Many of Shakespeare’s works are viewed today as being universal and timeless pieces of literature. His tragedy, “Othello,” is yet another example of a universal piece of literature that continues to apply generation after generation to all of humanity. The play, “Othello”, remains a cross-cultural and lasting work for many reasons. One aspect of the play that reoccurs throughout various works in literature, films, and even television shows today has been the unique character type of the protagonist. While in many films and books, the protagonist appears to be a heroic and moral character combating some evil opposition, in Othello however, this is not the case. The main character, Iago, lacks moral qualities and is an evil protagonist. This style of character as the protagonist, though rare, can be seen time and time again in modern books whether in the character, Gene, from “A Separate Peace” or even in the movies with the character, Doug, from the motion picture “The Town.” Each of these characters combats the typical notion of a flawless protagonist through their own ways.
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| This image displays the tree that Gene knocked Finny out of because of his jealously he had for him. |
The character, Gene, from “A Separate Peace” parallels with Iago in many ways. Like all protagonists, Gene drives the action of the story. However, one thing that sets Gene’s character apart from others and what makes him similar to Iago is his anti-heroic qualities. Gene finds himself in a jealous struggle that leads him to knock his best friend, whom he envies, out of a tree, thus breaking his leg (Knowles). Gene’s plot of jealousy eventually leads to the regrettable death of his best friend, Finny. Just like Shakespeare’s character Iago did in “Othello”, Gene carries out evil acts that go against the typical heroic qualities of a protagonist. However, as the protagonist, Gene is able to obtain sympathy from the reader over his own insecurities. Iago, though not a completely sympathetic character, did receive sympathy when Othello refused to promote him even after his long years of service (Othello, I.i.8-33). Because of this, the character Iago is able to convey the notion of Shakespeare’s timeless and reoccurring work “Othello” through his paralleling attributes with the modern character Gene.
 Doug may be a bank robber, but as the viewer gets to know him well, they will inevitably root for his success. |
do in “Othello.” As Doug carries out his last robberies, he becomes a victim of his own crimes as he ends up harming those he loves the most (Affleck). Even though he is breaking the law and stealing from others, in this moment, the viewer takes the side of Doug and feels sympathy for him. This notion of a flawed, and even evil, yet likeable protagonist is something that Shakespeare conveyed 500 years ago, and it still applies to literature and popular media today. Whether it is in “A Separate Peace” or “The Town”, reoccurring themes and attributes from “Othello” can be seen today among many literary works. This is what makes “Othello” such a significant part of literary history: its timeless and universal nature.
Works Cited
Knowles, John, and Alan C. Coman. "Chapter 4." A Seperate Peace. Agincourt: Book Society of Canada
Craig, Peter, Ben Affleck, and Aaron Stockard. The Town. Dir. Ben Affleck. 17 Sept. 2010. Television.
Structures, Sound, and Sense. Fort Worth Harcourt College
1361-462. Print.
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