DRJ #3

Blake Ellis

DRJ # 3

Initial Reaction: Act 3 is where it begins to heat up. Iago easily convinces Othello that his wife is having unfaithful relations with Cassio. This is where the story lost me and why I don’t like dramas. I guess you hear about these things in the news, but its just plain silly to me. How could Othello go from one extreme to another so quickly? And all his information coming from the same source (Iago).

Character Analysis: I think Othello is the interesting character in act three. Obviously he had an unhealthy relationship with Desdamona. He had trust issues with her from the beginning of the story. I think the fact that he brings her off to war with him is a major red flag, he should have left her home where she would be safe. It is tough for Othello to let his prize possession go, he seems to be a control freak who was more obsessed with Desdamona than in love with her. What was he to do with his obsession when rumors of unfaithfulness came up? It immediately bothered him, to the point that he could not sleep and was even feeling sick. Instead of confronting her or Cassio he decides to contemplate the situation over and over again until it drives him mad.

Theme Analysis: Othello wants revenge and he wastes no time preparing for it. As a military leader I imagine Othello being a fierce, vengeful fighter, and merciless. He had to of been to be in such an important position. I believe his past played a big role in his unstable present. After winning a major victory without a fight you think all would be well with Othello, but that is not the case. The news of his wife possibly cheating on him instantly brings to the surface feelings of Hate and instant revenge. He begins planning her death instead of handling the situation in a peaceful was displaying wisdom in action and thought.