The True Nature of Obsession (Othello, Endless Love and...

The true nature of obsession manipulates a person’s character, forcing them to act in unusual ways, as if possessed by an involuntary need. An obsessed mind becomes intensely absorbed in the subject of the obsession to an extent that drives away the truth and realism in their values, morals and perceptions. William Shakespeare manifests this idea of an involuntary change in character in the play â€Å"Othello†, and with a similar approach this idea is identified by Scott Spencer in the novel â€Å"Endless Love† and is further explored in â€Å"Obsession†, a poem written by DaMoyre. Throughout each of these texts, the composers’ use of characterization depicts the true nature of obsession with themes of jealously, revenge and, as a consequence, madness.†¦show more content†¦Other characters in the play note this evident juxtaposition, this is reflective of Lodovico’s horror when he experiences Othello’s dramatic transformation, â€Å" Is this the noble Moor whom our full senate, Call all-in-all sufficient? Is the nature/ Whom passion could not shake? Whose solid virtue/ The shot of accident nor dart of chance/ Could neither graze nor pierce?† Shakespeare’s use of repetitive rhetorical questions addresses Lodovico’s shock and dismay in such a dramatic change. Obsession driven revenge often leads to extensive deceiving, lying and dishonesty. Shakespeare conveys this idea with his characterization of Iago and the idea is further investigates by Scott Spencer in his novel â€Å"Endless Love†. First person narration allows the audience to obtain deepened insight into the thoughts of the characters transfixed, consumed and manipulated mind. The characterization of David in this novel exemplifies this notion as he describes the nature of a lie, â€Å" You don’t live it, you live in it, the way you might live in a cave†. Spencer uses a simile to provide imagery and insight into the true nature of obsession. The idea presented is one of captivation and consumption that emerges involuntarily, as a result of consistent lying to gain power and manipulation in a path of revenge. In the poem â€Å"Obsession†, DaMoyre presents the idea of jealous driven revenge as a result of constant craving, yarning and need for the subject of obsession, without gain. In a