The play Othello by William Shakespeare is a perfect example of a timeless piece of literature. The themes, characters, and motives in the play are all concepts present throughout historical and modern day fiction, nonfiction, and entertainment. As the play Othello justifies, showing love can often require courage. Othello and Desdemona both had to overcome stereotypes and disapproval to show their love. Similarly, the movie Titanic has two main characters that must surmount many obstacles due to their different social backgrounds to express their love. This theme is also prevalent in Shakespeare’s infamous tragedy of Romeo and Juliet.
Othello and Desdemona= ♥
Shakespeare uses the characters Othello and Desdemona to exemplify the concept of forbidden love. Desdemona, the daughter of a Venetian soldier, and Othello, a black Moor, rise above many social difficulties to marry each other. Desdemona hides her love from her father Brabantio because she knows he would not understand or permit this relationship. In fact, when Brabantio discovers his daughter’s marriage he assumes that Othello “practiced on her with foul charms” and “abused her delicate youth with drugs or minerals” (I.ii.75-76). However, due to their secretive relationship, Othello and Desdemona are able to listen to each other and fall in love without interference and objections from Brabantio. Negatively, Desdemona’s father feels betrayed when he learns of their love. Desdemona must go against her father’s wishes and ultimately deal with the fact that he does not approve. In turn, Brabantio warns Othello “she has deceived her father, and may thee.” (I.iii.289). Later, this increases Othello’s suspicions of Desdemona’s unfaithfulness. Nevertheless, Othello and Desdemona illustrate the theme of courageous love despite the tribulations that later unfold.
Romeo and Juliet (a film adaptation of
Shakspeare's play)
Although the plot was very different from Othello, Shakespeare’s play Romeo and Juliet shares the same premise of forbidden, courageous love. Due to the fact that Romeo and Juliet come from feuding families, interaction, friendship, and especially love with one another is not allowed. However, Romeo and Juliet fall in love at first sight. Romeo and Juliet’s love for each other causes them to go against their families wishes in order to be together. Yet, the threat of the Prince killing both Capulet and Montague if another fight breaks out keeps Romeo and Juliet from publicizing their love. Similar to Desdemona’s father, Juliet’s father completely rejects her love for Romeo and desire to marry him. Capulet states “Hang thee, young baggage! Disobedient wretch! I tell thee what: get thee to church o' Thursday, Or never after look me in the face. Speak not. Reply not. Do not answer me.” (III.V.160-164). Juliet shows courage when she tells her father whom she wants to marry. Despite the fact that her father entirely disregards her plead; she still remains faithful to her love for Romeo. Romeo and Juliet’s love for each other remains courageous when they both commit suicide based on the conviction that the other is dead (V.iii.129-131; 182-184). Romeo and Juliet would rather die than live without each other. The lover’s ultimate fate is determined by their courage in dying to prove their love and loyalty to each other
Similar to both Shakespeare plays, the film Titanic tells a brave love story between the characters Rose and Jack. Due to their different social classes, Rose and Jack are not allowed to talk to each other, let alone date. In hiding their love, Rose and Jack learn about one another. For Rose, she is able to be herself and not act pompous or fake. Jack is able to be the gentleman upper class men would not expect him to be. Due to their monetary differences, Rose and Jack are forced to be secretive about their meetings. Compared to other men, Jack feels as if he is not good enough for Rose or her family. Later on, when Rose’s ex-fiancé finds out about their love, Jack is arrested while the Titanic is sinking. Rose saves Jack and gives up her saved spot to board a lifeboat. In order to stay with Jack, Rose risks the possibility of death. Jack and Rose’s relationship is defined by courage in the midst of panic and devastation.
Jack and Rose in the water after the Titanic ship has sunk.
They promise to "never let go"
Although Shakespeare’s play Othello was written in the 17th century, it contains themes and characters that prove to be universal. Certain concepts that pertain to love, jealousy, deceit, and stereotypes are just as relevant today as they were hundreds of years ago. These concepts can be applied to many works of fiction or nonfiction as well as various types of entertainment today. Even though society tends to change, Shakespeare’s themes still remain familiar and timeless.
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