Student Question
How do the main characters in Othello represent good and evil?
Quick answer:
In Othello, Iago epitomizes evil through his jealousy-driven manipulations and disregard for human life, even acknowledging himself as a villain. Othello, while noble and responsible, is not purely good due to his jealousy and tendency to overreact, leading to tragic actions. Desdemona embodies innocence and goodness, her purity heightening the tragedy of Iago's schemes. Emilia is complex, ultimately siding with Desdemona against Iago, showing her moral ambiguity and courage.
I have to discuss Emilia here as a main character, as well. She is an integral part of the play and she is a very intriguing character, as well. Emilia, in my opinion, is neither clearly good or evil, as sullymonster mentioned above about Othello. She clearly cares deeply for Desdemona, whom she works for, but she also knows how to play coy with Iago, who grabs Desdemona's handkerchief from Emilia's grasp after she finds it. What bothers me about this is that Emilia should have given the handkerchief to Desdemona immediately and the play would've turned out differently. In the end, Emilia "goes to bat" for Desdemona and turns against Iago; however, she suffers for it...she is murdered by Iago.
Iago is the most clear example of evil in the story. He is motivated by jealousy and manipulates people with no concern...
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for the consequences. He plots the murder of Desdemona with no regard for human life. He even says of himself, ""I am a very villain."
Othello is not clearly good or evil. Though he expresses nobility and takes responsibility for his ill-fated actions, Othello is plagued by fatal flaws. He has a jealous heart and is prone to over-reaction. He is so tempermental that he is able to commit murder, believing that it has been "earned" by an unfaithful wife. In many ways, he is a mirror of Iago. What makes him different is the respect for honesty and human life that he does show.
Desdemona is innocent and good. She trusts fully and loves completely. She does show dishonesty in her elopement, but as love was the driving force and her father in a position of tyranny, it is possible to say she is still good. This is what makes Iago's plan and Othello's acts so heinous - they are against an object of purity.