Lessons from Othello by Vashti

Lessons from Othello by Vashti - June 2022 Scholarship Essay

This year I’ve read the play and watched the 1995 film version of Shakespear’s Othello. The most important lesson I learned came from Othello’s wife, Desdemona. I admired how patient and kind she was with her love, despite his clouded judgment. Her pure intentions and unconditional love for him was honorable!
Both my parents and my church have taught me the same lesson; to be loving to all and trust God to bring you through any situation. Desdemona and Jesus acted in the same way; allowing for death to consume them despite their innocence. Othello believes Desdemona cheated on him because his best friend Iago planned seeds of doubt and lies within Othello. Despite Desdemona’s devotion only to Othello she was mistreated and eventually killed based on this fabrication. The reasons why Iago conspired all of this are fuzzy, but I interpreted one of his reasons for toying with Othello was to gain power. Similarly to when the governor ordered for Jesus to die, which would reward the government with the power and influence they lost while Jesus lived. Both Desdemona and Jesus were innocent, and both accepted their fates.
But the loyalty they both had is what is so respectable! Jesus refused to turn his back on God, just as Desdemona refused to turn her back on Othello. In the play, Desdemona actually came back to life after Othello killed her. When her maid asked Desdemona who was responsible for her death, Desdemona awoke and still refused to tell on her love. Now I’m not naive and don’t believe this was acceptable, however her nature to see the very best in people throughout the play, despite their flaws is impressive!