"Put out the light, and then put out the light" - Othello [Act V]

A quick summary:

'Othello' is a tragedy - like many other plays of Shakespeare - where we see the downfall of a good and respected man because of his jealousy.

Iago was the ensign of general Othello who wishes to be promoted. But Othello promotes Cassio instead of Iago as his lieutenant, and the latter blazes with anger and swears revenge on both Othello and Cassio.

When Othello elopes with Disdamonia, Iago seizes the opportunity to poison everybody against Othello, especially Disdamonia's father. However, Othello's true love was recognized by many, and hence people deny accusing Othello of any wrong.

In the meantime, situations evolve which cause Othello to send Disdamonia to a safer place, and he orders Cassio to be her escourt. Iago, who dispises Cassio highly, see yet another opportunity to do some evil. He spreads rumors that Cassio was having an affair with Disdamonia, and plants sufficient evidence to further convince Othello.

Othello - filled with jealousy - orders Iago to kill Cassio, and he himself kills his beloved wife, Disdamonia. However, soon afterwards, Iago's wife Emilia tells Othello about Iago's actual intentions. Iago, who had previously failed to kill Cassio, kills his wife infront everybody. Othello realizes his grave mistake and understands that his distrust towards his wife and jealousy towards Cassio has resulted in the killing of his wife, and the taking of many other innocent lives. Saddened by this, he kills himself, leaving Iago's punishment completely on the hands of Cassio.

How I appreciate the story:

Throughout the entire play, Iago stood out to me as a character showing the darker shades of the spectrum. Yes, he was the antagonist, I agree; but we see the dark human emotions coming out through his character: greed, anger, revenge. Even though he can be termed one of the most famous villains, I would rather say that Shakespeare did a wonderful job in bringing out human pride and darkness through Iago.

            Othello on the other hand represents the brighter sides of the spectrum. He was a gallant warrior, a patriot, a man to be looked up to. But I thought he too flashes occasional darkness by turning a blind eye on what’s true and hence going in favor of the unfavorable. The character – though much cherished – seemed to me to be a bit foolish, since he had lost his sanity under misconception.

            Cassio and Disdamonia both stood to me as the symbols of all that is good and beautiful. Shakespeare brilliantly brought out a bit of sunshine in the gloom play through these characters.

            Overall, I liked the play and enjoyed it.