Mimetic Rivalry and Violence in William Shakespeare's Othello

Abstract

This study examines rivalry, mimesis and violence in William Shakespeare's play Othello through the lens of mimetic desire. It explores how the play articulates the dynamics of desire, imitation and rivalry and how these forces culminate in violence.  The central focus of the article hinges on finding the interaction between desires, rivalry and violence in the play which not only illuminates the motivations and actions of the characters but also offers insights into broader human tendencies towards conflict. Drawing on the theoretical framework of mimetic desire, the study demonstrates that Othello functions as a powerful representation of mimetic rivalry, wherein characters model their desires on others, leading to escalating antagonism between the characters in the play. The analysis shows that mimetic desire drives the conflicts in the play and ultimately results in the sacrificial deaths of Desdemona and Othello. The study concludes that Shakespeare’s play serves as a compelling testimony to the destructive potential of unchecked mimetic desire and rivalry.