Dec 2, 2008

Othello | An Analysis of Four Shakespearean Villains

R. Moore compares and contrasts four of Shakespeare's most well-known villains: Macbeth, Claudius, Iago, and Edmund.

Shakespeare's plays have been the focus of critical analysis for centuries. Part of the reason that his works are so widely read is that his characterization of both protagonists and antagonists is well developed. In the course of this essay, four of Shakespeare's villains will be compared: Macbeth, King Claudius, Iago and Edmund. Finally, some general conclusions will be drawn.

Some Shakespearean critics attempt to justify Macbeth's evil behavior by contending that his actions were forced on him by an external power. However, A. C. Bradley argues that Macbeth was not controlled by...