Zodiac Signs of the Characters Othello and Prince Hal in Shakespeare’s Othello

Zodiac Signs of the Characters Othello and Prince Hal in Shakespeare’s Othello

In Shakespeare’s tragedy Othello, different characters have exhibited distinctive character traits that make it relatively easy to assign a zodiac sign based on their behaviors. Just as the Zodiac signs allegedly predict the character trait of an individual based on the probable timeframe of their birth, characters such as Othello and the Duke of Venice would be instrumental in the essay as they are represented by the Zodiac signs of Aries and Leo respectively. The following are evidence that aligns the characters Othello and the Duke of Venice as Aries and Leo, respectively, as far as the Zodiac sign in respect to Shakespeare’s play Othello is concerned.

Othello as Aries

In the Zodiac signs, Aries epitomizes individuals who are valiant, passionate, and hot-headed and those who are naturally aspiring to lead. These individuals are driven by the desire to conquer challenges, remain outstanding, and defy odds by proving a point. However, these individuals are equally at high risk of succumbing to their undoing as jealousy and desire to prove a point often cloud their reason. In Shakespeare’s Othello, the main character who the play centers on, Othello, perfectly fits such description. Having risen to fame through his gallant deeds from a mere slave and an outcast, Othello was always determined to prove his worth (Act 1 Scene 1). In battlefields, Othello exceptionally stood out in the fight and helped England subdue her enemies. His military tactical master class compounded by his bravery, competence,

and desire to be the best saw him rise to ranks until he became the head on Venetian troops in the city of Venice. Despite the yoke of the tag an outsider and his constant encounter with racial expletives, Othello proves that he is a force to reckon with, especially in Cyprus, an aspect that compelled the Duke and the Senate to seek his services. In both Venice and Cyprus, Othello, just like the Aries, leads the troops and conquers enemies (Act 2 Scene 2). However, his undoing, as typical with the Aries, he was unaware of Iago’s plan to pit Desdemona against her by lying the Desdemona betrayed Othello (Act 1 Scene 3). Such instance led to Othello killing Desdemona (Act 5 Scene 2). Subsequently, a hero and conqueror of many battles, committed suicide, spelling the tragic end of one of the best and brave soldiers in England.

The Duke of Venice as Leo

In the Zodiac signs, Leo represents the typical lion. These individuals are at the helm of leadership or demonstrate a considerable ability to lead the people. The people under Leo are proud to embrace their position and are often passionate, vivacious, and theatrical in their actions and deeds. The Leos also thrive in the limelight that typifies their position in the society. In Shakespeare’s Othello, the Duke of Venice represents authority and plays an essential role in bringing reconciliation between Brabantio and Othello (Act 1 Scene 3). The Duke also gives Othello commands to prevent Cyprus from falling to the Turkish invaders (Act 1 Scene 2). Through the leadership of the Duke of Venice, in assistance with the judicial system in Venice, the Duke of Venice remains the highest symbol of power in Venice as he also doubles up as the commander-in-chief of the military and a judge (Act 1 Scene 2). In the play, the Duke of Venice is perceived as an individual who is proud of his achievements and does not shy away from issuing commands, judging fairly, and providing counselling to families, a clear aspect that typifies all the Leos. Therefore, by occupying the highest office in Venice and executing roles left for the selected few, the Duke of Venice epitomizes Leo as the trapping of power remains an essential aspect that defines him and elevates him high in the social stratification, a typical aspect among the Leos.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Work Cited

Shakespeare, William. Othello. Vol. 6. Classic Books Company, 2001. Act 1-5.