not the first time Desdemona shows this needy side to herself. “O, that’s an honest fellow! Do not doubt, Cassio, but I will have my lord and you again. As friendly as you were” (Act 3 Scene 3 Line 5). This is Desdemona trying to patch an old friendship back. Though this seems normal look a little deeper. To me this sounds like Desdemona doing whatever she can just to appease to Othello’s feelings and wants. She is doing whatever she can to make Othello happy, making her weak. Desdemona, Brabantio, and Emilia are all weak. All three of these characters reveal how weak they are when you read the story. Though loyalty is a great attribute, it makes these characters weak.