Othello, By William Shakespeare - 1795 Words

Trust is often indicative of the intimate relationship between two people: husband and wife or two soldiers, for example. In Shakespeare’s drama, â€Å"Othello,† the main character and general of the Venetian army, Othello, is forced to choose between trusting his first wife, Desdemona, or his reputable honest ensign, Iago. Iago tells Othello that Desdemona is having an affair with Cassio, his lieutenant. Although he does not know of anyone more honest than Iago, Othello cannot easily believe that the women he so ardently loves would cheat on him and betray their marriage. Othello is forced to believe Iago’s accusations and punish Desdemona and Cassio or believe his innocent, fair wife. He decides to believe Iago’s false tale of Desdemona’s†¦show more content†¦Desdemona becomes one of the most, if not the most, important parts Othello’s life. Othello, a black soldier from the Barbary coast, knows â€Å"little of this great worldâ⠂¬ ¦ More than pertains to feats of broil and battle† (l.l. 101-102). Othello’s whole world is revolved around before he meets Desdemona. In fact, it is his savviness in battle that has brought him into the white Venetian sphere as the general of the Venetian army. Therefore, the life of a husband is foreign to him. He is a soldier who spends time with his cohorts on the battlefield and manages all of his own affairs and is confined to no one and nothing. However, â€Å"but that [Othello] loves the gentle Desdemona,† he would not give up his â€Å"unhousà ¨d free condition† (l.l. 28-29). Othello’s relationship with Desdemona is founded on sacrifice. Othello sacrifices his lifestyle and freedom for Desdemona whom he likens to â€Å"the sea’s worth† (l. 31). This sacrifice is indicative of Othello’s love for Desdemona and his commitment to the relationship. Something about Desdemona is worth risking giving away the only life that Othello has ever known. Othello’s commitment and sacrifice to the relationship show his trust that it, and Desdemona, are worth the risk and that he trusts Desdemona to be worth giving up everything he has ever known. This lack of experience in relationships makes Othello nervous and protective. One would expect that if Othello is willing to risk so