Othello: the Seven Deadly Sins Analysis

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In the drama, Othello, Shakespeare brings us through unfolding events that seem to place the reader into a modern day soap opera. Several themes are prevalent throughout the story but one only connects them all; the seven deadly sins.

Othello’s theme is a representation of the challenges and self realization based on human nature. Human nature, unfortunately, carries with it weakness, frailty and evil manipulation. These characteristics align with the seven deadly sins; pride, lust, envy, sloth, wrath, gluttony and greed. Shakespeare develops these sins subtly at first in Othello and becomes very prominent till the tragic end. All of the characters in Othello suffer from some of these sins; from Othello’s pride to Iago’s wrath.

The most prominent deadly sin represented in this drama is wrath. Wrath is defined as a strong vengeful anger or indignation (Merriam-Webster Dictionary). Iago displays most of the wrath in this dram against Othello. Iago’s plan for revenge against Othello doesn’t seem justified, in fact, he’s reasoning for this revenge seems very petty. Iago’s anger begins with Cassio’s promotion to Lieutenant for which he sees as a slap in the face. Iago states, “That never set a squadron in the field, Nor the division of a battle knows” (Shakespeare 959), he feels that he has the most experience and should have received the title of Lieutenant. Iago also accuses Othello of sleeping with his wife, Emilia. He provides no evidence to support this accusation but rather it seems to exist as a result of the hatred he has built up against Othello. Iago plans to make Othello look like a fool for promoting Cassio and to discredit Othello’s wife, Desdemona of her innocence. Also, Iago’s wrath is carried out by Roderigo when he is told by Iago to kill Cassio in order to keep Desdemona in Cyprus by suggesting, “wherein none can be so determinate as the
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