Character
The characters in both plays, Othello and Medea exhibit a connection. As such, both Othello and Medea’s love lives are tested by what was thought to be unfaithful spouses. While Othello was led to consider that Desdemona was deceitful which for him was completely real, Medea was left by her husband for a princess ( Gale, 2018) . The two stories bring out a reaction to their partner's "unfaithfulness "with extreme emotional outbursts. This is so as Othello killed Desdemona following his rage and he did not want her to cheat on another man. Still, Medea goes ahead to kill their children, the king, and the princess to leave Jason with no one and nothing ( Swift, 2016) . Hence, it is clear that the two characters project an unforgiving character.
Still, both characters had prejudgments based on who they were. For instance, media, being a woman was often described as emotional while Jason would constantly remind her that she was a nuisance. “ the whole female race should not exist. Its nothing but nuisance” (594-595). This shows that the character is overlooked and does not seem to occupy a significant part of society. Similarly, throughout the story, Othello was shunned by many especially since he was black. Desdemona's father, lago spoke poorly of him and even used his race as a means of insulting his character. According to Gale (2018), Lago uses words such as “ old black ram “ and his “ moorship " which likens Othello to an animal.
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Theme
The theme of revenge is evident in both plays. Othello's last words as he commits suicide next to hid wife after ironically killing her at the end of the fifth act claims that he killed himself to die upon a kiss ( Gale, 2018) . This he does following the manipulative nature of lago. Another victim of his revengeful scheme. The betray and deception by lago leads to the death of many people. Likewise, in Medea, the theme of revenge appears to be the main theme. Medea contrives her vengeance plan from killing the new bride's father to the killing of her two children. Swift (2016) alludes that her revenge is excessive and nihilistically compelling. This theme in this play can be likened to what goes around comes back around especially since Medea strongly desires to take back at Jason for what he did to her.
Also, discrimination is quite projected in Othello. As such, black people during these times were seen as unwanted and were constantly abused especially in an all-white environment. As a result, some were easily misled while even unaware of racial abuse. From the story, it is evident that the black people suffered more than anyone else especially the gullible like Othello ( Gale, 2018) . Lago takes advantage and racially abuses Othello making racists comments to him. Likewise, the events in Medea happen in a male-dominated environment that allows Creon and Jason to informally and violently shunt Medea. This is catalyzed by the fact that they both think that Medea's cleverness is more frightening and dangerous while she is a woman ( Swift, 2016) . Jason even explains that it would be better if men got children on their own and that women did not exist at all.
Symbol
In Othello, the handkerchief circulates in the entire play and it functions as a symbol of love. Othello has given it to his wife Desdemona as a gift so that it is a symbol of his love for her ( Gale, 2018) . It is for this reason that lago uses it to play with the sentiments of Othello since it reminds him of the infidelity of Desdemona. However, in Medea, the golden fleece is used as a symbol of Jason's early love as well as Medea's betrayal of her family and homeland for Jason.
References
Gale, C. L. (2018). A Study Guide for William Shakespeare's" Othello"(1995 lit-to-film ). Gale, Cengage Learning.
Swift, L. (2016). Medea. A Companion to Euripides , 80-91.
