Roderigo Academic Journal Essay - 900 Words

It is a common misconception to say that Roderigo is an inferior character in Othell, and that he plays no major role due to his simple superobjective which he does not achieve—which is to be with Desdemona by whatever means necessary. However, Shakespeare’s purpose for Roderigo, which makes him important to the play, is quite different from what Roderigo desires. Roderigo’s superobjective is introduced in the first act as we see Roderigo and Iago confront Brabantio about the whereabouts of Desdemona. In the first act we also see how badly Roderigo longs to be with Desdemona when he says that â€Å"I will incontinently drown myself† (I.iii.305). We begin to see the power Iago has over Roderigo and because of this Roderigo begins to appear weak†¦show more content†¦This is the point of no return for Roderigo. Here he declares his extreme love for Desdemona and his intent to be with her by any means necessary. The only problem is that he confesses i t to the wrong person—Iago. We also see Roderigo slip to the level of Iago. Shakespeare does this by having Roderigo speak with Iago not in meter. This shift in Roderigo’s speech shows how desperate he is to be with Desdemona and how Iago is beginning to take control. Roderigo throughout the rest of act one and two merely operates as a puppet for Iago and does his bidding, â€Å"I do follow here in the chase, not like a hound that hunts, but one that fills up the cry. My money is almost spent (II.iii.351-352). His absence in act three causes some over look his importance to Othello, however his appearance in act three would be trivial to Othello overall. This is where Shakespeare’s superobjective for Roderigo differs from Roderigo’s own wishes. Shakespeare has Roderigo be the catalyst to the falling action in act four by stabbing Cassio. It is this act by Roderigo that leads to the tragedy in act five. What is important to note is Roderigo’s change in attitude in act four. Here we see Roderigo acknowledge what Iago is doing to him and how Roderigo will no longer tolerate it. Roderigo I do not find that thou deal’st justly with me. Iago What in the contrary? Roderigo Every day thou daff’st me with some device, Iago,Show MoreRelatedAnalysis Of Othello By William Shakespeare1505 Words   |  7 PagesIago treats others as the fool with no intentions of caring about their feelings. Behind his deceitful trustworthy appearance, Iago is a multilayered manipulative villain. He manipulates the people around him by using their weaknesses against them. Roderigo, Cassio, Othello, and Emilia all have fallen for Iago’s tricks of manipulation and even mind control. In the beginning of the play, Iago explains how he wants to destroy Othello because he gave the position of lieutenant to Cassio. Therefore,Read MoreRacism By William Shakespeare s Othello1277 Words   |  6 Pages136). Having an affair in the Elizabeth age is unacceptable. Being that Othello is a Moor, it bothers and worsens the situation. Othello steals Desdemona from her father, Brabantio, and makes Brabantio upset. Roderigo wants to marry Desdemona and Brabantio approves it. Brabantio says to Roderigo, â€Å"O, that you had her!† (I. II. 175.1296). Desdemona marrying a black Moor is unacceptable and Brabantio does not approve of it. Othello is warned by Iago of the things Brabantio will do to him. Othello is notRead MoreOthello As A Powerful General Of The Venetian Army1991 Words   |  8 Pagesmentioned as â€Å"the Moor† or other more directly racist monikers and due to his race and the racism he encounters, he eventually falls in the long run. Othello s race, which is frowned upon by other characters of Shakespeare s play, mainly Iago and Roderigo, influences his poor decision making and is Othello Research Paper: Final Draft During the Elizabethan Era, William Shakespeare ingeniously crafted one of his most White 1 White 2 significant to the play because their racist treatment towards