Bruce Mitchell
Professor Maxwell
English 102-001H
3/4/15
Othello vs. Self
In the Shakespearean Play Othello, One can see the Struggle that the main Character
Othello goes through. At first glance, it may seem as if it is everyone against Othello,
especially when Iago exposes the relationship of Desdemona and Othello. After that point
it would appear as if everyone has turned against him when Brabantio accuses his of
witchcraft, and he is summoned to court. However, one would have to delve deeper to
realize that Shakespeare has always incorporated Character vs. self-Conflict in his plays,
Macbeth to say the least. Othello has always been in a conflict with himself from proving
his worth and working to attain his Status (general) to dealing with accusations and staying
surprisingly calm to his betrayal by closed ones.
As an Illustration, this is present when Othello tells Desdemona “Fetch me the
handkerchief—my mind misgives.” (Act III, Scene 4, Line 80). After this question which
is the trigger Othello continuously asks for the location of the Handkerchief because his
mind is filled with immense doubt. The Handkerchief in a sense represents Desdemona’s
Promiscuity. Othello is torn up with Jealousy that he loses control over himself as he
furiously rages at Desdemona. He still loves her but a part of him is fighting with the other
part that believes that she is cheating. He uses a story behind the handkerchief and how it
possessed Magical properties which ensured their love but her losing it symbolizes her
