Literature Analysis Essay on Hamlet and Othello

Introduction

Just like any other Shakespeare work and Shakespearean tragedy, the role of Lago in Othello is that it is an opposing force that brings about a tragic ending. The play Othello by William Shakespeare would have not been complete without the evil catalyst named Lago (Shakespeare). Lago is an ancient or standard bearer to the catastrophic hero Othello, who was a general in the Venetian military. Therefore in the play, Lago is depicted as a satanic character in whatever the expression "evil" presages. In addition, Lago is a sophisticated and compelling villain. Other than being vicious, he finds happiness and satisfaction by destroying the goodness and joy of whatever he finds (Shakespeare). Also, he appears to be cunningly depicted by his cunning and ambitious sense or revenge. Thus, this implies that there are rational reasons for jealousy or taking revenge from one point of view, and on the other viewpoint his destructive and evil nature is simply irresistible as it is inborn.

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Furthermore, the role played by the Ghost in the play Hamlet has a major dramatic significance. The Ghost is a catalyst for the plot, as it brings out the desire for revenge. He tells Hamlet about the murder of his father, and incites Hamlet to take revenge; this move ignites the action of the play (Shakespeare, Laurence and Jean). The play becomes a revenge tragedy, and the Ghost starts Hamlet on his revenge. Similarly, the Ghost contributes to uncertainty and Hamlets dilemma. The murder of a king is not a small issue. This, therefore, leads to Hamlets pretense of being "angry" and attempts to justify to him that what the Ghost is saying is true (Shakespeare, Laurence and Jean). The Ghost could be the ghost of Hamlet's father, or also it can be a demon sent to create chaos and havoc in Denmark.

However, it is evident that Lago enjoys his ability to destroy and disassemble for his own sake, instead of gain, some specific reason, or for any justification. Devious tricks come to his mind out of natural ability and aptitude. Lago is depicted as a cold-blooded being by birth. For instance, he destroys Desdemona's happiness. He broke her marriage without any logical reason behind it, it is clear that Lago desires to use Desdemona's kindness to "entangle them all." It is evident that Lago's motivation is brought about by jealousy. He hates the fact that Cassio was promoted to the post if Lieutenant and this makes Lago angry with Othello. Another motivator for his hatred is that Lago heard that Othello had slept with his wife Emilia (Shakespeare). Correspondingly, Lagos greed for money and gold, coupled with his sexual jealousy, racism, a low opinion of outsiders, and women keeps him on track in his villainous quest. Lago plays the role of an efficacious director of the series of drama within the play. He is able to cause a series of disaster in the life of other characters in the play as he is able to play various roles convincingly, and he can adapt his style and tone to fit any situation.

The Ghost represents acting, madness, seeming, and opportunist. By providing a concrete image of the king, this offers exposition by explaining details that happened before the play started. The Ghost coupled with other factors induces attention to Hamlet's fascination with his own mother (Shakespeare, Laurence and Jean). Hamlet becomes angry with the hasty remarriage of his mother, as he is with the murder of the father. More to that, in the play, the Ghost brings about the element of fear and mystery, and this contributes to the tragic atmosphere in the play. Likewise, the Ghost represents supernatural elements. Regardless of the negative images depicted of the Ghost, it is also right to say that the Ghost has sympathy and he cares. Despite being a Ghost, it retains some emotions and human feelings. It talks of the queen's fickleness and shows grief over the queen's hasty marriage. He also speaks harshly of the murderer who has usurped the Denmark throne and won the queen to his lustful nature. But even in his resentment, the Ghost shows mercy and forbids Hamlet from taking revenge against his mother (Shakespeare, Laurence and Jean).

Lago reveals that it is his nature to plot and speak lies in order for him to get what he wants, and achieves that which he has planned. He also revealed that his hatred for Othello was due to the fact that he was not promoted to the rank. The motivation that lies in the racial attitudes coupled with hatred overwhelms Lago causing his plan for the evil manipulation. It is in this scene where Lago reveals to the audience and Roderigo that he is a malicious self-seeking person who can do anything in order to achieve his unusual end (Shakespeare). Likewise, by showing greed for money and gold, Lago reveals to the audience the depths of his own corrupted nature.

When the Ghost first appeared to Hamlet it comes to reveal to him the offenses committed by Claudius, and tells Hamlet that he should revenge against his father's killer. Hamlet decided to put out an act of madness in order to find out who the killer was. As the madness and torments empower Hamlet, his father appears again and tells him that God will punish the queen for her evil deeds. Afterward Hamlet focuses on his quest to revenge and kill Claudius.

Conclusion

In conclusion, it is apparent to say that both of the characters play an important role in the plot of the play. They both ensure continuity and make the plays more interesting. We can also conclude that both characters are full of vengeance. When the Ghost appears to Hamlet, he comes to remind him of the past and induces him to take revenge on those who murdered the King. Lago, on the other hand, is quite unhappy with the fact that he was not promoted. He thus develops hatred against Othello. As a final point, Lago also has thirst for revenge as he heard rumors that Othello had committed adultery with his wife (Shakespeare). The play Hamlet s deeply embedded on the psychological contradictions that leave the audience more confused especially at the point whereby the man whose mother goes ahead to marry his uncle makes good her threat and murder his father. The ghost of Hamlet's father emerges n the play telling him about who murdered him. This s a thrilling yet interacting endeavor with the spiritual world; the same s seen n the case of Lagos in the play Othello. There is so much in the comparison between the two sets of play in as far as superstition and spirituality are concerned.

Work Cited

Shakespeare, William, Laurence Olivier, and Jean Simmons. Hamlet. University Press, 1948.

Shakespeare, William. Othello. Vol. 6. Classic Books Company, 2001.

Shakespeare, William. othello. Vol. 6. Classic Books Company, 2001.