Comparing of Shakespeares Othello and Volpone :: comparison compare contrast essays

Othello Comp ard to Jonsons Volpone Both Othello and Volpone are set in Venice, intumesce known for its wealth, power, and justice. Shakespeare called Venice the Whore of the Adriatic, for some(prenominal) different reasons it is a port city, with many ships coming and going it is also a corrupt city , with some(prenominal) pollution--not only of the actual enviorn manpowert but the soul as well. In Volpone the corruption that is planned between Volpone and Mosca is evident from the beginning. The two are taking expediency of their kinsmens weaknesses--gullibility and an all- discover lust for money. This is similar to Iago taking advantage of Othe llos gullibility and jealousy in order to introduce Desdemona. In Volpone, Mosca and Volpone are swindling people out of money while making them believe they are to become the touch on heir of Volpones vast riches when he dies. The situation is the same in Oth ello, but Iago longs for leadership capabilities and a title. Iago longs to be in charge of the Mercenaries as he believes he is more qualified for the position than Othello. Much of this is brought on by Othellos race and his love for Desdemona he i s a Moor who loves a white woman. Both plays, being filled with bribery, deceit, lies and hate, are best set in Venice which shares many of the same characters. Another trait that is shared is the theme of prostituting women. Venice was known for its courtesan class, a group of well-dressed prostitutes. In both plays the virtue of a young woman is compromised by men seeking to increase their own fortunes. I n Volpone, Corvino makes a cocotte out of his wife Celia by offering her to the men around town, and in the plays climactic scene, to Volpone himself. In either instance, Corvino is thinking of his own financial gain and not of the injustice he brings to his wife.