Othello, the Moore of Venice - Essay Example

Othello, the Moor of Venice "In the introduction to his edition of the play in The Complete Signet Classic Shakespeare, Alvin Kernan remarks: Othello is probably the most neatly, the most formally constructed of Shakespeares plays. Every character is, for example, balanced by another similar or contrasting character. Desdemona is balanced by her opposite, Iago; love and concern for others at one end of the scale, hatred and concern for self at the other. Besides Desdemona and Iago, what other pair of characters strikes a balance in the play?

" Othello, the Moor of Venice is one of the best plays written by William Shakespeare. The play is based upon a perfect balance between the characters. This balance is indicated by the characters of Othello and Roderigo. Othello is highlighted to be the most important and prominent character of the play. He is portrayed to be physically strong and admired by the people who know him. He is considered to be an asset for the government of Venice and he is important for the Duke as well as the other senior members.

On the other hand, Roderigo is highlighted to be very weak and is dependent upon others for his decisions. He is rich but is not as strong as Othello by any means. Thus, Othello and Roderigo strike a balance in the play where Othello portrays strength and Roderigo portrays weakness. Othello is a very brave soldier and his suggestions and recommendations are given importance by the senators and the Duke of Venice. He is a man who is loved for his strength and determination. He holds the strong position of the general of the armies of Venice and has authority to promote people.

Othello marries the woman he loves, Desdemona secretly. He explains that Desdemona chose to marry him after listening to the story of his achievements and attainments in his life. It is seen that Desdemona loves Othello for what he is and she chooses to stand by him. The accomplishments of Othello are so impressive that when the Duke listens to the story of Othello that he told Desdemona, he is compelled to say, “I think this tale would win my daughter too.” Thus, the life of Othello displays strength and his character is the most noticeable character of the play.

Roderigo is a rich man who lives in Venice. He is a weak man who does not have his own decisions and judgments. He rather relies on deceitful people like Iago for support and help. Roderigo loves Desdemona but does not approach her through the right means. He rather pays Iago to assist him in marrying her. This can be seen as a step that displays his weakness. He cannot express his love for Desdemona by himself and win her love by his qualities. He is disappointed when he learns of the marriage between Othello and Desdemona.

Despite of their marriage, he wished to spoil their relationship so that he could marry Desdemona. This shows the negative aspect of the character of Roderigo. Thus, Roderigo does not possess positive qualities and he is not a strong person despite of the fact that he is rich. Shakespeare has written the play Othello in a perfect manner and has interwoven and balanced the characters in a perfect way. Othello displays goodness and strength and on the same time Roderigo is the exact opposite. Othello loves Desdemona and he indicates that he did not force her to marry him but Roderigo does not consider the judgment of Desdemona to be important.

He wishes to marry her despite of her love for Othello. The negative aspect of the character of Roderigo is balanced by the positivity in the character of Othello.