QUESTION 12: OTHELLO – ESSAY QUESTION
The play explores the destructive consequences of revenge.
Critically discuss the validity of the above statement. Your
response should take the form of a well-constructed essay of 400–
450 words (2–2½ pages).
At the beginning of the play Iago is determined to seek revenge on Othello
for overlooking him for promotion while appointing Cassio as his
lieutenant. He also believes rumours that Othello has slept with his wife,
Emilia. He tells Roderigo that he hates Othello and that he is determined
to serve his 'turn upon him'. Iago's revenge initially focuses on the
destruction of Othello's marriage, as well as his peace of mind. He uses
Othello's insecurities to undermine him and leads him to believe that
Desdemona is committing adultery with Cassio.
Later, he realises that in order to secure his own life against Othello's
wrath, he also has to destroy Cassio and Desdemona. His vengeful actions
result in the deaths of Desdemona and Othello. Iago also vindictively kills
Emilia when she refuses to keep quiet about his role in the tragedy. When
Iago realises that Roderigo is no longer willing to be used as a tool in his
plan of revenge, he ruthlessly kills him as he has outlived his usefulness.
Iago's desire for revenge leads to the destruction of the reputations of
several characters: Iago's malicious comments to Montano about Cassio
causes doubt about his leadership ability; his intimations about Othello's
abuse of Desdemona sullies Othello's reputation as a person of honour
and integrity; Desdemona's virtue is turned into 'pitch' by Iago's
insinuations that she is promiscuous and adulterous.
Iago is also determined to seek revenge on Cassio of whom he is jealous.
Cassio's honour is destroyed by Iago's exploitation of Cassio's weakness
for drinking and leads to his dismissal as Othello's lieutenant. However,
this damage to Cassio's reputation is short-lived as he is appointed
governor of Cyprus at the end of the play. Brabantio's desire for revenge
against Othello for 'bewitching' his daughter, and his refusal to accept
their marriage, lead to the destruction of his relationship with Desdemona,
whom he cruelly rejects, as well as his own death of a broken heart.
Roderigo's malicious behaviour in informing Brabantio about Desdemona's
elopement might also be seen as an act of revenge against Brabantio who
has rejected his courtship of Desdemona.
Once Othello is convinced of his wife's affair, he is overwhelmed by
jealousy and becomes intent on revenge. He plots Cassio's and
Desdemona's downfall with Iago and makes an unholy pact with him to kill
them. Othello's actions cause the destruction of his happiness and his
The play explores the destructive consequences of revenge.
Critically discuss the validity of the above statement. Your
response should take the form of a well-constructed essay of 400–
450 words (2–2½ pages).
At the beginning of the play Iago is determined to seek revenge on Othello
for overlooking him for promotion while appointing Cassio as his
lieutenant. He also believes rumours that Othello has slept with his wife,
Emilia. He tells Roderigo that he hates Othello and that he is determined
to serve his 'turn upon him'. Iago's revenge initially focuses on the
destruction of Othello's marriage, as well as his peace of mind. He uses
Othello's insecurities to undermine him and leads him to believe that
Desdemona is committing adultery with Cassio.
Later, he realises that in order to secure his own life against Othello's
wrath, he also has to destroy Cassio and Desdemona. His vengeful actions
result in the deaths of Desdemona and Othello. Iago also vindictively kills
Emilia when she refuses to keep quiet about his role in the tragedy. When
Iago realises that Roderigo is no longer willing to be used as a tool in his
plan of revenge, he ruthlessly kills him as he has outlived his usefulness.
Iago's desire for revenge leads to the destruction of the reputations of
several characters: Iago's malicious comments to Montano about Cassio
causes doubt about his leadership ability; his intimations about Othello's
abuse of Desdemona sullies Othello's reputation as a person of honour
and integrity; Desdemona's virtue is turned into 'pitch' by Iago's
insinuations that she is promiscuous and adulterous.
Iago is also determined to seek revenge on Cassio of whom he is jealous.
Cassio's honour is destroyed by Iago's exploitation of Cassio's weakness
for drinking and leads to his dismissal as Othello's lieutenant. However,
this damage to Cassio's reputation is short-lived as he is appointed
governor of Cyprus at the end of the play. Brabantio's desire for revenge
against Othello for 'bewitching' his daughter, and his refusal to accept
their marriage, lead to the destruction of his relationship with Desdemona,
whom he cruelly rejects, as well as his own death of a broken heart.
Roderigo's malicious behaviour in informing Brabantio about Desdemona's
elopement might also be seen as an act of revenge against Brabantio who
has rejected his courtship of Desdemona.
Once Othello is convinced of his wife's affair, he is overwhelmed by
jealousy and becomes intent on revenge. He plots Cassio's and
Desdemona's downfall with Iago and makes an unholy pact with him to kill
them. Othello's actions cause the destruction of his happiness and his
