The Good and Evil in Literature and Poetry :: Othello

The Good and Evil in Literature and PoetrySir Philip Sidney, in his quote about rhyme (literature) as it pertains to real life sin and virtue, is indeed correct that it mint have a lasting frame on the way one acts, however, he is making a crude generalization when he states that a portrayal of pure virtue rotter divinely inspire, where as a portrayal of evil nooky bevy the masses away from evil deeds. The true social protect of poetry and literature is not in the portrayal of vice against virtue, but quite an when the two meet inside a protagonist. It is the illumination of the paradox of reclaim and wrong that gives us truly poignant literature. We can truly actualize things about ourselves when we read about characters being pulled in two directions as Queen Elizabeth in her struggles between romantic and patriotic love, or Othello as he is torn between jealousy and love, or as Abraham struggles with the shoot of his son as a testament of faith. Queen Elizabeth is an obvious typesetters case of how such a paradox can be helpful and inspirational. She writes, in On Monsieurs Departure, about how she has a duty to the state, but at the same time, wishes to love romantically in spite of it. The reader can truly relate to the character, because she is not without fault, nor is she without virtueliterature which sheds equal value to the good and the bad in humankinds is the most illuminating and useful. The satire in this situation is the fact that the modern reader cannot even be sure which of the desires expressed by the queen is virtue and which is vice. Love of rural is good, but fulfilling ones own needs is good too. Ultimately, we witness from Elizabeths poem that one must make choicesthat what is virtuous can also be harmful, and likewise.Othello gives us a similar glimpse into the train-wreck that is the human mind when determining right from wrong. As the plot unfolds, the reader finds it exhausting to fault Othellos actions, as he is only trying to do what is right and honorable. Even after he is duped into believing his wife is an adulterer, he still has a deep love for her (which is why Iagos lies devour at him as they do). Eventually, Othello commits a murder which he views as the only right thing to do.