l images associated with the themes of love and jealousy in the late tragedy
“Othello” help understand the characters’ psychology and penetrate the patterns of
these powerful passions. These images differ from the metaphorical style in the
early tragedy “Romeo and Juliet” — there, they convey the spontaneous power of a
feeling that suddenly flared up, which seems to the heroes something sacred.
“Othello” is a tragedy about the grave and terrible trials to which the sublime and
deep love of two beautiful people was subjected. The noble Moor, who absorbed the
culture of the Italian Renaissance, an experienced warrior, appears to be powerless
before the intrigue of Iago, loses faith in Desdemona, and tormented by the
jealousy, kills her (Shahwan 162). On the contrary, the love of the young
Desdemona withstands all tests, and she forgives her husband even after her death.
The love of a character like Desdemona is the highest value of life. In Shakespeare’s
eyes, Desdemona is a rare and heroic nature. Cassio answers the question of
whether the governor of Cyprus is married: “An inviting eye, and yet methinks right
modest…She is indeed perfection” (Meyer and Miller 796). Brabantio is convinced
that his daughter is a victim of witchcraft because she was a modest and quiet girl.
However, it becomes evident to readers that their marriage is not like what
happened in the Elizabethan times. The main difference is that it was not possible
for the girl to raise her status. In this case, Desdemona had feelings for Othello
related to his nature. The famous maxim of Othello speaks about Desdemona’s
love: “She loved me for the dangers I had passed, And I loved her that she did pity
them” (Meyer and Miller 782). Thus, the reader can observe a different level of
emotional attachment. In this case, a woman is not perceived as dependent on a
man. Othello and Desdemona complement each other, reflecting their needs from
their relationship related to filling their internal needs.
Desdemona asks the senators to allow her to accompany her husband to Cyprus,
and she speaks of her love: “I saw Othello’s visage in his mind, / And to his honor
and his valiant parts / Did I my soul and fortunes consecrate” (Meyer and Miller
784). In her words, there is not only compassion but also admiration for an
extraordinary person. Othello admits that he had only the last few months when he
did not think about military duty and service in his whole life — and he m
