How the Protagonists Change in Macbeth and Othello Essay Example

this scene, we witness Ago starting to bring up topics that Othello wishes to avoid discussing. The phrase "Sir, are you fast married?" stands out as one of the initial instances in the play where the audience can observe this happening and witness Ago implanting ideas into Othello's mind about concerns regarding his marriage.

Despite Othello's swift diversion of the conversation and attempts to reassure himself that everything will be fine, the seeds of doubt have already been sown, and they will grow until they consume him. As the play unfolds, we can clearly perceive how Othello is being manipulated and gradually succumbing to it.

Act 2 scene 3 showcases Othello's transformation as he starts forming emotions and opinions solely based on people's facial expressions, something that goes against his nature as a soldier. The line "Honest Ago, that looks dead without grieving" serves as a prime example, demonstrating how Othello has been deceived into believing in Ago's honesty and assuming that Ago is deeply upset. Thus begins a significant shift in Othello's personality and language, evident through his increasingly barbaric and "hell"-like speech. This persists until the play's conclusion when his language becomes more poetic as he realizes how he has been manipulated and has committed a catastrophic blunder.

In Act 3 scene 3, we witness a man tormented by suspicion and internal turmoil, desperately trying to convince himself that nothing has changed. Despite still loving his wife, he enters Act 3 scene 4 determined to kill her due to manipulation and misplaced trust. The scene begins with Desdemona expressing her love for Othello and her determination to persuade him to do what is right. However,

this only fuels Othello's suspicions of her faithfulness as she constantly talks about Cassio. Ironically, Desdemona uses loving and faithful language, mirroring Othello's earlier demeanor. Although Othello addresses Desdemona endearingly as "my lord," it is clear to the audience that he does so begrudgingly and merely to distance himself from her. It is evident that Othello is deeply impacted by his internal conflict and must regain control over the situation. He urgently requests some time alone to collect himself, stating, "I will deny thee nothing! But grant me this, leave me but a little to myself."

The soldier side of him is evident in his efforts to convince himself that he should not show his emotions. This shows self-awareness and a recognition of the need for personal space. However, it is also clear that he still loves Desman and wants to give her everything she wants. Othello's desire to please her and avoid hurting her is emphasized through repeated statements like "I will deny thee nothing". When Ago enters the scene, Othello's concerns about his marriage become apparent and a tense conversation ensues. Lagos' first line, "Ha I like not that", further fuels Othello's doubts about Desman's faithfulness. Despite lacking proof, Othello begins to believe the stories Ago tells about Desman. Shakespeare effectively weaves this theme of deception into the general conversation, creating a sense of nervousness and apprehension in the audience. As the scene progresses, it becomes evident that Othello is growing frustrated and simply wants to know the truth."Despite Othello's attempts to convince himself that he is not becoming suspicious, his rant against Ago reveals his growing unease. The tension in the scene

builds as Othello angrily questions Ago's accusations. The audience is left on edge as Othello's outburst suggests his deep worries. Ago's manipulations have greatly influenced Othello, as seen when Ago suggests an absurd idea of spying on Cassia and Desman to expose her infidelity. Surprisingly, Othello takes this suggestion seriously, showing how susceptible he is to manipulation. This contrasts with Othello's initial skepticism earlier in the scene. Similar to Macbeth, Othello proves to be gullible. By the end of the scene, Othello's anger reaches its peak, resulting in derogatory insults towards Desman. Despite lacking proof, Othello has been deceived into believing Desman's unfaithfulness. His language becomes increasingly furious, using "hell" imagery and expressing his desire for vengeance."From this point onwards, it becomes clear that he no longer holds any concern for his wife and doubts everything she says. This is evident in Act 5 scene when Desman pleads with Othello to trust her innocence, but he ignores her completely, as if his "heart turned to stone". It is only after Othello has killed Desman that the truth is revealed, and suddenly Othello's language changes, becoming more poetic and filled with shame. He mentions hell as he realizes that this fate awaits him for killing an innocent woman, which is ironic because he believed it was Adhesion's fate for being unfaithful.

The play Macbeth begins on a somewhat eerie note, with the three witches chanting "fair is foul and foul is fair". This immediately evokes thoughts of evil and corruption. This creates dramatic irony because later on in the play, this becomes the main theme.

In the case of Macbeth, his name is initially associated with evil when

mentioned by the three witches. However, this perception is contradicted when we learn about how he has defeated two invading armies and even had the courage to kill a man by cutting him "from the nave to the' chops". This showcases his bravery and fearlessness towards killing and witnessing bloodshed. It generates a positive opinion towards Macbeth. This is reinforced by numerous characters praising Macbeth's greatness and heroic actions. Examples of this include "brave Macbeth", "O valiant cousin", and "worthy gentleman".

In the play, Macbeth's initial impression as a noble soldier fighting for his king suggests that he will always choose the right path. However, as the play progresses, his true personality starts to emerge, showcasing his vulnerability and gullibility. This is evident in Act 1 scene 3 when Macbeth and Banquet encounter the three witches. While Banquet dismisses their words lightly, Macbeth takes them seriously and believes everything they say. His conviction is strengthened by the fact that two of the witches' prophecies have already come true, fueling his ambition for greatness. This desire begins to consume him, leading him to contemplate murdering King Duncan to fulfill his ambitious goals. Like Othello, Macbeth falls victim to manipulation and develops dangerous ideas that drive him towards ruthless determination. This desire intensifies further in Act 1 Scene 4, consuming his thoughts and pushing him towards taking drastic actions to become king. Despite recognizing the growing influence of this desire within himself, Macbeth fails to resist its escalation.

The phrase "Let not light see my black and deep desires" signifies the protagonist's desire to keep his dark thoughts hidden and the evil intentions he harbors secret. Despite holding

a high position, he fears negative consequences. The term "light" symbolizes goodness and God, whereas "black" and "deep" represent evil and the devil.

During Shakespearean times, religion held significant influence in society. Those who held dark thoughts and committed evil acts were condemned. This parallels the theme of racism in Othello, where black individuals were deemed immoral and impure. In Act 1 scene 5 of Macbeth, the affectionate exchange of letters and endearing terms between Macbeth and Lady Macbeth reveals their deep love for each other. Similar to Othello, audiences observe a noticeable change in the protagonist's character. In Act 1 scene 7, Macbeth experiences internal conflict and battles with his emotions. He wrestles with the desire to kill Duncan and ascend to kingship, fully aware of the moral wrongdoing and adverse consequences that will ensue. He confesses, "I have no spur to prick the sides of my intent, but only vaulting ambition, which overlaps itself and falls on the' other".This passage illustrates Macbeth's acknowledgment of the moral consequences of his actions and his recognition that his ambitious desires are the sole motivation behind them. The first word Macbeth utters in Act 1, scene 7 is "if", indicating doubt and uncertainty about proceeding with the murder, while also suggesting consideration of the plan. When Lady Macbeth enters and engages in general conversation, Macbeth abruptly declares "We will proceed no further in this business", revealing his emotional turmoil and desire to distance himself from thoughts of killing Duncan. He yearns to regain control, similar to Othello in his conversation with Desdemona. This signifies Macbeth's strong reluctance to carry out the murder. The use of "we"

implies that Macbeth never intended to act alone; he knows he cannot accomplish it without the assistance of his loving partner. The term "business" serves as a euphemism for the murder and is employed consistently throughout the play, heightening the suspense and obscuring the true nature of their intentions for the audience. In Act 1, scene 7, Lady Macbeth is introduced fully, providing insight into her ambitious nature which surpasses even that of Macbeth. It highlights her determination to achieve her goals and her propensity for jealousy, mirroring Macbeth's own qualities.

The text highlights Lady Macbeth's convincing abilities and their negative impact on Macbeth. She challenges his manhood in order to make him feel guilty and embarrassed. Macbeth's language reflects this, as he acknowledges his conscience and refuses to go along with the murder. Lady Macbeth further manipulates him by discussing her past actions, using horrific imagery that instills fear in the audience. Despite knowing that the deed is terrible, Macbeth is determined to please his wife and fulfill his ambition of becoming king.

Shakespeare skillfully employs clever language in this passage by connecting a "terrible" aspect with a virtuous "deed". This deliberate choice highlights the transformation of Macbeth and reinforces his irreversible commitment to evil. It also assures the audience that Macbeth's previous noble acts have now taken a turn for the worse.