Shakespeare's Play Compare and Contrast Shakespeare Plays

¶ … Shakespeare's Play Compare and Contrast Shakespeare Plays In the plays the Comedy of Errors and Othello, William Shakespeare is discussing a number of different themes. One of the most notable is jealousy, with this becoming a central topic in both works. To fully understand how this applied requires comparing and contrasting them with each other. Once this occurs, is when these different elements will provide the greatest insights as to how this used throughout the plot to add the element of drama.

In the play the Comedy of Errors, the issue of jealousy takes place with the confusion that occurs between: Antipholus of Syracuse and Egeon. Egeon is the father of two twin sons named Antipholus of Syracuse and Antipholus of Ephesus. Egeon and Antipholus of Ephesus came to Syracuse to find Antipholus of Syracuse (who they have not seen in 25 years). ("The Comedy of Errors," 2011) However, Egeon is arrested and sentenced to death for traveling between the two different city states (which are at war).

During this process is when Antipholus of Ephesus wife came to Syracuse (Dromio of Ephesus). The situation becomes more complicated when she sees Antipholus of Syracuse and confuses him for Antipholus of Ephesus. The problem is that Antipholus of Syracuse is in love with another woman (named Luciana) and is not attracted to Antipholus of Ephesus. This leads to feelings of jealousy between Antipholus of Ephesus and Antipholus of Syracuse.

As he realizes, that he is his brother and the man who has been with his wife are the same person. At the same time, Antipholus of Syracuse wants to be with Luciana but is caught up in the middle of a love triangle. It is at this point that the Duke intervenes and pardons Egeon. Once this takes place, is when Antipholus of Ephesus reconciles with his wife and returns to Ephesus. While Antipholus of Syracuse; is able to peruse the love interests of Luciana.

These elements are important, because they are showing how the jealousy is a central theme that is tied to the conflict between the two brothers and who they are seeking out. ("The Comedy of Errors," 2011) In Othello, the issue of jealousy is illustrated differently. The way that this is accomplished is through the conflict between Iago and Othello. What is happening, is that there Iago is angry about being passed over for promotion in his unit (as Othello is his commanding officer).

To extract his revenge, Iago decides to use Othello's wife (Desdemona). The way that this is accomplished is through bad mouthing Othello to her father (Roderigo). To make matters worse, Iago returns to his unit makes Othello believe that his wife is having an affair with a junior officer named Cassio. The way that he is able to convince him is by placing some of her belongings in his room and showing these items to him. It at this point that Othello become so enraged that he kills his wife.

Once the plot is discovered, is when Othello realizes that he was duped and weeps for her. This is when he will be arrested and sent to Venice to stand trial for the murder. While Iago, is sentenced to death for his role in the incident. This is important, because it is showing how jealousy is used by Iago to create the drama inside the play. ("Othello," 2011) When you compare both plays with each other, it is clear that this will have an impact on the underlying plot.

In the Comedy of Errors, this is illustrated by showing how there.