'Love which appears too perfect often ends in tragedy'. In light of this statement, examine how Shakespeare presents the love between Othello and Desdemona in the play.

Shakespeare's, 'Othello' follows a defiant love story which ends in tragedy as the eponymous protagonist succumbs to the, 'green eyed monster' in place of his trust in Desdemona. In a time of romanticised Renaissance literature, 'Othello' does not adhere to the ideal that love trascends all other barriers. However, is Shakespeare's presentation of this failure emphasising the destructive nature of Othello and Desdemona's devotion for one another? Or is this a product of Iago's manipulation of the hero's insecurity and awareness of upholding his reputation?

ET
Answered by Ellen T. English Literature tutor

4610 Views

See similar English Literature A Level tutors

Related English Literature A Level answers

All answers ▸

How can I structure my essay to the question “In Macbeth, Shakespeare shows that the guilty suffer more than the innocent.” To what extent do you agree with this view of the play?


Williams and Webster present societies in which ‘Black deeds must be cured by death’. In what ways could you apply this statement about sin and justice to your study of ‘The Duchess of Malfi’ and ‘A Streetcar Named Desire’?.


What is the best way to write an essay paragraph?


How do I structure an essay?


We're here to help

contact us iconContact ustelephone icon+44 (0) 203 773 6020
Facebook logoInstagram logoLinkedIn logo

MyTutor is part of the IXL family of brands:

© 2026 by IXL Learning