Reflective Essay

Certain themes have entertained people throughout the ages. These themes create works that are considered to be classic or timeless. Interestingly enough, most works of literature, entertainment, and music share the same base theme based on popularity of older works. Themes, like jealousy and manipulation are key components of many works because they create conflict amongst characters that will forevermore evoke a great response in most audiences. Othello, in particular, portrays the destructive ability of manipulation and jealousy on love. Although they are more modern, the movie Mean Girls, and the song Suspicions by Tim McGraw mirror the Shakespearean tragedy Othello by having common themes of being manipulated into being jealous of a very close companion.

            In Mean Girls, best friends turn against each other when a new girl comes to town and tests their relationship. With Cady’s help, Gretchen realizes that she is just as desirable as Regina and Regina must be taken down. “Gretchen Wieners had cracked” (Mean Girls). Gretchen never would have thought to question Regina if it were not for Cady just as Othello would not have been suspicious of Desdemona if it were not for Iago. Iago knew that Cassio had a “smooth dispose” (I.iii.397) and because Othello was” of a free and open nature” (I.iii.399), it would be easy to deceive him. This kind of manipulation creates the central conflict in both pieces. Without the manipulation, neither Regina nor Othello would have become jealous, their relationships would have remained perfect, and both works would have been utterly boring and ultimately forgettable.

            Similarly, In Suspicions (Suspicions by Tim Mcgraw Lyrics), Tim McGraw can’t shake the thought of infidelity. Their love cannot grow because Tim “just know(s) what's on every man's mind” (McGraw). Once unfaithfulness is implanted in someone’s mind it is nearly impossible to move on from the thought. Othello leads himself to kill his own beloved wife, while Tim merely hate(s) (himself) for what (he’s) thinkin' of” (McGraw). While the extreme jealousy is an indication of the extraordinary love that these men have for their women, but it ultimately leads to their self-destruction. Also, neither man came up with their suspicions on their own, but was deceived into becoming critical of their relationship and coming to the conclusion that their lover was unfaithful. An outside force destroyed their love to the point that “she must die, else she'll betray more men” (V.ii.1-7).

            A perfect mix of manipulation and jealousy make plays, movies, and songs both entertaining and timeless. Othello was just a start to a never ending line of movies with these themes. Shakespeare’s brilliance paved the way for some of the best chick flicks and country blues ballads of every other time period. The play is so timeless because its conflicts are so relatable. Unfortunately, people will always be able to relate to being manipulated, and being jealous. Jealousy will always make an audience sympathetic while manipulation will always make the audience empathetic. Shakespeare may have lived hundreds of years ago, but his almost psychic ability to tap into such controversial themes of modern society will help Othello remain a spectacular and frequently studied piece of literature.

           

Works Cited

McGraw, Tim. ”Suspicions”. Let it Go. Curb, 2004. CD.

Mean Girls. Dir. Mark S. Waters. Perf. Lindsay Lohan, Rachel

           McAdams, and Tina Fey. Paramount, 2004. Film.

Perrine, Laurence. Othello. 2002. Perrine's Literature:Structure, Sound, and Sense. Fort Worth: Harcourt College. 1361-462. Print.