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Othello has many virtues: he is calm, masterful, a great leader and commander, patient and humble. It's actually his virtue of humility which causes him problems, since it allows him to believe Iago when he says that a girl like Desdemona could never love a guy like him.

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What attracts Othello to Desdemona?

Desdemona is in many ways the opposite of Othello: of an old established Venetian family, white, inexperienced and very young. Othello is middle-aged, black, widely experienced and a man without any pedigree at all in Venetian society. Her differentness may have attracted him to her at the outset, but he must also have noticed her wonderful openness, clarity of vision, unshakeable fidelity, courage and kindness. These characteristics would win him for longer than just her novelty. The idea of being attracted to someone different as a novelty is used by Iago to undermine Othello's self-confidence. Iago tells Othello that once the novelty wears off, Desdemona will turn from Othello to other men, and Othello, who is a very humble man, is tempted to believe this because he does not see the many virtues which Desdemona really loves him for: his wisdom, experience, humility, equanimity, courage, fair-mindedness and his deep and genuine devotion to her.


What personal characteristics of himself bring about Othello's own demise?

More than anything, his humility. Humility is a good quality, but Iago makes Othello's lack of pride work against him. When it comes to fighting in a battle or dealing with a load of hoodlums in the street, Othello is all confidence: he knows how to deal with those things and he knows he knows it. However, in matters of love, he is not so sure. He has reached middle age without really having to deal with women. His relationship with Desdemona starts off with him telling her stories of his life. He isn't trying to woo her, to pick her up or in any way get her to love him. But she does love him. Othello is amazed that she should fall for someone who is old, who is not of her class, who is a foreigner and has an unpopular skin colour. Why should this wonderful young woman pick him of all people? We can see through Desdemona's eyes past these superficial qualities to the qualities of the man within. Othello is competent, commanding and very human. His very humility makes him a good commander and leader. It also makes him doubt whether a woman like Desdemona could love someone like him, a doubt which Iago exploits and turns to the certainty that she must love someone who appears to be more deserving--someone like Cassio. In Othello more than any Shakespeare play we see the pointlessness of the "tragic flaw" type of analysis, which tries to make the plays into parables designed to convey trite bits of morality. The characteristic which leads to Othello's demise is a virtue, but as those compassionate and generous souls who have been conned by phoney charities know, even virtues can be exploited by the wicked. Both Othello and Desdemona are very good people, and yet their doom overtakes them anyway, and in part because they are so good. That's what makes it so heart-wrenching.


What morals does Othello have?

Othello is a person of high moral standards. He does not run when apprehended by Brabantio and his group, nor does he fight. He is prepared to justify his actions in marrying Desdemona before the court and he does so. Even though he is newly married, his sense of duty tells him that he must go to fight the Turks. When faced with one of his officers who disgraces himself, he demotes him even though he is a close personal friend. Doing what is right is more important than taking care of his friend Cassio.But all this gets turned on its head when Iago finds his weak spot (which is oddly enough one of his many virtues, his humility) and twists the knife. In the upside-down world created by the fiction of Desdemona's supposed infidelity, Othello tries to act morally, and finds moral justification for his action. What Desdemona is doing is wrong, she needs to be eliminated not only to protect Othello but also to protect others, the most appropriate punishment would be to strangle her in the bed she has defiled--in this way Othello (with help from Iago) finds moral justification for his action. And when the upside-down world collapses around him and he sees Desdemona for what she really was and his actions for the crimes they were, he does not shrink. He asks for understanding, "nothing extenuate", that is, not as an excuse, because he knows the remedy for his crime, and he administers it himself.


Listed by the author as specific virtues among those most esteemed by all in Utopia?

kindness


Why did shakespeare use lists in his plays?

Shakespeare used lists in his plays for several reasons. Lists help to create rhythm and structure within the dialogue, aiding in memorization and performance. They also serve to emphasize key points or themes, providing a sense of accumulation or progression. Additionally, lists can add depth and complexity to characters, revealing their thoughts, desires, and motivations in a concise and impactful manner.

Related Questions

How are virtues learned?

Virtues are often learned through observation, education, practice, and reinforcement from caregivers and other role models. Children may also develop virtues through reflection on their experiences, guidance from mentors, and a commitment to personal growth and ethical behavior. Regular practice of virtuous behaviors helps to reinforce and strengthen these qualities over time.


The virtue that is the queen of all virtues?

According to St. Thomas Aquinas, the virtue of Prudence is the queen of all virtues because through its exercise we acquire the moral knowledge necessary to form all other actions into virtues.


What is another name for the moral virtues?

theological virtues


What sense are virtues habits?

Virtues are like habits because they are cultivated through repetition and practice. Just as habits shape our behavior in daily life, virtues shape our character and influence the way we act and respond to situations. Cultivating virtues involves consciously choosing to act in accordance with moral standards and values.


Who was a martyr who followed the three theological virtues?

St. Lawrence is a martyr who was known for his strong faith and commitment to the theological virtues of faith, hope, and charity. He demonstrated these virtues through his selfless service to the poor and his unwavering faith in God, even in the face of persecution and death.


What term do we give to the four virtues on which all other moral virtues depend?

Cardinal virtues.


What are infused virtues?

Infused virtues are qualities or characteristics that are described as being implanted or infused into a person's soul by God, rather than acquired through practice or effort. These virtues are seen as supernatural gifts that enable individuals to act in accordance with moral excellence and help guide them towards a life of virtue and righteousness. Examples of infused virtues include faith, hope, and charity.


What influence did Rudyard Kipling have on the portrayal of the Saxon culture in literature?

Rudyard Kipling's works often portrayed the Saxon culture as strong, noble, and heroic, influencing how it was depicted in literature by emphasizing its virtues and contributions to society.


What were sacagaweas virtues?

one of sacagawea's virtues was gratitude


What attracts Othello to Desdemona?

Desdemona is in many ways the opposite of Othello: of an old established Venetian family, white, inexperienced and very young. Othello is middle-aged, black, widely experienced and a man without any pedigree at all in Venetian society. Her differentness may have attracted him to her at the outset, but he must also have noticed her wonderful openness, clarity of vision, unshakeable fidelity, courage and kindness. These characteristics would win him for longer than just her novelty. The idea of being attracted to someone different as a novelty is used by Iago to undermine Othello's self-confidence. Iago tells Othello that once the novelty wears off, Desdemona will turn from Othello to other men, and Othello, who is a very humble man, is tempted to believe this because he does not see the many virtues which Desdemona really loves him for: his wisdom, experience, humility, equanimity, courage, fair-mindedness and his deep and genuine devotion to her.


What virtues did St. Thomas Aquinas practice?

Saint Thomas Aquinas had a wide range of beliefs, as well as a set of virtues that he followed. The virtues were justice, temperance, fortitude, and prudence, as well as charity, faith, and hope.


How do you get the virtues?

Ultimately, this is the Character of Almighty God, thus it is thru Him and His Words in the Bible this gets infused into us daily as we read, study, meditate on His Words and Pray. His Virtues change us.