Plays Othello and Hedda Gabler - Research Paper Example

Othello vs. Hedda Gabler Othello has been one of the most celebrated Shakespearean works, which has captivated audiences worldwide. Shakespeare has weaved an intense tragedy that deals with complex human emotions such as deceit and jealousy. On the other hand, Hedda Gabler is another renowned Norwegian play that deals with the same themes as Othello and has many overlapping elements with it. Characters from both stories share similar characteristics; for instance, the antagonists in both the plots are illustrated as deceptive and manipulative, who then navigates the play towards its tragic climax. In ‘Othello’, Iago’s envy towards Othello knows no bounds and in the process of satiating his jealous feelings, he drops subtle hints to Othello regarding Desdemona’s loyalty (Shakespeare, III; iii) and thereby, navigates the story to its climax. Whereas, Hedda Tesman from ‘Hedda Gabler’ is not a favorable individual either; she has inexplicable influence over people, especially men and is often depicted as intrinsically evil. She is quite respectable in the society she moves in, but she has an ulterior motive even when she appears helpful towards another individual. Unlike Iago, who is merely acting upon his jealousy, Hedda does not have any valid reason to toy with other people except for the fact that he is immensely bored by her marriage and life. However, considering that Tesman had been his former lover and as Mrs. Elvsted intended to leave her husband for him, it can be postulated that Hedda, who was caught up in a loveless marriage, did not want to see others being able to achieve what she clearly cannot have. Her manipulative skills come to surface, when she coaxes Mrs. Elvsted into divulging the secrets of her husband and her lover, Tesman. Moreover, the way she convinces Tesman in to dramatically committing suicide, it is a sure sign of her devilish nature. Both Iago and Hedda are different in their nature, but their motives are quite similar and they both are driven by jealousy to a certain extent. They possess an uncanny ability to get close to people and making other confide their secrets in them. Iago is able to hurt Othello so much more is because he is aware of his response and can predict his actions. Hedda uses her amiable nature and good looks to percolate acquaintances to friendship, which later serves as grounds for her manipulation of other. However, it can be assumed that the people around Hedda are also intensely gullible that renders them incapable of seeing through her machinations. Tesman, a recovering alcoholic, was made to believe by Hedda that her current lover does not trust him and believes that he would soon suffer a relapse. Tesman without actually speaking to Mrs. Elvsted first, instead goes out for a drunken debauchery. This results in an end of their relationship and finally Tesman seems more amenable when he is so eager to comply and go ahead with Hedda’s idea of a dramatic death. Much like Roderigo in Othello, Tesman is a failed lover, as their affections were never recognized and this aspect of their personality made them more susceptible to manipulation. Iago manipulated gave Roderigo false hopes that he can help him Desdemona, whereas Tesman seemed in a bit of awe of Hedda due to her beauty and their past relationship. As the plot unveils it is easily seen that a little praising and a little misguidance from Iago sends him to attempt the most heinous crimes. Tesman takes Hedda’s words as the truth and never double checks it that drives him to his own doom. Roderigo is convinced to kill Cassio, regardless of actually talking to Desdemona, he confides in Iago to help him in his struggle for love. Therefore, both characters had gaping weaknesses such as Roderigo’s one-sided love and Tesman’s blind faith in Hedda, which the antagonists could easily and then results in their manipulation at the hands of them. Mrs. Elvsted and Desdemona are seen as rather an icon of innocence. Their innocence is purely due to fact is that they are both sincere lovers. Mrs.Elvsted is very devoted to Eilert at a point he terms Mrs.Elvsted as the co-author of his book. She isn’t described as being manipulative, strong willed or even intelligent, yet her lack of aforementioned traits is compensated by her devotion to Eilert. Desdemona on the other hand is a free spirit; she elopes with Othello, a moor, and does not listen to society or her father. While Mrs. Elvsted is very much willing to leave her husband in order to legitimize her relations with Eilert. They both are rebellious for love and also, depict their dedication and devotion to their lovers. Desdemona defies all laws of society when she marries a Moor with a modest background when she could have easily caught the attention of a rich, white man of her choosing. Even when Desdemona is ill-treated by Othello, she simply blames herself and conjures up excuses to justify Othello’s physical and emotional abuse (Shakespeare, IV, ii). Desdemona saw beyond Othello’s appearance and loved him immensely for it, whereas, Mrs. Elvsted tried hard to mend Eilert’s ways but still loved him no matter what he did. At both these instances they display innocence by still depending upon their lovers, rather than conjuring up excuses for leaving; which they had plenty of. They both remain steadfastly in love with their respective significant others, despite the calamites that befall them and they continue to believe in them. In the suicide is the inevitable conclusion of both the plays; however the motivation to end one’s life in each play is quite different. While in the end it is revealed that Eilert Tesman’s suicide was actually murder that would implicate Hedda, who has to sleep with the judge in order to steer herself clear of his threats. Hedda being the one who manipulates cannot stand being in her victim’s shoes and as an act of self-preservation ends her life (Ibsen, IV). Whereas, Othello’s suicide is more symbolic of regret and repentance over his actions. He realizes that he had wrongly suspected Desdemona of infidelity and therefore, out of shame and embarrassment over his actions, he ends his life in a dramatic display. Othello’s suicide was more emotionally moving, as one could relate to the pain he was suffering. He could have easily avoided the tragedy, but he realizes that though he loved Desdemona but never trusted her due to some kind of lacking in his own character. For the final conclusion, Hedda Gabler and Othello may have plots unrelated to another; however the characters comprise characteristics similar to one another. From cruelty to innocence, the truth of behind fidelity and intrigue has been exceptionally perceived in these works. It unravels one of the most shocking and dark side of humanity that fully explains one’s ability to inflict damage and destroy another person’s life. Works Cited Ibsen, Henrik. Hedda Gabler. London: Echo Library, 2006. Print. Shakespeare, William. Othello. London: Saddleback Educational Publishing, 2003. Print. Read More